Recurrent Vaginal Infections
What you can do to prevent infections
The following are our recommendations to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria, yeast, and pH in the vaginal area and lower your chances of infection and irritation:
Vaginal Care
Do not use over-the-counter feminine products or douche the vaginal area. Avoid anything with scents, including soaps and tampons and limit the use of barrier items like liners and pads. To clean the vagina, use light bar soap (Dove sensitive skin) and warm water, or don’t use soap at all. Always wipe from the front to the rear. Allow the vagina to “breathe” by sleeping without underpants and always wear cotton ones.
Dietary Suggestions
We recommend that you consume yogurt (with living cultures) or take probiotics on a daily basis. Try an oral probiotic every day (Clairvee, Florastor, or Jarro-Dophilus 10 billion for women) or a vaginal probiotic twice a week (RepHresh, or Luvena). If you still have infections after trying over-the-counter probiotics, you can get a prescription called FempH. Vitamin D 2,000 IU per day is available over the counter and also helps. Simple sugars and artificial sweeteners should be avoided.
Sex
During intercourse, use condoms. The pH of the vaginal fluid can be thrown off by sperm. Shower prior to sex (both partners). Before oral sex, use Listerine. Avoid touching vaginal after touching anal area. Keep unscented baby wipes by the bedside for “accidental” vaginal and penis wiping.
**We hope that these recommendations can help to decrease the amount of vaginal infections you encounter. Please let us know if you have further questions!
Is it normal to have vaginal discharge?
Yes, vaginal discharges are normal and begins during puberty. It is compound mostly by water and microorganism. Usually is clear to white in color and has no odor. A change in the color, odor, volume, or consistency of your discharge from what you’re used to is a sign of abnormal discharge.
It’s normal to have some vaginal odor. If it is strong and perceptible, it could be the result of an illness or another issue. Consult your ob-gyn if you notice a change in odor. Your ob-gyn can discuss treatment choices if it’s the case of a medical problem.
It is not recommended to use sprays, deodorants, or douches in the vagina or vulva. Using these things can irritate the area and worsen your symptoms.
See Vulvovaginal Health to learn more about your body and what is normal.
Published: October 2020
Last reviewed: October 2020
SOURCE: Is it normal to have vaginal discharge? | ACOG
Vulvovaginal Health
- What is the vulva?
The exterior female genital area is termed the vulva. The labia majora is the outside folds of skin, whereas the labia minora is the interior folds. The vestibule is located within the labia minora.
The urethra and vaginal canals open into the vestibule. Skene glands are small glands that have openings on either side of the urethra’s entrance. On either side of the vaginal opening are two additional glands known as Bartholin glands. At the top of the labia minora is the clitoris. It actually spreads deep inside the body. The glans is the visible part, which is partially hidden by a tissue fold called the clitoral hood. The area between the anus and the vagina is known as the perineum.
Every woman has a different vulva, and some have labia that are uneven in size. All the differences are normal and there is nothing to worry about. It’s a great idea to get to know your vulva’s characteristics. Contact your gynecologist if you notice any changes in the color of your skin (redness, dark or light-colored areas, including moles), or if you notice any new bumps or uncomfortable swelling, itching, or burning that does not go away.
- What is the hymen?
A thin membrane that covers the vaginal opening partially is called hymen. It can be damaged or stretched during a woman’s first sex experience (typically through sexual intercourse), as well as during tampon use or medical treatments. A hymen’s presence or absence does not imply “virginity.”
- How does the vulva change during puberty?
Due to an increase in estrogen and other hormones, the vulva changes during puberty. The minor labia grow and expand. Hair on the pubic area begins to develop and gets thicker and curlier, as well as increasing in quantity over time. The color of the vulva ranges from bright pink to dark brown-red to black in adults, but it will also differ depending on ethnicity. Some women want to have part, or all their pubic hair removed, although there is no medical or sanitary need for this. Some hair removal methods can put you at risk of infection. Shaving or waxing might result in injury.
- How does my body work to keep my vagina healthy?
Estrogen stimulates the production of lactobacilli and keeps the vaginal lining thick and flexible. Lactobacilli produce an acidic chemical that protect the vagina against disease-causing microorganisms. The natural acidity of the vagina helps keep yeast and other microorganisms from growing out of control
Vaginal infections can occur if the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina is disrupted. Yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are two frequent infections.
- What causes yeast infection?
An excess of yeast in the vaginal canal causes a yeast infection. Lubricants, spermicides, antibiotics (which eliminate the “good” bacteria in the vaginal area), and pregnancy can all cause this. Itching and burning of the vulva are the most typical symptoms. Antiyeast medication can be inserted into the vaginal canal or taken as an oral tablet to treat yeast infections.
What causes bacterial vaginosis?
The excess of bacteria that are normal in the vagina causes Bacterial vaginosis. Increased discharge with a strong odor that is often characterized as “fishy” is the predominant symptom. Antibiotics are used to treat this infection, which can be given orally or inserted into the vaginal canal.
- What vulvovaginal changes can occur during pregnancy?
The levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone rise throughout pregnancy. Your vulva may get enlarged as increased estrogen and blood flow to the vaginal area. It’s possible that the color of your vulvar skin and the opening of your vaginal opening will darken. Having more vaginal discharge is normal.
Hormonal changes can also affect the yeast and bacteria balance in the vaginal area, so infections are more likely to happen. Some women may develop varicose veins in the vagina, vulva, and anus (often referred to as hemorroids). They can be bothersome, but they normally go away after giving birth.
- What vulvovaginal changes can occur after pregnancy?
The skin of the perineum extends during birthing to fit the baby’s head. The skin and tissues of the perineum might tear at times. It may heal naturally but larger tears may require stitches. Vaginal dryness is another issue after childbirth, especially if you are breastfeeding. Changes in hormone levels can induce vaginal dryness. To deal with this issue, lubricants and local estrogen treatment can be applied.
- What vulvovaginal changes can occur during menopause?
During menopause, lower estrogen levels might impact your vaginal and urinary tract. Your vaginal lining can become thinner, dryer, and less elastic over time. The loss of estrogen may also cause the lining of your urinary tract to thin. Many women experience symptoms known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) because of these changes.
Signs and symptoms of GSM include the following:
- Vaginal burning and itching
- Decreased lubrication during sex, leading to painful intercourse
- Bleeding after sex
- More frequent vaginal and urinary tract infections
- Frequent urination
These changes might have an impact on a woman’s sexual pleasure and self-esteem and many menopausal women have at least one of those symptoms.
To address the indications and symptoms of GSM, a variety of treatment methods are available. Some are available over the counter and others require a prescription from a health care provider. The following are some treatment options:
- Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants that can help relieve vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse.
- Local estrogen therapy— A low dose of estrogen is released directly into the vaginal tissue (vaginal creams, vaginal rings, and vaginal tablets). Estrogen facilitates the restoration of the vaginal lining’s natural thickness and flexibility, as well as the relief of dryness and irritation.
- Systemic estrogen therapy— Estrogen is released into the bloodstream and travels to the organs and tissues where it is needed (pills, skin patches, gels or sprays applied to the skin). When using estrogen therapy, women who still have a uterus must also take progestin. When estrogen is used alone, it increases the risk of uterine lining cancer. Progestin helps to minimize this risk.
- Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs)— These medications activate some estrogen-responsive tissues while inhibiting estrogen-responsive tissues in others. Although SERMs are not estrogen, some of them may cause estrogen-like side effects.
- Glossary
Antibiotics: drugs that are used to treat certain infections.
Bacteria: single-celled microorganisms capable of causing infections in humans.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): a condition in which an overgrowth of bacteria disrupts the normal balance of microorganisms. Vaginal discharge, a fishy odor, discomfort, itching, and burning are all possible symptoms
Bartholin Glands: Two glands positioned on either side of the vaginal opening that produce a fluid during sexual activity.
Clitoris: A female sex organ located near the opening of the vagina.
Estrogen: A female hormone produced in the ovaries.
Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): group of signs and symptoms brought on by a drop in estrogen and other sex hormones. Vaginal dryness, sex-related pain, bladder problems, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are some of the signs and symptoms.
Gynecologist: A doctor specialist in women’s health.
Hemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels located in or around the anus.
Hormones: Substances produced by the body that controls the function of cells or organs.
Hymen: A membrane at the entrance of the vaginal opening.
Labia Majora: The outer folds of tissue of the external female genital area.
Labia Minora: The inner folds of tissue of the external female genital area.
Lactobacilli: Bacteria that can be found in large numbers in the vaginal area. These bacteria keep the vaginal pH balanced and inhibit the formation of harmful bacteria.
Menopause: The time when a woman’s menstrual periods stop permanently. Menopause is confirmed after 1 year of no periods.
Menstrual Cycle: The monthly cycle of changes that occur in a woman’s body to prepare her for a prospective pregnancy. The beginning day of menstrual bleeding of one cycle to the first day of menstrual bleeding of the next cycle is known as a menstrual cycle.
Microorganisms: Life forms that are invisible to the naked eye and can only be seen with a microscope. Bacteria are an example.
Perineum: The area between the vagina and the anus.
Progesterone: A female hormone that is made in the ovaries and that prepares the lining of the uterus for pregnancy.
Progestin: A synthetic form of progesterone that is similar to the hormone produced naturally by the body.
Puberty: The phase at which the reproductive organs begin to work and other sex characteristics develop. This is when women’s menstrual periods begin and their breasts grow.
Sexual Intercourse: The act of the penis of the male entering the vagina of the female. Also called “having sex” or “making love.”
Skene Glands: Glands located on either side of the urethra and urethral opening.
Urethra: A tube-like structure. Urine flows through this tube when it leaves the body.
Uterus: A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus.
Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles. The vagina leads from the uterus to the outside of the body.
Varicose Veins: Swollen, twisted veins that are often caused by poor blood flow.
Vestibule: The tissue surrounding the opening of the vagina.
Vulva: The external female genital area.
Yeast Infection: An infection caused by an overgrowth of a fungus. Symptoms may include itching, burning, and irritation of the vulva or vagina and a thick, white discharge.
If you have further questions, contact your ob-gyn.
FAQ190
Published: January 2020
Last reviewed: June 2020
RCE: Vulvovaginal Health | ACOG
Jarrow Formulas Jarro-Dophilus® Women 10 Billion CFU, 30 Enteric Coated Veggie Caps
Clairvee – Bonafide (hellobonafide.com)
Florastor – Daily Probiotic Supplement
