Vaginal mycosis, vaginal infection or vaginal candidiasis are terms used to describe a disorder characterized by an overgrowth of fungi species belonging to the Candidas. These fungies cause symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning during urination, thick and white secretions from the vagina with an unpleasant smell, painful and unpleasant sexual intercourse and redness around the vagina, which worsens in the premenstrual phase.
Such infection is common, as well as easy to treat. The problem arises when the infection is repeated several times a year.
From the point of view of modern medical sciences, Candida Albicans accounts for 94% of all cases of vaginal fungi infection. Fungi mikrobiom is a natural inhabitant of the woman’s vagina, but as a result of their uncontrolled growth, infection occurs in susceptible individuals. It depends on the presence of a sufficient amount of fungal organisms or reduced resistance of the organism, or both.
Factors that can increase a woman’s susceptibility to infection are: altered vaginal pH (over 4.5) – from an acidic environment to too alkaline; previous bacterial infections in the vagina; use of estrogen birth control pills, antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs; diabetes; intestinal flora imbalance; excessive amount and too high intensity of relations; incorrect hygiene of intimate areas (including the use of personal hygiene products containing perfumes or chemicals) and the use of vaginal tampons.
The treatment should primarily focus on the diet regulating kapha energy (excess kapha and low agni are the probable causes of chronic fungi infection) and the elimination of factors that increase susceptibility to infection (eg by maintaining safe personal hygiene, avoiding antibiotics, using unperfumed hygiene fluids , wearing loose, cotton underwear, etc.)
Other possible vaginal infections include:
· bacterial infection caused by a change in vaginal flora and penetration of the organism
· sexually transmitted diseases such as trichomonas, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other viral infections, etc.
· an allergic reaction to the use of very fragrant soaps, detergents or vaginal sprays, etc. in the vaginal area.
To avoid these, Ayurveda recommend:
· avoid vaginal sprays or highly perfumed soaps.
· avoid frequent showers and baths, as this may cause irritation and, more importantly, it may hide or spread the infection. The strong action of water also destroys healthy bacteria that colonize the vagina, keeping it in good condition.
· avoid clothes that keep you warm and damp. Nylon underwear, tight jeans, non-breathable shorts and leggings and tights without a cotton panel can lead to fungi infections.
· avoid unprotected sex if you are unsure of your partner (his past relationships and sexual intercourse). Condoms are recommended to prevent infections between partners.
· contact a gynecologist, if you have secretions that change color, smell wrong, are dense and their outflow causes itching and burning pain.
· do not overdo the diversity of sex positions, avoid these dangerous and unpleasant if you have a tendency to catch infection
· if you ride a lot on horseback, on a bicycle or other vehicle with a saddle, watch out for abrasions on the delicate outer part of the genitals – this may translate into infection.
· if you have sex and feel dry intimate, use special gels to facilitate intercourse or ask your partner for a stronger „warm up”.
If you have already been infected, try:
1. drink yogurt: live bacterial cultures, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, restore the pH balance in the vagina. Make sure you use unsweetened yogurt.
2. probiotic suppositories and supplements: restore the balance of bacteria and fungi in the vagina; you can take oral probiotics with lactobacillus acidophilus bacterial strains or vaginal suppositories.
3. try to massage the coconut oil into the surface of the infected place – it is effective against C.Albicans. Use only organic, pure coconut oil.
4. Tea tree oil: This essential oil can be used to treat fungi infections, but only diluted in a carrier oil, such as sesame, jojoba or coconut (depending on your doshas).
5. Apple cider vinegar. Add half a cup to the bathtub with water and take a bath. Do not stack undiluted vinegar, because it also kills good bacteria.
6. Garlic: kills many microbes, including fungies. Grind the garlic in oil and fry, then pour the oil and cool. Lubricate affected area two to three times a day.
7. Turmeric: Drink boiled milk from half a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
8. Leaves neem: Apply the paste from several and a piece of raw turmeric. Blend neem leaves or oil with a small piece of turmeric and oil for the paste and lubricate two or three times a day.
9. Essential oil of geranium (not for internal use), has both antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, so it relieves itching. The essential oil of geranium can be used undiluted. Use two or three times a day and continue until the rash disappears.
10. Also helpful: aloe, basil, black pepper, cardamom, chamomile, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, fennel seeds, ginger (dried), ginger (fresh), lemon grass, lime skin, mint, black cumin, parsley (fresh), rosemary, thyme (fresh), turmeric, dandelion leaves, endives, kale, raw radish, grapefruit, lemon and mung beans. Eat and add to the diet only those ingredients that are good for balancing your vikriti!