Here are 10 little known facts about that smelly vaginal discharge you so abhor!!
1. All Vaginal discharge are not infective. Recurrent and Persistent mixed vaginal infections can now be accurately diagnosed by a vaginal culture which can be performed through the Pap smear test at the same time.
2. Mixed infections with Candida (Yeast) and BV (Bacterial Vaginosis) are more common than you think. 70% of episodes of vaginitis are caused by BV and Yeast.
3. For most women, Vaginitis resolves without any difficulty.
4. Feminine hygiene products, panty liners and douches need to be retired and sent to the land far far away.
5. BV is not an STD! However, partner treatment may help reduce recurrent infections. Long term (6 months) weekly courses of vaginal metronidazole gel after an initial 1 week treatment with oral metronidazole or Tinidazole may be needed if you have recurrent bacterial infections.
6. Your daily chores after a work-out can wait. Excessive sweating, swimming in the pool, hanging out at the beach, wearing tight clothing for long durations can cause vaginal pH imbalance. One needs to hit the shower as soon as possible after a work-out to avoid that irritating BV or Yeast from haunting us.
7. Using mild soaps with no fragrances or irritants is the key. Look for the “water-based” on the label if you use vaginal lubricants!
8. Barrier creams like A&D cream, Aquaphor or the baby diaper rash creams go a long way in preventing chafing and irritation down there.
9. Oral Probiotics supplementation (50 billion CFU daily) in the right amounts daily is the key in healing and preventing recurrent infections.
10. Recurrent Yeast infections may need long term weekly courses of Fluconazole tablets (Need to be prescribed by your OBGYN with caution). Vaginal Boric acid suppositories (compounded by a pharmacist) may help in those persistent infections caused by the resistant yeast.