Vaginal infections are one of a number of common gynecological disorders women face, most of which go away on their own with little to no intervention. However, some can become chronic if left untreated, so it’s worth it for the sake of your health and comfort to figure out what’s going on down there. Below is a quick overview of the main types of vaginal infections, as well as natural ways that you can eliminate their return..
Types of Vaginal Infections
There are many different types of vaginal infections. Some cause itching and burning, while others can make you feel more uncomfortable than anything else. Here are some common types of vaginal infections:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV) – caused by an imbalance of the normal bacteria in your vagina. This is the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge.
- Trichomoniasis – a sexually transmitted disease that causes itching and pain in your genital area.
- Genital warts – small growths on your skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These are usually painless but can sometimes cause discomfort or itchiness.
- Yeast infection – an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans that causes irritation, inflammation and itchiness in your vagina.
Natural Ways to Manage Recurrent Vaginal Infections
Functional Lab Testing
No one wants the perpetual annoyance of vaginal infections that can include itching, odor, or discharge, therefore understanding what is happening at the root cause is very important. Functional lab testing such as a comprehensive assessment of your gastrointestinal tract will provide your physician with more in depth awareness about your specific cellular imbalances as well as how susceptible your body will be to certain treatments. Knowing your specific chemistry and markers of imbalances removes the guesswork and gets you closer to reclaiming your whole health and a life without recurrent vaginal infections.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods carry live and active cultures in them that helps provide the body with good bacteria especially in the gut and vagina. These foods include: yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh, and kiefer. Too much bad bacteria into the body becomes a breeding ground for disease and infection. By eating a diet that includes these probiotic foods you are creating a healthier balance with your microorganisms that can lead to a healthier body.
Oregano oil
Oregano oil is an antiseptic and antifungal product that helps in fighting against the bacteria and fungi causing vaginitis. It also helps in reducing inflammation and irritation. The oil is known to be effective against candidiasis, trichomoniasis, HPV, bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It can be used externally as well as internally for treating different types of genital infections. It can be used to make a vaginal suppository or an oral tincture that can be taken internally along with other herbs like calendula, goldenseal or marshmallow root.
How to prevent future vaginal infections
If you have a vaginal infection, there are many steps you can take to prevent the problem from coming back.
- After using the restroom, always wipe from front to back and never the other way around. This prevents any bacteria from fecal matter cross-contaminating with your urethra or vaginal area.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your vagina or inserting anything into it. Also, wash them after using the bathroom and before eating.
- Don’t use douches or vaginal wipes because they can actually cause more problems than they solve.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing that can irritate the skin of your vulva (the external parts of your genital area). If you wear thongs, consider switching to boxer shorts instead.
- If you smoke cigarettes, quit! Smoking is bad for your health — and it’s also linked to an increased risk of getting bacterial vaginosis.
Find out more about our services here, and don’t forget to follow us on social media!