Not All Vaginal Infections are the Same. Each Has Its Own Treatment.
The most common types of vaginal infections are yeast infections and bacterial infections. If you are experiencing infection symptoms, it is important to know which infection you have. Treatment for one is not the same as the treatment for the other.
Yeast infections
Yeast infections are the most common vaginal infections. Yeast exists in healthy vaginal tissue. However, issues arise when yeast multiplies and overwhelms the good bacteria in your vagina. Symptoms include vaginal itching, burning and excessive white discharge. The amount/timing of the discharge may change during your menstrual cycle. For example, white discharge may be prevalent mid-cycle, during ovulation.
How do you determine if you have a yeast infection? The gold standard for yeast- infection testing is a swab test performed by a doctor.
If you feel like things are off “down there”, do NOT self-treat. See your doctor. Self-treatment with over-the-counter medication may cause vaginal irritation and, over time, more vaginal issues.
Since treatments for yeast infections typically include oral medication, your medical provider may recommend an over-the counter treatment. A 7-day treatment is the best. The 1- or 3- day treatment options may not be sufficient to clear the infection.
Vaginal flora is the bacteria that live inside the vagina. It is greatly impacted by diet and lifestyle. To help yourself, include fruits, veggies and fermented foods, like yogurt and kimchi, in your diet for their probiotic benefit.
Yeast infections can become chronic. If your yeast infection doesn’t go away with the first treatment, ask your provider to test for the specific yeast strain. With this information, he/she can recommend a second treatment plan.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is another vaginal infection. It is caused by the overgrowth of bad bacteria in the body. Symptoms include itching, burning with urination, gray discharge and occasionally vaginal odor. As with yeast infections, the standard for diagnosing is testing. Your doctor will recommend prescription vaginal inserts and/or oral medications.
How do you prevent or manage vaginal infection symptoms?
Boric Acid
Boric acid for treating vaginal infections is discussed a lot on social media these days. Although it can be helpful in some cases, it is important to know when and how to use it. Boric acid is toxic to humans and animals when ingested orally. When used as a suppository in humans, it can wipe out harmful bacteria and yeast in the vagina.
Although boric acid can be extremely helpful in clearing infections, it also eliminates or reduces the good bacteria in the vagina. This can disrupt your microbiome. If you are considering boric acid as a treatment option, ask your doctor what regimen is right for you.
Vaginal Probiotics
Probiotics can be extremely helpful if you are experiencing chronic infections. A probiotic with lactobacillus has been shown to improve the quality of the vaginal microbiome and fight off infections. Probiotics can be taken orally or vaginally. If you are considering a vaginal probiotic, check with your doctor first to see if it is right for you.
What if my symptoms don’t resolve after treatment?
Symptoms that persist, after an infection has been fully treated, may indicate pelvic-floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor muscles that are hypertonic/tight can push on the pelvic nerves and create a feeling of itching, burning or pain. A pelvic-floor physical therapist is trained to assess and treat this. They will examine the nerves and muscles running through the pelvis to determine if the muscles are causing your symptoms.
At Solstice Physiotherapy, we can treat pelvic-floor dysfunction. To speak with one of our physical therapists, email us at info@solsticept.com or call (929) 269-2505 to schedule a free,15-minute consultation.
Products that we like(please consult your healthcare provider prior to using)
Boric Acid:
Vaginal Probiotics:
Oral Probiotics