Infections
Vaginitis
These are infections in the vagina are caused from fecal contamination, sex, allergies to bubble-baths, detergents, perfumed soaps and clothing irritation.
Cystitis and Pyelonephritis
These are bladder infections which and are common and very painful, and are the source of many crude and interesting expressions. In late pregnancy when the urethra becomes distorted there is frequently an increase in bladder infections. The infection can start from bacteria on a pad or tampon string or irritation from tight clothing. Vigorous sex or a poorly fitting diaphragm or cap are other causes of cystitis. The usual symptoms are an increase in urination which feels hot and burning. Plenty of fluids and a course of antibiotics is the usual treatment.
Trichomonas Vaginitis
Is a sexually transmitted disease where the Trichomonas organism creates a frothy yellow-green discharge with burning pain or itching worse before a period. The discharge odor is unpleasant. Once it is confirmed by microscope viewing of the organism a dose of the oral remedy Flagyl is used but as this has side affects of gastric upsets some prefer to use the pessary form called Pinafucin (Natomycin).
Thrush
Common yeast infection of the vagina caused by the fungus Candida Albicans. It can be transmitted by sexual intercourse but also by airborne spore. Older menstruating women whose vitality is low or has been lowered by a recent course of steroids or antibiotics. There is usually a thick, curdy, cheesy fluid discharge with vaginal itching and external inflammation around the vulva and anal region. To treat thrush an anti-fungal such as the pessary Nystatin or the antibiotic Ketoconazoe (Nizoral) is used.
Sexually transmitted; Syphilis, Gonorrhea and Non Specific Vaginitis
Syphilis is the most serious of these three infections because it doesn't stay in the sexual organs
but moves through out the body - if left unchecked - infecting most organs including the brain. Within
10 to 90 days the body can be completely infected and the person unaware of it apart from some painless
ulcers or firm sores. Penicillin is the standard and effective treatment for Syphilis.
Gonorrhea or the clap is very common with few or no symptoms except sometimes a pus discharge and an
infected skin rash. If the infection travels up the fallopian tubes it may cause sterility and it can
also cause blindness in babies of infected mothers. The fallopian tube infection can occur within a few
weeks of initial contact. Treatment is with either one massive dose of Penicillin or Tetracycline if
the patient is allergic to penicillin.
Non specific Vaginitis is caused by a bacterial infection from a male sexual partner. There is a thin, watery, unpleasant, grey-green discharge with an offensive odour and is commonest during the first half of the cycle when the oestrogen levels are high. This is in contrast to thrush which is strong during the second half of the cycle. Treatment is by antibiotics like Penicillin or Tetracycline.
Genital Herpes
Unlike many of the above infection herpes is viral meaning that antibiotics are of no use in treating this complaint. Symptoms are pain for a few days before an outbreak followed by swelling first then a cluster of small red blisters which are painful and itchy. The condition recurs, every four to eight weeks. The first attack may be severe and then gradually lessen. Depression is common at the time of the breakout.
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