Vaginitis

Background

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina.

Causes

Infections

• Yeast infection — whitish itchy discharge with little smell — increased by antibiotics or excess sugar intake
• Bacterial — often with a fishy smell
• Trichomoniasis
• Other infections

Hormonal deficiencies (atrophic vaginitis)

Hormonal (estrogen) deficiencies during menopause. This can cause vaginal dryness, which is especially problematic during intercourse.

Irritating substances

Treatments

Therapies & Advice

Check for STD’s

To rule out a sexually transmitted disease, it is best that vaginitis be evaluated by a gynecologist.

If yeast vaginitis

If yeast vaginitis, avoid antibiotics and sugar. Adding a teaspoon of plain yogurt with LIVE bacterial culture vaginally daily can help restore healthy balance and may help eliminate an acute infection as well. Tea tree oil suppositories (irritating) may also help, but frankly the OTC Monistat (miconazole) or Mycelex (Clotrimazole) vaginal creams are safer and more reliable. Also see Candida. Probiotics by mouth may decrease recurrence as well.

Check for infections

For other infections, consult your gynecologist.

Check for hormonal deficiencies (atrophic vaginitis)

For hormonal deficiencies, consider bioidentical estrogen (see Menopause). The estrogen can be especially helpful if applied vaginally, and I recommend that only bioidentical estrogen and progesterone be used. After 6-12 weeks, you (and your partner) will note a marked improvement.  During intercourse, also try coconut oil as a lubricant, especially if other vaginal lubricants are irritating. It is soothing and healthy.

Many women find standard vaginal lubricants to be irritating. An excellent alternative is coconut oil from your health food store. It not only works great, but is very soothing and has a pleasant smell and taste. I recommend Nature’s Way Liquid Premium Coconut Oil, which is very pure and stays liquid at room temperature.