The vagina has its own important ecosystem. Many factors influence the health of your vaginal tissue and microbiome. Often times, people feel that their vaginal concerns are not addressed or undertreated. Many people wouldn’t expect their naturopathic doctor to be able to treat vaginal concerns, however this is one of my areas of focus.
Gynaecological concerns relating to the vagina
Vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is fluid that comes from your vagina. Normal vaginal discharge has several purposes, including cleaning and moistening your vagina, and helping to prevent and fight infections. It’s normal for the colour, texture, and amount of vaginal discharge to change at different times of the month during your menstrual cycle. Normal vaginal fluids can be somewhat thin, sticky, and elastic, or thick and gooey. Vaginal fluids should be clear, white, or off-white in colour. However, abnormal vaginal discharge has an unpleasant odour, looks greenish or grayish and can be foamy or lumpy in texture. Abnormal vaginal discharge can also be a sign of vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast overgrowth or a sexually transmitted infection.
Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) occurs when the ratio of lactobacilli species is reduced relative to other species of bacteria. It causes your vaginal ecosystem to become relatively more alkaline at a pH of 5.5. One of the most common causes of vaginal infection for women of childbearing age, BV frequently develops after sexual intercourse with a new partner. It also increases the risk of developing a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). However, BV isn’t considered an STI. Symptoms, if they appear, may include itching and a gray, watery discharge with a “fishy” smell.
Chronic yeast infections
Yeast infections don’t alter your vaginal pH but are the result of an imbalance in vaginal flora. They’re caused by the Candida genus of yeasts (a single cell fungus), most often candida albicans. The candida albicans species, in small amounts, is a normal part of the vaginal flora. However, it’s an “opportunistic” organism. This means that if the conditions are hospitable for it to take over, it will try to. Often this happens when our immune system is weak, our blood sugar is chronically elevated, and most notably, when the Lactobacillus species are outnumbered by the Candida species. This can happen after taking antibiotics that can kill off some of the Lactobacilli, or overusing feminine hygiene products. Yeast infections are considered chronic if they recur 4 or more times a year.
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness can happen to anyone, however, it’s more common during perimenopause and after menopause. Natural lubrication is produced by glands at the neck of the womb (the cervix) and keeps the vagina supple and moist. This moisture moves slowly down through the vagina, keeping it clean. During sex, extra moisture is produced. However, during sex, vaginal dryness can happen if you’re not sexually aroused enough. Other reasons for vaginal dryness may include swimming pools, hot tubs, and harsh soaps. Low levels of estrogen, most notably surrounding menopause, is a primary reason vaginal dryness occurs.
Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is pain just before, during or after intercourse. Depending on the level of pain, it can be caused from vaginal dryness, injury, trauma or inflammation, surgeries or medical treatments, or a variety of emotional factors—such as stress or psychological issues. The underlying causes determine treatment.
Human Papillomavirus infection
Most Human Papillomavirus infection (HPV) infections cause no symptoms and resolve spontaneously. HPV can result in warts or precancerous lesions, which can lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, mouth, or throat. However, there’s a vaccine against HPV which can prevent the most common types of infection, and there are also naturopathic ways that we can help stimulate the immune system and clear the virus.
Natural Solutions for Vaginal Health
Stress and anxiety around the vagina isn’t something you should have to worry about. While it may seem frustrating, there are ways to resolve your immediate concerns. My approach for restoring your vaginal health involves completing a vaginal swab to determine the status of the vaginal flora. I then recommend treatment that encourages a balanced vaginal ecosystem (killing off the offending organisms while re-inoculating with beneficial bacteria) and supports immune function.
I have additional training in pelvic floor assessment and treatment, having completed the following courses through leading experts in pelvic floor physiotherapy, Pelvic Health Solutions:
Level I: The Physiotherapy Approach to Female and Male Urinary Incontinence
Level II: The Physiotherapy Approach to Female and Male Pelvic Pain
Menopause: An Integrative Approach to Pelvic Floor Health
The Huffington Post recently featured me in a series of videos about vaginas. Watch them here:
Your Vagina Is Full Of Surprises (And Probiotics)
