Women’s bodies are amazing natural wonders, but certain conditions can make being a woman downright miserable. Some of the most common vaginal problems that women face are infections. But this body part can also experience dryness, burning, and other symptoms too.
Here is an overview of common vaginal issues and natural solutions to ease them.
Yeast Infections
The vagina is prone to a type of fungus called candida that can cause problems when too much of it is present. Yeast infections are more common among women who are pregnant, who have diabetes, and who have weak immune systems. Nearly all women have at least one yeast infection during their lives, especially during their fertile years. The symptoms of a yeast infection are itching, swelling, burning, and thick discharge, and redness.
Natural, at-home remedies for yeast infections include boric acid capsules taken by mouth, tea tree oil applied topically, and probiotic supplements. Yogurt, coconut oil, and garlic may also be effective for prevention and to ease symptoms. It is also recommended to shower after intercourse, wear cotton underwear, and avoid chemicals and fragrances in the vaginal area.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Vaginosis is another common vaginal issue that affects women during the fertile years. It forms when the balance of bacteria is offset in the vagina, and it can be brought on by unprotected sex, using vaginal douches, or being pregnant. Women who have bacterial vaginosis may notice a fishy odor in the vagina, gray or white-colored vaginal discharge, itching, and a burning sensation when urinating.
Yogurt is an at-home remedy for this condition since it is a natural probiotic, as well as tea tree oil, garlic, hydrogen peroxide, and probiotic supplements. Plan to call a doctor if your symptoms don’t subside or go away after a week of at-home treatment of if they become worse.
Trichomoniasis
This condition is most often spread by having unprotected sex that transits a parasite from one person to another. It is a curable sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. Women may experience no symptoms at all or notice an odor in the vagina, pain during sex or urination, itching, or a green-yellow vaginal discharge.
Studies have shown that black tea may have a positive effect on trichomoniasis when used in extract form. You can also try drinking apple cider vinegar or pomegranate juice to feel better when you have this condition. However, antibiotics may be required to treat trichomoniasis and prevent it from making your body more susceptible to inflammation and viruses.
Vaginal Dryness
Any woman can experience vaginal dryness, regardless of her age. Certain medications, birth control pills, and antidepressants can cause dryness, as well as diseases like diabetes.
Dryness can often be resolved naturally by using a water-based lubricant before intercourse. It also helps to stop smoking, drink more water, and avoid products with perfumes in the vaginal area because they can increase drying.
Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a condition marked by severe burning in the vaginal area. It can be so bad that you can’t even comfortably sit down. Nerve damage in the vulva, over-sensitivity to candida, or pelvic floor spasms may be to blame for this condition.
If you are coping with vulvodynia, a doctor may recommend pelvic floor therapy, nerve block injections, local anesthetics, or biofeedback therapy. Also, try lifestyle and home remedies like soaking in a sitz bath, applying cold compresses, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and using lubricants before sex.
For many types of vaginal irritations that involve abnormal discharge, foul odors, swelling, itching, redness, and soreness, try Seagate’s homeopathic remedy of Olive Vaginal Spray. It’s best to apply this product at night before bed and again when you wake up in the morning. Just two to three sprays are needed per application, and we also recommend taking a concurrent Olive Leaf Extract supplement orally to enhance the spray’s effectiveness.