Bacterial vaginosis, Yeast infection & White discharge
Bacterial vaginosis is a common disorder for women in their reproductive ages. It is mainly caused due to the disruption in the balance between the bacteria in the vagina of the women. Vagina is the home to a number of pathogenic bacteria. Some of them are good, while some are bad. The body maintains a balance between them. But when the balance is endangered, the women face this bacterial infection. Bacterial vaginosis is also known as Gardnerella vaginitis or vaginal bacteriosis. The infection is mild and is quite frequent in women, yet it needs to be treated in due course of time. It is basically an inflammation of the vagina. It occurs due to several reasons, which are discussed below.
Ayurvedic Concept of Bacterial Vaginosis
According to the science of healing, Ayurveda, Astanga Hridayam states that the infection takes place due to the consumption of unhygienic, spicy and bad food. Consumption of all those food items, which increases the moisture content aggravates Kapha. This gives rise to slaismiki. It is also known as kaphaja yoni vypapat. The major characteristic of this disorder are swelling, pain, itching, cold sensation, pale white discharge or discharge of blood as well. Also, according to Astanga Hridayam, vata is mostly responsible for complications and disorders in the vagina of the human female. Vata needs to be treated with care. To treat the disorder vitiated by Kapha, the treatment is generally done with hot and dry medicines and herbs like pippali, chitrak and amalaki.
Influences of Doshas on the microbial infections:
The tridoshas have a lot of influence on the health of the individuals. They play a huge role in the occurrence of the infections in the individuals. People with aggravated vata and pitta doshas are more exposed to vaginal irritations and infections while, people with pitta and kapha doshas are more exposed to yeast infections. The chronic infections are mainly caused by higher level of Kapha and lower level of Agni in the body. This is mainly resolved by modifying the diet and providing treatment to the digestive disorders. Thus, the main point of concentration on these infections is on the condition of Agni in the body of the individuals.
Modern Concept
Besides the Ayurvedic Concept, modern science has some perspective on these microbial infections.
These are explained in detail below:-
1. Bacterial Vaginosis
The major cause behind the occurrence of this disorder is the sexual intercourse of the women with new partners. However, this disorder is different from yeast infection. This infection is not a STI or sexually transmitted infection. It is many a time asymptotic with no symptoms at all. The vagina of the human female has lactic acid. This enhances the cultivation of lactobacilli. But, when due to certain conditions the extent of lactic acid in the vagina diminishes or the quantity of lactobacilli gets reduced, it results in bacterial vaginosis. Smoking is yet another reason for the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis. Maintaining multiple sex partners, douching and having perfumed bath are the other major causes of bacterial vaginosis.
Some common symptoms of this infection are thick and watery grey or white colour discharge from the vagina of the infected woman. Burning sensation in the vagina coupled with fishy odour and itching are other common symptoms of this microbial infection.
2. Yeast Infection
Yeast infection is however a sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by the microbial fungi. It also leads to inflammation of the vagina of the women. It can also get transmitted to the man during the sexual intercourse. This type of yeast infection actually means a lot number of yeast cells are growing in the vagina. And, lactobacilli are not capable of neutralizing their impacts. The most common yeast which leads to this infection is candida albicans. Some major causes of yeast infection are exposure to antibiotics, higher level of estrogen, the pregnancy hormone in women and HIV infection as well. This disorder is characterized by pain, itching, skin irritation, burning sensation, soreness, pain while sexual intercourse and white thick vaginal discharge. The discharge usually has no odour and normally occurs a week prior to the menstrual cycle. It is also known as Candiasis. And, it is extremely common in females. Insomnia, hormonal imbalance, stress, irregular dietary practice, weakened immunity and uncontrolled diabetes also give rise to vaginal yeast infection.
3. White Discharge
White discharge or vaginal discharge is another important issue to be kept under control by females. The fluid inside the cervix and vagina has the dead cells and microorganisms. This helps to maintain the hygiene of the vagina and stops infection. This is quite common in women. And, the colour, quantity and odour of the discharge vary from time to time depending on the menstrual phase of the women. However, if something unusual is observed or certain features like pain, itching, burning sensation or unusual odour or colour is observed, it is important to take proper care. The abnormal white discharge sometimes acts as a symptom of Bacterial Vaginosis. It also arises due to exposure to harmful antibiotics, scented bubbled soaps, douches, infection in the pelvic region, sexually transmitted disease (STDs), yeast infections and many more. Uncontrolled diabetes, inflammatory disorder of the pelvis, microbial infection like Trichomaniasis, yeast infections and drying out of the walls of vagina at the time of menstruation are certain other causes of white discharge from the human female.
Major Complications related to Vaginal Problems
These situations give rise to several complications like miscarriage, premature birth. It may also enhance the probability of getting affected by STDs. But, in most of the cases, these do not cause any major complications in women.
Healthy tips for treating Vaginal Problems
To treat the situations, women must follow certain healthy tips. These are as follows:
- Maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene.
- Washing the underwear with strong detergent.
- Applying strong vaginal deodorant.
- Not wearing very tight fitting clothes.
- Vaginal douching.
Herbal Remedies for Vaginal Problems
Besides following the tips, Planet Ayurveda has provided some essential herbal remedies for ayurvedic treatment of all vaginal problems. It has provided BV Care Pack, which contains 4 herbal remedies. These remedies are completely natural and vegetarian. They do not have artificial fillers, preservatives and chemicals. They have no side effects at all. They can be consumed safely.
How To Use?
- Neem Capsules – 1 capsule twice daily with plain water.
- Pradrantak Churna – 1 teaspoon twice daily with plain water.
- Nirgundi Oil – For external application.
- Gandhak Rasayan – 2 tablets twice daily with plain water.
Products Description
1. Gandhak Rasayan
It has the purified sulphur. This is also known as the Shuddh Gandhak. Sulphur is a wonderful rehydrating agent and has rejuvenating characteristics. It helps to remove the dead cells from the skin and takes out moisture from the atmosphere. It expels the toxins from the body. It is digestive, anti-inflammatory and carminative in nature. It provides relief from renal disorders and skin related infections as well.
2. Neem Capsules
Neem is yet another herb with a lot of medicinal properties. It is antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-biotic, anti-oxidating, immune-modulatory, blood purifying and detoxifying characteristics. These capsules help to fight away the microbial infections to a huge extent. Regular use for recommended time of period is highly advised.
3. Pradrantak Churna
This churan is made by blending a lot number of herbs. These herbs work synergistically. Besides treating the various infections, it provides relief from various reproductive ailments like irregular menstruation, uterine fibroids, uterine bleeding, inflammation and pain.
4. Nirgundi Oil
Vitex negundo is the herb, which is used to prepare the herbal supplement. It has flavonoids like vitexin, casticin. It has multi-relaxing and anti-histaminic characteristics. It can treat a lot of reproductive complications like menopause, premenstrual difficulties, rheumatism, ulcers, pains, skin irritations, arthritis, menopause and amenorrhea.
To buy BV Care Pack, please visit store.planetayurveda.com/products/bv-care-pack.