IN FRATERNAM MEAM: YEAST INFECTIONS AND VAGINITIS

IN FRATERNAM MEAM

Thursday, June 17, 2004

YEAST INFECTIONS AND VAGINITIS

Strange as it seems, i was reading some literature about mens illness and i came across this womens illness. i hope this wont offend any ofmy female reader--- i just want to give out info for those who does not know this illness.

OVERVIEW:

Vaginitis or inflamation of the vigina is often caused by an infection, but it may also be caused by a reaction to vaginal products such as soaps, bath oils, spermicidal jely or douches. Vaginitis may cause symptoms such as vaginal itching, pain or discharge.

Bacterial vainosis and vaginal yeast infections are the two most common types of vaginal infections in women of childbearing age. either type of infection can result into vaginitis.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Is the most common type of vaginal infection in women with childbearing age. it is caused by an imbalance of the bacteria that normally exist in the vagina. the exact cause of the imbalance of organisms is not well understood. a healthy vagina normally contains many bacteria and other organisms. (vaginal flora)such as yeast cells, LACTOBACILLUS ACIDOPHILUS bacteria that are normally present in the vagina appears to help prevent other vaginal organisms from increasing in numbers great enough to cause the problems.

SYMPTOMS OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSISvary widely among women. about half of the women with bacterial vaginosis donot have symptoms. the most notable symptom of this illness is an excessive grayish white vaginal discharge, unlike normal vaginal discharge. the discharge may smell "fishy" the odor is usually worse after sex. symptoms usually occur within the first seven days of the menstrual cycle when hormone levels may change the nornal environment of the vagina.

EXAMS AND TESTS

a medical history and a vaginal exam are done to diagnose bacterial viginosis. the exam includes taking a sample (vaginal smear) of the vaginal discharge. this is treated with medications. medication may either be taken by mouth (oral) or inserted into the vagina. for many years, medication such as METRONIDOZOLE(FLAGYL) were the only treatment choice for women with this illness.

NEWER MEDICATIONS than canbe inserted into the vagina are such as, INTRAVAGINAL METRONIDAZOLE (METROGEL-VAGINA) and CLINDAMYCIN (CLEOCIN VAGINAL) are now considered as effective as oral medications, but this oral medication are not used in pregnancy.pregnant women with symptoms or at high risk are treated with oral medications.

DIETARY CHOICES

** eat a well balanced diet - diet low in fats, sugar and refined foods is important for preventing vaginal infections caused by CANDIDA some doctors recommend that fruit also to be avoided.

** eat yogurt. in a recent study, women who consumed 8 ounces of ACIDOPHILUS yogurt per day had a threefold decrease in the incidence of vaginal yeast infections and reduction in the frequency of CANDIDA colonization in the vagina.

LIFESTYLE OPTIONS

** wear cotton underwear. yeast infections are three times more common in women who wear nylon underwear or tights than in those who wear cotton underwear.

** avoid food allergens. allergies have been reported to promote recurrent yeast vaginitis. when the allergies are avoided and the allergies treated, chronic recurring yeast infections often resolve.

** for irritant vaginitis, minimizaing friction and reducing exposure to perfumes and chemicals and irritating lubricants can be beneficial.

abstracted from SAVONHEALTH.COM

posted by infraternam meam @ 3:13 AM

4 Comments:

At 2:03 AM, Karah said…

Hi! I really like your page on vaginitis. I was wondering how often is it normal to have an occurance of vaginitis.

Karah
At 3:07 AM, Unknown said…

Bacterial vaginal infection can cause a life threatening hurdle to a woman who is just so unfortunate to escape its captivity! Just like every other vaginal infection nerve to cause a disgrace and discomfort so does the bacterial vaginal infection. As a result any sane woman would like to keep a distance not to fall a victim of bacterial vaginal infection drama when it unfolds! More of this on BACTERIAL VAGINAL INFECTION.
At 5:27 AM, Unknown said…

Great info you have here!!! just thinking.........The female genital organs can not be explored appropriately without mentioning the word vaginal discharge. This is the most crucial feature of female genitalia that enables the doctors to diagnose the proper ailment every time a woman presents a vaginal infection case. Vaginal discharge can range from the natural, to the embarrassing towards the critical variety. This is why every woman should learn to examine her own vaginal discharge throughout the month since her last periods so as to note any suspicious changes. More of this on VAGINAL DISCHARGE
At 3:33 AM, Unknown said…

VAGINAL DISCHARGE is just a natural concept of creation by God and this leaves our sisters with nothing to alter except to appreciate the entire thing. Let the fluid surge out of organ but do not allow yourself to suffer in silence when the same fluid becomes sickening.