Vaginal Health - It’s All About The Bacteria
The vagina contains good and bad bacteria; when bad bacteria take over, we become aware of changes that feel like an infection. We treat the good bacteria built within the vaginal tract, and the bad have no room for growth. Vaginal health can change quickly for many reasons; it can be due to a change in the pH (the acidity of the vagina); the change of pH level with thrush is normal, whereas, with bacterial vaginosis, the pH is more alkaline.
Vaginal bacteria can occur due to changes in oestrogen levels; these fluctuate with a woman's menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. And you can experience changes with an increase in bad bacteria after sexual intercourse.
How do you know what type of infection you may have?
There are ways to distinguish between the two types of infections that affect the vaginal tract, thrush from a candida infection and bacterial vaginosis.
What Is Vaginal Thrush
A candida infection is caused by the overgrowth of yeast - Candida albicans. This presents with a vaginal discharge that is odourless, thick, white, and can have the appearance of a cheesy discharge. You may have symptoms of pain with intercourse or urination, redness and itching around the vaginal entrance.
How To Treat Vaginal Thrush
Vaginal thrush can be treated with antifungals; however, this can remove the good bacteria within the vaginal tract; yes, it removes the bad bacteria and the good.
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is due to an overgrowth of bad bacteria. These signs and symptoms differ from thrush; the discharge presents with a fishy odour and can vary in colour from grey to white, with a thin consistency. There is pain during urination, not with intercourse, and there is rarely itching with thrush.
How To Treat Bacterial Vaginosis
Treating bacterial vaginosis is best done with an oral or local probiotic that introduces the good bacteria back into the vaginal tract. A probiotic inserted into the vaginal tract allows the good bacteria to be distributed to where it needs to go. Some people prefer to take an oral probiotic; this first passes through the gastrointestinal tract and can take longer to effect.
How To Maintain Good Vaginal Health
To help maintain good vaginal health, it can start with a healthy diet, less sugar, more water, and foods with natural probiotics. Foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and natural yoghurt are all beneficial containing natural probiotics. Wearing natural fibres like cotton against the skin rather than synthetic materials allow the body to breathe. When cleaning your vagina, use warm water; soaps can change the pH and balance of the bacteria. If you have any changes, we recommend a probiotic administered by a health professional.
In the clinic, we treat the body's overall health with acupuncture and herbal medicine and complement specific vaginal health issues with oral and vaginal pessary probiotics to boost the good bacteria when required.
Written by Melinda Webb a qualified Dr Chinese medicine, Buteyko Breath Instructor, Calmbirth Educator and Birth Doula. She offers health rebates, care packages and practices at Beattie Street Health Studio in Balmain.
Learn more about how Melinda can help you on your wellness journey today!
