August 01 - 2010 All About Women Health - Vaginal Health

10 Ways to Avoid and Treat Vaginal Infection
By Lewis Robinsons


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No worries. You can treat your problem if you're suffering from vaginal itchiness and white discharge because of bacterial vaginal infection. No need to rush for over-the-counter products. Oftentimes, they just cover the symptoms without eradicating the root cause of the problem. Better try the following ways first before you spend money on those commercial products.

1. Wear cotton panties. Cotton panties allow your genital region to breathe. This way, it can stay dry. But when you are getting ready for sleep, it's better that you don't wear any underwear. This will give your vagina time to breathe well.

2. Don't use oils or petroleum jelly for vaginal lubrication. These can cause bacteria-breeding ground.

3. Strictly follow the medication. Your doctor knows best so better follow her pieces of advise than devise your own ways of medication.

4. Don't use products like perfume, deodorant soaps, lotions, powders, bubble baths, and other feminine hygiene products that can irritate your vagina. Some women are okay with these but if you are suffering from the infection, better stay away from these until you are okay for good.

5. Don't wear tight apparels for a prolonged time. Exercise wear, panty hose, or bathing suits can worsen your vaginal infection or if not, these might cause infection.

6. Don't scratch. No matter how itchy your vaginal area is, never scratch that. You will only cause more infection and worse symptoms.

7. Continue the regular medication despite your period. Vaginal creams may be uncomfortable but don't stop using these if you have the infection. It's okay to use pads instead of tampons, though.

8. Wear condom. You don't want to infect your partner with the infection symptoms so ask your partner to wear condom during sex. He will understand if you explain, anyway.

9. Wipe from front to back after every bowel movement or urination. Improper wiping will spread the bacteria easily to the vagina. It may lead to vaginal discharge and infection, too.

10. Practice basic hygiene, healthy diet, enough sleep, and proper exercise. These are good for vaginal health and for your overall well-being and health.

There are treatment choices like antibiotics, tropical creams, naturopathy and homeopathy out there. But it's best to handle vaginal infection through natural remedies because they won't irritate your vagina and they will target the root of the problem. If natural remedies won't work, then it's time to try chemical-based medications. You can seek advice from your doctor to make sure you'll be using the best medication.

The author used to constantly suffer from yeast infections. Her many experiences with different remedies and cures made her a reputable person to talk about this infection that affects a lot of women. Visit her Vaginal Infection website and learn more right from her personal experiences. Like her, you might be able to cure your infection for good.

Recommended Reading
12 Hour Cure For Yeast Infection.
Permanently Banish Yeast Infections Using The Astonishing& Effective
All-Natural Secret Alternative To Harmful Drugs & Creams

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July 25 2010 All About Women Health - Vaginal Health

Is This Why Your Vagina Smells?
By Naweko San-Joyz



Recommended Reading
12 Hour Cure For Yeast Infection.
Permanently Banish Yeast Infections Using The Astonishing& Effective
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Wanda The Fish. That was the most humiliating name any chick could get labeled at my middle school. Getting chastised as "Wanda" simply meant that your vagina reeked of "Tuna Of The Sea".

Understandably, girls, myself included, would go to extensive lengths to avoid this dehumanizing stigma.

So what do you do when your stinky midsection betrays an otherwise healthy vagina? The first step is to actually make sure that your vagina is in tip-top shape.

What's a Vagina Supposed to Smell Like?

Throughout your menstrual cycle, it's normal to have a variety of vaginal discharges. Vaginal discharge can take the form of the non-fertile, viscous- and sticky-type discharge to the very fertile, slippery- and clear-type discharge that occurs close to menstruation.

Abnormal discharges are accompanied by itchiness, raunchy smells, and/ or gray-, yellow- or green-colored discharges.

The second step to restoring your vagina to health involves to ruling out the possibility of having vaginal conditions like bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection or trichomonas vaginitis.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), while more common than yeast infections, doesn't get much attention in the media.

The cause of bacterial vaginosis remains unclear but this condition is linked to sexual activity and douching. According to a University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) study, a sexually transmitted virus that infects vaginal lactobacilli may cause bacterial vaginosis.

Vaginal lactobacilli are required to maintain a healthy pH and bacterial balance within the vagina. Once this balance is disrupted by a virus, the vagina no longer has a protective barrier and is more susceptible to infection.

In the 1999 UIC study, Sylvia Pavlova, senior research specialist, and Lin Tao, associate professor of oral biology, found that viruses may cause bacterial vaginosis. Moreover bacterial vaginosis could be sexually transmitted.

If untreated, bacterial vaginosis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal pregnancy, or, pre-term labor if you are pregnant.

Only your doctor can diagnose bacterial vaginosis. Your doctor would prescribe oral antibiotics or antibiotic vaginal inserts to treat bacterial vaginosis.

What to look and smell for:

Increased vaginal discharge. A fishy vaginal odor and white or gray milk-like discharge.

Yeast infection

If you've used antibiotics, been pregnant, have diabetes, or wear tight clothing, chances are you've experienced an overgrowth of vaginal yeast. Overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans is largely blamed for causing yeast infections.

Most women find their yeast infection treatment in over-the-counter preparations at drug stores. Other times you can find yeast infection relief by moderating your sugar intake and supplementing your diet with more foods that contain Lactobacillus (L.).

Dr. Tori Hudson, who serves a medical director of A Woman's Time, recommends that you eat foods that contain at least three of the following forms of Lactobacillus when naturally treating a yeast infection: L. acidophilus, L. fermentum. L. plantarum, L bulgaricus, L. casei, or L. rhamnosus.

While a research war still ranges over the effectiveness of Lactobacillus against combating yeast infections, women still notice improvements with their vaginal infections after supplementing their diet with this probiotic.

What to look and smell for:

Symptoms include a white cottage cheese-like discharge, itching, redness, and irritation.

Trichomonas vaginitis

Trichomonas vaginitis comes in as the third leading cause of vaginal infections.

Commonly called "hooker", I mean "trick", trichomonas vaginitis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a tiny single-celled parasite. Like bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginitis can be transmitted through intercourse.

Your doctor would have to test you to diagnose trichomonas vaginitis. She will prescribe antibiotics as a treatment.

What to look and smell for:

Increased amount of vaginal discharge. Possible itching. Itching and redness accompanied by a yellow-green discharge.

You know what the ironic thing about this smelly vagina business is?

It is that if you get bacterial vaginosis or trichomonas vaginitis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, but after using the antibiotics, your chances of getting a vaginal yeast infection shoot up. Who designed this health scenario anyway?

Before you curse, Wanda, let me offer you these tips for vaginal health to use at you own discretion:

1. The vagina needs to breathe, so let it. Wear pantyhose less often. Use knee-highs or thigh-highs instead.
2. Wear cotton underwear instead of synthetic underwear.
3. Use condoms during sex. Even though the theory that sex can cause a vaginal infection remains contested, use a condom is a preventative until the infection gone.
4. Add one teaspoon of boric acid or a half-cup of hydrogen peroxide to two quarts of warm water. (For the boric acid to mix well you need to make sure the water is warm). Use the boric acid or hydrogen peroxide douche for two weeks and stop. The boric acid and hydrogen peroxide should increase the amount of lactic acid within the vagina. This increased amount of lactic acid within the vaginal helps restore the proper bacterial balance within the vaginal and reduces the chances of re-infection.
5. Eat less sugar so that you don't feed the yeast.
6. See a doctor if you still have doubts. The Mayo Clinic Women's "HealthSource" newsletter has cautioned women against hastily self-diagnosing vaginal problems and labeling every smelly vagina issue as a "yeast infection". This may not allows be the case.

Ok, I hope you smell better now and if in doubt, check it out.

Health author and Stanford University graduate Naweko San-Joyz lovingly writes from her home in San Diego. Her works include Acne Messages: Crack the Code of Your Zits and Say Goodbye to Acne (ISBN: 0974912204) and Skinny Fat Chicks, Why We’re Still Not Getting This Dieting Thing (ISBN: 0974912212). Naweko created the Noixia philosophy to help people enhance their lives by connecting with their inner-mysteries and inner-selves. Her works take often over-looked, yet viable research and transforms in into practical tools that people can use to improve their health. Get useful, but too often ignored women’s health news by visiting http://www.Noixia.com, Where Beauty Means Health.

Recommended Reading
12 Hour Cure For Yeast Infection.
Permanently Banish Yeast Infections Using The Astonishing& Effective
All-Natural Secret Alternative To Harmful Drugs & Creams

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July 18- 2010 All About Women Health - Vaginal Health

Feminine Hygiene - Vagina Health & Smell
By Sacha Tarkovsky


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12 Hour Cure For Yeast Infection.
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The vagina, similar to our mouth, is normally inhabited by a multitude of microscopic organisms.

The vagina's acidic environment prevents one species overpowering another, and inhibits infection. A healthy vagina actually smells quite sweet and pleasant.

Yet the change that occurs with any vaginal infection changes the smell immediately, and thus one can partially judge a vagina's state of health by its smell.

It should be noted that both the smell of a vagina and its being infected are directly related to a woman's lifestyle, her weight, and diet.

Some basic rules on Feminine Hygiene can both prevent infections and insure a sweet smelling vagina as well.

Hygiene

o Because infectious agents such as bacteria and yeasts are found in the intestine, after defecation a woman must wipe herself from front to back vaginal area first, rectum after.

A bidet or immediate wash of the anus is also advised, with a rinse of the vulva with warm water.

o Washing also the genital area often with a special ph balanced soap is also essential, and especially after each urination

o Vaginal irrigation is not necessary as it usually disturbs the acid environment, and can allow yeast, for example, to flourish.

o Women should discourage vaginal and anal intercourse alternation during the same session.

Once a man's penis or any object has entered the anus, it must not be allowed back in the vagina without disinfection.

Life-Style

o Tight jeans and clothing look great, but they prevent the normal breathing function of the skin and especially an area like the vulva. This closed in effect will produce an unpleasant smell

o For the same reason, woman is recommended not to wear panties during sleep.

o Use of synthetic materials in clothing will also react with the bacteria on the skin, and the bacteria's waste product leaves a particularly unpleasant smell, so wear only 100% pure cotton or silk panties a majority of the time.

o If you use tampons, change them very often. Left too long in a vagina, the tampon itself will be a major cause of order and even infection.

Diet

It has been shown that diet can affect directly the smell of the vagina. Eating less meat and meat products, and more fruit and vegetables have a very good effect on vaginal odor. Also, you must drink at least 2 liters of water daily.

Sexual Conduct

o The use of prophylactics (condoms) is highly recommended for all couples except those that are very familiar. Also if you allow a man to insert either his fingers or toys into your vagina, try to insure both are clean.

Vaginal Infections

This subject is covered in other articles dedicated to this subject, but any of the below can (and does) cause unpleasant vagina odor. In each and every incidence, you must see your gynecologist.

o Bacterial Vaginosis.

This gives the characteristic fishy smell.

o Yeast Infections.

Most women do not see their doctor with yeast infection, and resort to over-the-counter medicines. Symptoms include vulvar itching, redness and irritation. Painful intercourse. We recommend seeing a gynecologist.

o Trichomoniasis.

This is a sexually transmitted illness with symptoms including vaginal itching, burning, and discharge. See your gynologist.

A bit of care goes a long way. Your vagina was meant to smell sweetly and as it normally cleans itself (both monthly and daily) your caution will be rewarded.

MORE FREE INFO

On all aspects of health, womens issues and more on vagina health visit our website for a huge resource of articles, features and downloads and at www.net-planet.org/index.html

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12 Hour Cure For Yeast Infection.
Permanently Banish Yeast Infections Using The Astonishing& Effective
All-Natural Secret Alternative To Harmful Drugs & Creams

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July 11- 2010 All About Women Health - Vaginal Health

Great Tips For Maintaining Vaginal Health - Important Facts Which No Woman Must Ignore

By Marie Paul


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12 Hour Cure For Yeast Infection.
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Thanks to the media women are today led to believe that their vagina is something that is not clean and hence constant cleaning is required to maintain good vaginal health. You can find scores of advertisements endorsing deodorants, perfumed sprays and scented panty liners for vaginal use. Ironically these are the very products which cause an imbalance in the vaginal flora resulting in bacterial vaginal infections.

To maintain good vaginal health and keep a host of bacterial vaginal infections at bay here are some useful tips:

A-Douching

Our vagina is capable of cleansing itself naturally. Often douching is the main reason for women suffering from vaginal itching and a smelly vagina. Douching can cause a number of bacterial vaginal infections because of unhygienic tools being used. Additionally it robs the vagina of the natural lubricants present in it which are required to maintain a healthy vagina. Hence it is best if you NEVER Douche.

B-Panties

Panties which restrict the air circulation in the vagina and make you sweat more can also cause infections. Hence it is best to wear underwear made of cotton. To let the vagina breathe freely at night, if possible, sleep without panties. Panty hose- including the ones with cotton crotch restricts air circulation in the vagina and encourages the growth of yeast and bacteria. Hence look for alternatives like stockings whenever it is absolutely essential for you to wear one.

C- How to wash the vagina

At the time of bathing do not make use of soap on the tender mucus membranes of the vagina. Remember to clean only the hairy outer portion of the vulva with soap. For vaginal cleansing washing with plain water twice a day should be enough.

Vaginal health is a personal and delicate issue which you must pay sufficient attention to stay away from bacterial vaginal infections.

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July 04- 2010 All About Women Health - Vaginal Health

5 Steps to Vaginal Health

By Bruce Kaler M.D.


Recommended Reading
12 Hour Cure For Yeast Infection.
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1. Is vaginitis due to tight underwear and laundry detergent?

Fact or fiction?

These long time concerns are not entirely without merit. Vaginitis with irritation, itching and discharge can be caused by several common infections. Wearing cotton under wear rather than a polyester synthetic material that provides less ventilation and laundry detergent could contribute to recurrent vaginal infections in some individuals. It probably is not as common as people believe. Use of perfumed soaps, bubble baths, intimate deodorants or fragrances could be source of local irritation to the vulva or inside the vagina. If you have recurrent problems it would be good to avoid all of these items.

If you do not see prompt resolution of the irritating symptoms then you should consult your physician to explore possible yeast or sexually transmitted infections. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is another common condition that can lead to vaginal discharge, irritation or odor.

2. Does sex cause my recurrent yeast infection? Truth or myth?

Research has shown that men do not typically pass a yeast infection to women during intercourse. Yeast infections more commonly are due to some imbalance in the vagina that allows yeast to multiply and overgrow. In larger numbers it can be the cause of vaginal irritation, itching and discharge. Medications especially antibiotics or hormones like birth control pills can alter the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina allowing one to proliferate to the point of causing irritating symptoms. Stress, exercise, menstrual cycle, and diabetes can also affect the tendency toward recurrent yeast infections.

Although intercourse did not seem to be connected to recurrent yeast infection, women receiving oral sex were more likely to suffer from recurrent yeast infections even if their partners had no signs of oral yeast infections. Use of other sex toys, lubricants, or similar products can also be contributing factors. 80% of all women will have a vaginal yeast infection at least once in a lifetime. It certainly is a nuisance and frustration rather than a problem with serious consequences. When recurrences are an issue other external factors should be considered. There are good treatments available without a prescription but consulting your health care provider for recurrences would be prudent.

3. What can I do about a urine-like odor around my vagina? Help?

The ammonia like odor may not be from urine. There are many sweat glands in the area . If you perspire a lot you may experience a similar odor. Sweat can contain similar compounds especially if you're not drinking enough water thus concentrating the odors. The first thing to try is washing well with mild soap and water as well as drying thoroughly. Using a cornstarch based powder without fragrance or perfume can help with the excess moisture. Again avoiding nylon panties and panty hose, opting for cotton undergarments would help as well. If the odor does not resolve seeing your health care provider to rule out bacterial vaginosis, urinary stress incontinence or other metabolic problem would be a good idea.

4. Is Toxic Shock Syndrome still a risk?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS was originally linked to the use of tampons, but is now also known to be associated with the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm birth control methods. The highly absorbent tampons that were thought to be the key factor are no longer on the market in the U.S. However they are still available in some countries abroad. The prolonged use of the tampon, leaving it in place for more than 8 hours, is also thought to play a role in allowing staph bacteria to proliferate.

There has been a rise in TSS. However this should not be confused with a second type of TSS caused by strep bacteria entering through a cut or injury to the skin. The symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, watery diarrhea, headache and muscle aches. Some patients also develop a red rash resembling a sun burn. TSS can progress rapidly to serious complications. If there is a concern about TSS you should be examined promptly by a medical professional.

In general this is all somewhat low risk. If you use tampons at all you should not leave one in place for more than 8 hours without changing to a new one. If you travel abroad take along some of the tampons you normally use.

5. Is it easier to get an STD if you have sex during your period? T or F ?

There is some logic about vaginal physiology during menses that might suggest this is possible. However there is little research to confirm the outcome. Normally the pH of the vagina is somewhat acidic making it a hostile environment to infections. Menstrual bleeding does raise the pH somewhat. The more alkaline environment in turn could allow invasive bacteria to thrive.

What we do know is sex during your period is the time you are least likely to get pregnant. If you are not in a monogamous relationship or are not sure about your partner's sexual health, use a latex condom each and every time you have intercourse.

Physician with over thirty years experience in both family practice and emergency medicine in both rural and urban settings. Dr Kaler is also author of the medical mystery thriller Turnabout by Bruce Kaler. Visit my website at http://seattledoc.com

Recommended Reading
12 Hour Cure For Yeast Infection.
Permanently Banish Yeast Infections Using The Astonishing& Effective
All-Natural Secret Alternative To Harmful Drugs & Creams