Any kind of discharge from the vagina, whether smelly and accompanied by itching or not, is a sign of a vaginal infection of vaginitis. If left untreated, then it could lead to pelvic inflammatory disease which in turn can be responsible for infertility. A heavy, thick, white discharge which has no odor is a sign of yeast infection. It can be accompanied by itching in the vaginal area, discomfort and burning during urination and sexual intercourse. Yeast infections are caused when there is an imbalance of the levels of acid responsible for controlling the growth of the candida albicans bacteria in the vagina. This can happen due to an imbalance of the hormones, commonly observed amongst pregnant women or women using steroids, birth pills or heavy medication. Diabetics are more susceptible to yeast infections.
The most important thing to do to avoid and treat yeast infections is practice strict hygiene habits. You should bathe daily, taking care to wash your vaginal area carefully with a mild soap. Harsh chemical soaps can irritate the sensitive skin of the vagina, affecting the acid levels and causing itching and discomfort. Avoid soaking in baths, especially bubble baths and when you do ensure that your bathtub has been scrubbed clean since that it is a very common place for bacteria to grow. Always wipe your vaginal area carefully after a bath. It is also important to wash properly and wipe properly from front to back after using the toilet. You should change your undergarments daily and avoid synthetic materials which can irritate the skin and do not allow the skin to breathe. You should avoid strong medications and check if any of your medication is causing the infection. You can also consult your gynecologist and change your birth control pills. Yoghurt has been proven to effectively reduce the number of bacteria in the body and thus you should have at least one bowl of fresh yoghurt daily. You can also soak a sanitary napkin in yoghurt and apply it for a few hours to restore the balance of bacteria in your vagina. Apart from yoghurt, tea-tree oil is said to be beneficial in treating yeast infections. You can dilute 1 teaspoon of tea-tree oil with 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol and 1 pint of water and use this solution to rinse your vagina. However tea-tree oil is not recommended for pregnant women so you should consult your doctor before you try any of these home remedies.
answered by G M