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Please read our Golden Rules of self help before considering the information on this page.
Female Sexual Hygiene
INTIMATE WORRIES
I am going to tell you something that is not going to surprise you. I am going to say: “I am against the use of female intimate deodorant.” And you are probably going to respond: “Yes, you blooming naturopaths, you always want things to be natural even if they are unpleasant.” Not so. The reason why I am against the use of vaginal deodorant is because they are dangerous. They are dangerous because they mask the very first signs of problems which left untreated can become real threat to your health.
What are these ‘problems'? Well they have names in fact: Gardnerella, Chlamydia, Trichomonas and Human Papilloma Virus. All the above cause VAGINITIS, which can include vaginal pain, itching, and a foul discharge. They can all result in some serious complications if they are neglected.
Before you decide that you have one or all of what follows, remember only a proper pathology test can determine if you have any of these infection and you need to go to your doctor for samples to be taken.
And now let's have a look at the little buggers.
GARDNERELLA VAGINALIS
Now this one appears benign enough. The way you know about it is because of its awful smell, it does not necessary cause vaginitis or pain. Just a pong. Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics or not. It may go as swiftly as it came or it may keep on coming back to annoy you. (That's when the use of the vaginal deodorant seems very attractive).
In fact Gardnerella belongs in the vagina. Just like Candida does. The problem only occurs when the ecology of the vagina is out of balance and the little buggers reproduce more than their quota. The danger comes from the fact that Gardnerella has now been associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Some recent studies have shown a significantly higher frequency of Gardnerella infection in the groups with CIN 1 and CIN 2 and CIN 3.
Now, do I have your attention!
So, how do you control this one?
Apart from the general rules for Intimate Health one of the things that help control Gardnerella is to use a condom during intercourse sperm seems to feed the little beggar. Also DO NOT douche with yogurt because it likes that too.
CHLAMYDIA
... Not Just For Koalas.
Most people have heard about Chlamydia in relation to Koalas and how it is wiping out this fluffy national emblem. This is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD - but most people don't know it exists.
It can infect the penis, vagina, cervix, urethra, or the eye. It is a type of bacteria, whose full name is Chlamydia trachomatis . It is hard to detect because there are no early symptoms.
Signs of a Chlamydia infection in women include: unusual vaginal discharge that may have a foul odour, painful urination, unusual vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sex, a low-grade fever and abdominal or pelvic pain. Men may notice a burning sensation while urinating and/or a urethral discharge.
In fact in my clinic it's the lower abdominal pain that has often been the give away: people think that they are suffering from a digestive problem and are often treated –unsuccessfully- for it.
Infection with chlamydia can lead to other health problems. In women, untreated chlamydia can spread into the pelvic area and infect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries‹leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can be a very serious condition. It may cause permanent damage to the woman's reproductive organs and can lead to infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
Chlamydia can cause early labor and delivery and can be passed from mother to baby during birth. Chlamydia infection in newborns can cause neonatal conjunctivitis (an infection of the baby's eyes) and pneumonia.
If you are diagnosed with chlamydia , you will be given antibiotics. It is important to finish the course or courses. Unfortunately a lot of women find that the infection comes back. This is why it is important to follow the directions in Strategies for Intimate Health.
In addition you should make sure you continue this programme for at least three months and that you get regularly tested. Especially if you are or intend to become pregnant.
TRICHOMONAS
Trichomonas vaginalis live in the vaginal cavity and urethra, where they multiply when the vaginal condition is favourable (ie: not acidic enough). This little beggar has little tails with which it moves and it is the whipping of this tail that causes vaginal irritation and burning. The ensuing inflammation causes a slight smelly discharge. Trichomonas vaginalis is often the precursor of other more complicated infections.
Again, many people will find that it seems to resist a lot of antibiotics. Many of my patients have found using pumpkin seed oil both locally and by mouth really successful. Male partners need to also take pumpkin seed oil by mouth.
Follow the other strategies.
GENITAL WARTS
Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma viruses and appear as growths on the genitals, or in the urethra, anus, or throat. They have been linked to cancer of the cervix, vulva, and penis and are transmitted through vaginal anal, and oral intercourse with an infected partner. Occasionally, women pass the disease to their infants during childbirth.
There is no cure for genital warts, but several treatments are available, such as applying a topical medication, freezing, burning with acid, surgical removal, and laser therapy.
When the warts are external and easily visible I suggest people use essential oil of lavender. Use a cotton bud to apply exactly on the site of the wart. Repeat this daily, it may take several weeks for the wart to soften and melt away. Do not douche with the lavender or any other essential oils. However you can use infused oil of St John's Wart (from your healthfood shop) internally and for soft tissues.
Because the warts are viral I suggest using St John's Wart orally also and the amino Lysine as well.
VAGINISMUS
Is the involuntary contraction of the muscles around the vagina and rectum. The vagina closes so tightly that the penis cannot penetrate for sexual intercourse. This spasm also prevents the insertion of any object into the vagina, such as a tampon, diaphragm or speculum (used for medical examination).
The usual accepted cause is that this is an emotional problem caused an array of emotional or psychological factors. These may include fear, anxiety, hostility, anger or distaste for sex. An insensitive sexual partner, insufficient or unskilful foreplay or inadequate vaginal lubrication prior to attempted penetration.
It is important however to first make sure that there are in fact no
physical problems or infections. If all is clear then counselling is
recommended to understand the cause or causes of the problem. Since
this may take a long time, while being counselled it is a good idea to
practice relaxation with modalities such as massage, meditation, yoga,
tai chi and positive visualisation. Warm baths and gentle music go a
long way to relax the muscles so do Chamomile tea with honey and a shot
of your favourite spirit (one, not ten).
Strategies for Intimate Health
Whenever your reproductive system goes out of kilter, don't ignore it or try to mask the first symptom. Smell is an important indication: if something does not smell right, it is not right. Don't cover the smell but treat the problem. If you need antibiotics take them but the following suggestions will help prevent these problems come back and get worse.
Re-establish proper ecology
- Stop all sugar, coffee, chocolate and alcohol: these make the vaginal more alkaline, which then becomes an excellent ground for bacterial and other growth.
- Douche with acidophilus and bifidus.
You can get a douche syringe from your chemist. Use half a teaspoon of acidophilus and bifidus powder in one litre of water daily, except during your periods, for as long as it takes to re-establish a proper ecology. This may take as much as four or five cycles in some women. - Douche at the first sign that something is off (ie the smell again). When all is well, you will only need to douche once or twice to get back in order.
- You can douche with vinegar but this only acidifies the vagina, it does not bring back the good bugs.
Repair the soft tissues
Take the following nutrients for three weeks:
- Vitamin E: 500 mgr/ day
- Vitamin C: 2000 mgr/day- or preferably half a teaspoon of the powder twice a day.
- Vitamin A: one 5,ooo i.u. capsule twice a day.
Then you can halve the amounts and continue taking these for at least three months.
Adhere to a good diet with lots of:
- Fresh vegetables and fruit.
- Complex carbohydrates (brown rice, wholemeal bread, pasta and flour)
- Protein at least once a day.
- Also take acidophilus and bifidus internally. Inner Health from your chemist is very good.
Use the following herbs that are good to tone up your immune system and your reproductive system. Of course it is far better to get a herbalist to make a mix for you, but if you take them make sure not to take any un-prescribed herb for more than three months.
- Echinacea
- St John's Wart
- White Pond Lily
- Golden Seal
- Raspberry leaf
- Yarrow
A special weapon
I, and hundreds of my patients, have found that Pumpkin Seed Oil , which traditionally is used to combat parasites, really helps blast away a lot of those horrible vaginal micro-organisms.
Put about a teaspoon of the oil in a sea sponge and insert vaginally before going to bed. Do not use a tampon because they guzzle all the oil and you don't get any. You will need to do this for at least a week. More if the problem is long standing or repetitive. Also take it internally to the tune of one or two teaspoon per day. Again depending on extent of problem.
Avoid Re-Infection and Aggravation
- Use condoms.
Even if you have the same partner, use condoms while you have any problem to avoid re-infection and also because sperm itself seems to help infections along. - Do not have sex during menstruation.
The tissues of the vagina and cervix change during menstruation and sperm has been shown to bind to those changed tissues. If you must have intercourse during menstruation, use condoms. - Have yourself tested.
If you think you may have a problem. Go to your doctor and have a test this will determine exactly what bug is causing the problem.
If you have had a problem have yourself regularly tested, to make sure it has not come back.
For a personalised treatment please contact me here.
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