The gentlebirth.org website is provided courtesy of
Ronnie Falcao, LM MS,
a homebirth midwife in Mountain View, CA
The gentlebirth.org website is provided courtesy of
Ronnie Falcao, LM MS,
a homebirth midwife in Mountain View, CA
|
A: When the baby is preterm or there is no midwife present. Birth Sense responds to the false implications from American OBs The investigators freely admit that planned home birth with a certified birth attendant did not have any greater risks than planned hospital birth. [More information] |
See also: Probiotics
News flash! Hydrogen Peroxide is not the best cure for BV
Bacterial Vaginosis Treatments Vary in Efficacy, Adverse Effects
Because pregnant women should avoid pharmaceuticals, it might make sense
to try the hydrogen peroxide vaginal washes and the probiotics and then
request a re-test. If the non-pharmaceuticals haven't cured the BV,
it might be best to go ahead with them. Discuss your options with
your healthcare provider!
[Hydrogen
peroxide produced by Lactobacillus species as a regulatory molecule for
vaginal microflora]
Strus M, Brzychczy-Wloch M, Kochan P, Heczko P.
Med Dosw Mikrobiol. 2004;56(1):67-77.
A total of 33 strains of Lactobacillus belonging to 9 species, isolated
from vagina, were tested for production of hydrogen peroxide. We observed
that the following species: L. delbrueckii, L. acidophilus, L. crispatus,
L. johnsonii and L. gasseri dominated over other species in secretion of
hydrogen peroxide to the growth medium. Concentration of this substance
amounted from 0.05 to 1.06 mM (in case of strong aeration the concentration
increased up to 1.8 mM). Moreover, killing properties of the pure hydrogen
peroxide exerted toward Escherichia coli and Candida albicans were less
prominent than these of the supernatants of cultures of Lactobacillus strains
producing H2O2.
Any time you take a round of antibiotics, it kills off the helpful vaginal flora (helpful germs) that normally live in the vagina, including acidophilus. Acidophilus is perfectly suited to the vaginal walls, and it produces hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct of its metabolism, so once you get a nice colony of acidophilus well established, it will continue to kill any nasty germs that come along, including yeast, Group B Strep, and germs that can cause bacterial vaginosis.
The Vaginal Wash is just to jumpstart the healing, and once the acidophilus
are established, they should keep themselves going, as long as you're eating
well (lots of vegetables and not too much sugar). Of course, any
time you take antibiotics, they're going to undo all of this, and you'll
need to start over again.
[NOTE - This treatment is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but you should check with your healthcare provider first, in case there's something unusual about your situation. If your provider doesn't know anything about this treatment, you can suggest they educate themselves and let you know when they have the answer. If they suggest that alternative remedies are worthless and you should use a pharmaceutical agent instead, they are what I would call a word that starts with an "F" and rhymes with "Cool", or else they just really enjoyed the last conference sponsored by the pharmaceutical companies, and they want to ensure continuing pharmaceutical profits and conferences.]
How to do a vaginal wash:
Feedback
Thought I would throw in my 2 cents about persistent BV. I recommend
the "saline swish bath" to my clients for persistent BV: Fill a CLEAN bathtub
with about 5-6 inches of bath temp water. Add 1/2 cup of table salt
(good old Morton's), dissolve it. Then sit in the tub, hold the labia
apart with one hand and gently "swish" the saline bath into the introitus.
If this is done every other night for 3 or 4 nights, it can help to balance
the vaginal pH and normalize those "flora"! I also recommend the
swish bath after menses and after intercourse for women who experience
recurrence routinely. Most of my clients who have used this are very
enthusiastic about it and say it really works.
Some people prefer a vinegar douche, about a tablespoon to a
quart of warm water.
Vaginitis/Vaginal
Infection from a naturopathic point of view.
Probiotics:
"Living drugs" [Medscape registration is free] - this article includes
treatment for UTI's.
ACOG Releases
Technical Bulletin on Vaginitis / November 1, 1996.
From: C-upi@clari.net (UPI / LIDIA WASOWICZ, UPI Science Writer) Organization: Copyright 1997 by United Press International Date: Fri, 9 May 1997 0:50:48 PDTVAGINITIS SCREENING TEST: Litmus Concepts, Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif., says it's gotten the green light from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a quick and inexpensive test for a common women's health problem. The FemExam TestCard pH and Amine Test is for detecting vaginal infections, which have been linked to serious health risks. The disposable device is sized and shaped like a credit card. The doctor can perform the test in his or her office and have immediate results. What makes vaginal infections potentially dangerous is that often they have subtle symptoms or no symptoms at all. The new test provides an easy way to detect the problem before complications develop.
FemExam TestCard pH and Amine Test was approved by the FDA for U.S.
marketing, according to Litmus Concepts. The product is a
rapid, easy-to-use device designed to facilitate routine testing for
vaginitis. The new, disposable device is the size of a credit card and
allows
health-care providers to conduct initial testing quickly during an
office examination. Immediate, colorimetric, qualitative results indicate
whether the patient tests normal or should be further evaluated. To
use the product, the physician rubs a cotton swab containing undiluted
vaginal fluid over two circular test areas. One test indicates whether
the pH is high or normal, and the second test detects volatile
odor-causing amines.
Litmus Concepts, Inc., Santa Clara, CA, is developing four patented
diagnostic tests that comprise the FemExam TestCard System. These
tests, used primarily in the physician's office, screen and diagnose
common vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast and
trichomonasis. The tests are performed by collecting vaginal fluid
with a cotton swab and wiping it across the reagent section of the FemExam
card. While a typical vaginosis test performed at an outside laboratory
costs about $25.00 to $30.00, the FemExam TestCards are expected
to cost under $10.00.
The Fem Exam card for BV screening is from Cooper Surgical, phone (800)243-2974.
- Item number 52-7464-50 (the 50 part could be because that's the size
box we got). Cost for the box of 50 was $162, plus s&h (total
$181).
Phem-Alert probes are a swab for measuring vaginal pH. You can
order them from
Imagyn MFG
3050 Redhill Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
May be charged under CPT code 83986
Miscellaneous Causes of Vaginitis Still within the realm of infectious etiologies are other causes of vaginal discharge. One is termed lactobacillosis or Döderlein cytolysis. This entity is characterized by an overgrowth of the commensal lactobacilli (Fig. 9 shows lactobacilli from vaginal fluid of normal patient); hence, on saline wet mount, one finds an excessive number of bacilli among the background flora. The pH is typically low-normal. Treatment, therefore, is directed at correcting the disruption of the vaginal ecosystem in order to limit the excessive proliferation of these protective organisms.[48] Broad-spectrum antibiotics may lower the proliferation of the lactobacilli, and alkaline (sodium bicarbonate) douches may raise the vaginal pH to restore the ecosystem.
The recognized key to vaginal health and prevention of vaginitis, as Dr. Plourde notes, is presence of H2O2-producing strains of Lactobacillus species. These normally account for >95% of vaginal microflora. Present understanding suggests that maintenance of healthy Lactobacillus and low vaginal pH are mutually-reinforcing factors which reduce infection with various sexually transmitted bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, including HIV-1. Lactobacilli maintain the healthy vaginal ecosystem by at least 3 mechanisms:
Chlamydia
and Pregnancy [Medscape registration is free]
New
Diagnostic Methods for Chlamydial Infection in Women - Urine tests
and other non-invasive tests are being developed.
It can be difficult to diagnose yeast. Here's a tip from a trivia-mad medical student:
"In their initial stages, where there's little odor or discharge, it's
occasionally difficult to tell early on if you're sporting a yeast infection
or BV. However, it seems that even mildly hyperactive yeast colonies will
strongly fluoresce under black light whilst bacterial infections generally
don't. This was inadvertently discovered thanks to exotic dancers. They
constantly come into the hospital hysterical about curing their yeast infections
now now now- they're so black light visible, they drive the customers off.
Funny, huh? Useful, too."
Wet
Mount - this instructional web page will help you learn how to identify
trich, yeast and bacterial vaginosis.
Quest Diagnostics offers a Bacterial
Vaginosis / Vaginitis Panel (Quest
Code: 16760), which is highly sensitive and specfic for Trichomonas,
G. vaginalis, and Candida. It uses the Affirm™
VPIII Ambient Temperature Transport System (ATTS). Here's Quest
Diagnostics' full list of STD/STI tests.
see also: Breastfeeding/Thrush
NOTE - When trying to control an overgrowth of yeast in a newborn, they
might do better with bifidus than acidophilus. In particular, bifidobacterium
infantis is helpful for all newborns.
I can recommend a few immediate things to do...
Number 1 is you MUST starve yeast from their food source which is sugar
and simple carbs - and I mean ALL of it. I also suggest completely
illuminating all of the following: alcohol, vinegar (which is in everything),
caffeine, all yeasted products,and all fungus products (mushrooms, kombucha,
etc.). So set in for a few days of headache from both the caffeine
and carb withdrawal. Eat high protein, healthy fat, nuts and seeds
(avoid peanuts, cashews, and pistachios) and tons of veggies. Keep
your carb servings to one small serving a day (brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat,
millet, etc.).
Number 2- use herbs to kill off the yeast- there are many great remedies out there, contact you local herbalist, or ND (I can recommend a GREAT ND in santa cruz). You can do both herbal suppositories and orally.
Number 3- replace your damaged flora with healthy probiotics. What probiotics do is they do the work that your normal gut is supposed to do while your normal flora is working on re-colonizing. Jarrow formulas has a great allergy formula that is in the refrigerated section of your health food store.
http:
Linda Page's book, Healthy
Healing, is the most valuable holistic health reference book I've seen
for non-professionals. Her nutritional supplements are well formulated
and high quality and are especially helpful for people who are new to the
use of herbs for holistic health.
Naturopaths tell me that caprylic acid is gentle enough for children
and pregnant women.
Yeast Infections from Shonda
Parker, author of Naturally Healthy Living eNewsletter
The WholeApproach Candida Program
I've found that Flax Oil prevents/cures my problems with yeast.
Effect
of lactobacillus in preventing post-antibiotic vulvovaginal candidiasis:
a randomised controlled trial. [Full
text of article.]
"The use of oral or vaginal forms of lactobacillus to prevent post-antibiotic
vulvovaginitis is not supported by these results."
[Maybe the study tested women too soon after abx... Day 4 after finishing
the meds right? It can take a while for oral lactobacilli to re-colonize
the vagina and fight off yeast etc.]
Sources for alternative treatment supplies:
GY-NA-TREN includes
MEGADOPHILUS dairy-free capsules for oral use, and inserts for vaginal
application. [From Natren]
Fem-Dophilus -
100 Capsules Non-dairy JAR304 from Holistic
International in Canada
Pro-Femm
Kit - Pro-Biotic Suppositories (FEM-DOPHILUS™) by Jarrow Formulas,
10 Capsules and Applicator for Vaginal Use (Each 1 gram capsule contains
4 billion organisms.) and Citricidal® Vaginal Rinse Grapefruit Seed
Extract by NutriBiotic, 100 mgs. [Do a product search for Pro-Femm
Kit.] They may have other Candida
products.
Thrush by Nikki Macfarlane
1. Use homeopathic calendula soap rather than normal soap. Wash genitals
with hand rather than cloth.
An excerpt from a Mothering magazine article on the subject:
Many times father and siblings require lower-level treatment as
well. In cosleeping arrangements, all members who sleep in close contact
with each other should be treated. Yeast infections can be challenging
because treatment must be continued for two weeks after symptoms subside.
Personal hygiene matters in yeast control. While antibacterial soaps are
promoted for new parents, they may contribute to yeast overgrowth by killing
"good" bacteria. Still, it is important to wash your hands with warm water
and soap after diaper changes and using the bathroom. In addition, short-term
switching to paper towels as a drying method (single use only) can help
stop the spread. Temporary use of disposable diapers may help, too. Family
members should use a spray bottle of vinegar solution (1/4 cup white distilled
vinegar to 1 cup of water) to spray any areas on their bodies that stay
or get moist (pubic areas, armpits, under breasts and under any folds of
skin). This routine should be followed at least twice a day by those who
are not symptomatic and four times a day by those who display symptoms,
and continued for two weeks beyond the time that anyone shows symptoms.
Bath towels should not be shared, and ideally should only be used once.
If laundering after each u! se seems extreme, then they must be allowed
to thoroughly dry after every use. Additionally, items such as toothbrushes
and makeup can also harbor yeast spores. Every family member should get
a new toothbrush once the anti-yeast regimen is begun, and then again when
all symptoms disappear. No cornstarch powders or deodorants should be used,
as they are a food source for yeast.
My favorite remedy is for thrush/yeast infections. Because it is so
new to the market there is not much information on it except one book (The
Cure is in the Cupboard) that I could find. It is oil
of oregano! It has been performing just as the book said it would on
fungal, viral and bacterial infections.
Being a lactation consultant I mostly deal with breastfeeding problems
and the number of yeast infections is just tremendous these days! Sore
nipples from yeast have been responding almost immediately and some had
already been through the Nystatin route without relief. Most use two drops
under the tongue three times a day (it is really strong so a water chaser
is helpful or it can be put in juice). Two drops in a teaspoon of olive
oil and rubbed on baby's feet can treat them. That same solution can be
applied topically to the nipple.
When I have used it my husband tells me I have the breath of a thousand
pizzas or he at least accuses me of eating pizza mints!
The Candida Page - Candida
Albicans/Candidiasis Web Sites
the yeast infection
- homepage (Not for those easily offended!)
Guide to Yeast Free Living
- from "The Marnie Ko Collection" on Nurturing Online
Yeast
Infections section from Normal Changes of Pregnancy
From an Interview
with Dr. Christiane Northrup
Years ago, someone, maybe Valerie Hobbs, recommended motherwort for
yeast infections, and it has always worked very well for me. I use
a strong tea (infusion?) to soak a couple of gauze 4x4s, and tuck them
in like a tampon at bedtime, Usually one night will do it, occasionally
it's taken a couple nights if I've waited a while hoping that it really
wasn't yeast and would go away on i's own. I too have read that this
is not good for pg, so don't use it then, but have often wondered if that
amount of exposure would cause problems.
Yeast infections are a very common gynecological problem. It has been
shown that garlic kills yeast in laboratory petri dishes
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE:
In the event that you think you are suffering from a vaginal yeast infection,
here is what you do. As soon as you feel itchy, look at the type of discharge
in your vagina. You can put a finger in and if you see white dots or clumps
on your finger, You most likely have a yeast infection. If the discharge
is watery Yellow or green, then it is likely to be a different sort of
infection,
Here is the PROTOCOL:
If you first noticed the infection now, and there is only slight irritation
and not too much discharge, take a clove of garlic(One section of the bulb).
Cut it in half and peel it. Take one half and insert it into your vagina
as far as you comfortably can. Do this at bedtime. In the morning
remove the clove of garlic, the infection should be gone.
If the infection has been there for a few days and there is a moderate
amount of irritation and discharge, repeat the above instructions for one
or two or three nights.
The reason that I instruct people to insert it at night, is that as
soon as you insert it, you will get the taste of garlic in your mouth.
If the infection is very slight , an uncut clove of garlic may be enough
to cure you . The dose of garlic depends on how much of the inside
of the clove is exposed to the yeast.
I have doubts about putting minced garlic on tissues that are irritated
from a yeast infection, but one of my friends swears by this:
"This works great for yeast infections.... Minced garlic on a pantyliner...one
clove or two depending on how bad the infection is.... should only take
one or two days to subside mostly. To tackle the remaining infection I
use about 1oz of grapeseed oil with 2 or 3 drops of Tea Tree essential
oil mixed in and coat it on a tampon (ob works best since there is no applicator)"
Grapefruit seed extract works GREAT on yeast and to fight off a cold,
sore throat etc. This stuff taken internally works better than Monistat
7 externally. No kidding! And it's safe in pregnancy, too, according
to my resident doctor.
I take 10 drops in ORANGE JUICE since it's super super bitter 3 times
a day. I'm not yelling just putting on the emphasis that orange juice seems
to be the best medium to use since it covers up the taste. It comes in
capsules as well but I like knowing the liquid form is passing over the
mucous membranes when drinking it. It's an anti-microbial.
I just advise plain old salt or even baking soda baths. The idea is
strong salty solutions are mildly germicidal and soothing to tissues. If
they add baking soda it helps to make a change in the natural acidity/alkalinity
and can add a knock-out blow to resident yeasts and nasties.
Using the principle that yeast doesn't grow well in a salty environment,
I tried using a salt deodorant stick under my breasts and in some other
folds of the skin that were harboring yeast. This seemed to allow
my body to focus more on controlling the overgrowth of vaginal yeast.
(NOTE - If the skin starts to burn, then you've used too much . . . cut
back until you find the level that discourages the yeast but doesn't irritate
your skin.)
Vitamin
D Insufficiency Linked To Bacterial Vaginosis In Pregnant Women
ScienceDaily (May 21, 2009) Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most
common vaginal infection in US women of childbearing age, and is common
in pregnant women. BV occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the
vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria.
Because having BV puts a woman at increased risk for a variety of complications,
such as preterm delivery, there is great interest in understanding how
it can be prevented. Vitamin D may play a role in BV because it exerts
influence over a number of aspects of the immune system.
Maternal vitamin
D deficiency is associated with bacterial vaginosis in the first trimester
of pregnancy.
What Is
Bacterial Vaginosis? What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
Clindamycin
Prolongs Gestation in Women With Bacterial Vaginosis [Medscape registration
is free]
Late
miscarriage and preterm birth after treatment with clindamycin: a randomised
consent design study according to Zelen.
CONCLUSIONS: Clindamycin vaginal cream therapy was associated with significantly
prolonged gestation and reduced cost of neonatal care in women with BV.
Early screening for BV and treatment with clindamycin saved approximately
27 euro per woman. [Ed: This study compared treatment with clindamycin
vaginal cream against no treatment. Presumably, any effective treatment
would have beneficial effects, including hydrogen peroxide vaginal washes.]
Novel
bacterial vaginosis species identified
Molecular
identification of bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis.
CONCLUSIONS: Women with bacterial vaginosis have complex vaginal infections
with many newly recognized species, including three bacteria in the Clostridiales
order that were highly specific for bacterial vaginosis.
Cochrane
Update - Feb., 2005 - Antibiotic treatment can eradicate bacterial
vaginosis in pregnancy. However, this review provides little evidence that
screening and treating all pregnant women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis
will prevent preterm birth and its consequences. For women with a previous
preterm birth, there is some suggestion that treatment of bacterial vaginosis
may reduce the risk of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes and low birthweight.
The
potential for probiotics to prevent bacterial vaginosis and preterm labor.
TREATMENT
FOR BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS DURING PREGNANCY - [Medscape registration
is free.]
Bacterial
Vaginosis: A New Perspective - BV type II should be deemed an STD.
To safeguard the health of women with this entity, concomitant infection
caused by the major STD pathogens must be sought for and eradicated when
identified. [Medscape registration is free.]
Single
hydrogen peroxide vaginal douching versus single-dose oral metronidazole
for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis: a randomized controlled trial.
"CONCLUSION: Single hydrogen peroxide vaginal douching was less effective
than a single oral dose of metronidazole in the treatment of bacterial
vaginosis."
This is a really odd study in that they don't seem to be trying to find
the best treatment for BV in a holistic sense, i.e. what makes most sense
and works best for most women. For example, it makes sense to me
that you might need more treatments of a milder form of treatment, such
as hydrogen peroxide. But it seems much better to have more treatments
of something that has NO bad side effects than to have even one treatment
of a pharmaceutical agent that carries risk . . . substantial risk for
pregnant women!
Hydrogen peroxide even in a single dose is almost as effective as metronidazole;
it's cheaper; it's easily available without a prescription and it's safe
for women to self-diagnose and self-treat with hydrogen peroxide for this
condition.
The only purpose of this study seems to be to increase business for
the medical or pharmaceutical industries.
Recurrent
bacterial vaginosis--an old approach to a new problem.
Metronidazole
to Prevent Preterm Delivery in Pregnant Women with Asymptomatic Bacterial
Vaginosis. [Medline
entry]
Client Handout for Bacterial Vaginosis by
Daphne Singingtree, CPM, LM, Updated 12/99
Forty-six premenopausal women had both vaginal pH determinations and
cultures (women with yeast were excluded). Of the 34 with a vaginal pH
above 4.5, 33 were culture-positive for a bacterial pathogen. In contrast,
none of the 12 with a pH of 4.5 or less had a bacterial pathogen. The pH
test was not predictive of BV in postmenopausal women.
Comment: This study suggests that pH testing of the outer third of the
vaginal wall accurately identifies BV in asymptomatic premenopausal women.
It would be helpful to repeat the study in patients with symptomatic vaginitis.
I think the thinking is the peroxide re-established the vaginal flora,
and I would doubt it would have a problem with pregnancy.....you wouldn't
be trying to use this and also have intercourse. Also implied this is a
one time treatment that is highly effective. A good plan would be to do
this immediately following a period, as this is a time when some women
notice more BV.
Daphne also included this in her BV handout: Hydrogen peroxide douches:
Instead of high pressure douches we recommend vaginal washes: Take a 30-cc
syringe place three cc of hydrogen peroxide and fill the rest with distilled
water. Insert (without the needle) the syringe in your vagina, about an
inch and gently push the fluid in. Do this once a day for seven days.
Conference-Tx for BV- 3% Hydrogen Peroxide 30cc(1 T) put in vagina for
3 minutes(doing a hip tilt) supposedly cures 75% of women-one time only
treatment.
I treat all BV in pregnancy:
It is OK now to use metronidazole in the first trimester. No teratogenesis.
I would like to know if any of you have an effective natural treatment
for vaginal GBS. I have had women use hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and garlic,
and golden seal douches. None of these have gotten rid of or even reduced
the colony count. My thinking is I would like to reduce or obliterate our
risk if possible. Any suggestions??
The reason that vaginal rx does not work is that the reservoir for GBS
is the rectum. Since there is close proximity of the rectum and the vagina,
it is impossible to get rid of vaginal GBS. In fact, the CDC protocols
(regardless of which intrapartum arm one decides to follow) specifically
state no treatment of GBS during pregnancy.....it's just a waste
of time, alters the vaginal flora and ultimately does no good.
I've used echinacea as a vaginal wash (versus douche) for bacterial
vaginosis with good success and feel that it will be equally effective
against b strep--some nice proper studies need to be done, somebody! This
is safe for pregnancy.
I recommend 2 droppersful of echinacea tincture in 1 cup warm water.
I suggest to my clients that they get in the (empty) tub, scooch down,
open their labia with their fingers and pour the warm solution into their
vagina. (or they can use a short plastic funnel to direct it) then I tell
them to put their fingers in and swoosh it around for a while, trying to
get it into crevasses and folds (gently of course). After a while (your
tailbone won't like the tub too long) just sit up, let whatever wants to
run out do so, get out, wipe off! It can be repeated bid for a couple of
days as nec, but for bacterial vaginosis, once is often adequate. I haven't
done culture studies--the combination of also-used-antibiotics-somewhere-along-the-line
and comes-back-negative-even -without-treatment is too bothersome for my
non-research oriented mind, and it was not a treatment chosen by very many
of our clients.(Oh, well) Now I'm not working and don't have access to
a population for study- so somebody go for it.
If someone was + for strep and didn't choose antibiotics, vaginal washes
q3days or so the end of pregnancy (or weekly, maybe) and then once in very
early labor, (thoroughly and gently) would protect the baby quite nicely
I would think--at least from vaginal exposure.
This is taken from "Herbal Healing for Women" by Rosemary Gladstar,
a must have book for anyone interested in herbs!!
"Gardnerella is a yellow, white or mucusy discharge which may or may
not have blood in it. It is usually accompanied by itching or vaginal irritation
and sometimes cystitis-like symptoms...The odor can be especially strong-smelling
and rather fishy. Some cases of gardnerella are asymptomatic and are only
found by a pap smear. In much the same way as other yeast infections, gardnerella
often begins when a woman's natural resistance is lowered by anxiety, tension,
lack of sleep, poor diet, sexual activity with an infected partner, birth
control pills and other medications and/or an imbalanced diet.
To combat bacterial infections, eat plenty of garlic - a safe natural
antibiotic - and eat a diet rich in high-quality protein...Be sure to eat
a diet rich in a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals. Concentrate on
B vitamin complex and vitamin C, E and A. Comfrey/oatstraw tea is highly
recommended, both as a preventative and a remedy. An excellent tonic high
in protein, vitamins and minerals and rich in chlorophyll, comfrey/oatstraw
tea is a natural cleanser of the system.
For the itching...apply a comfrey/St. John's Wort salve directly on
the lips and inside the vagina. Medicinal Yoni Powder should be sprinkled
over the area several times daily. This will not only help with the odor
but, more important, help heal the infection. Cultured buttermilk or yogurt
applied directly to the area of irritation is very soothing and healing.
Insert the yogurt inside the vagina using your fingers or a tampon applicator.
At first the yogurt may burn slightly, but the burning sensation will quickly
pass...Gently douche with the following formula every 2 days until the
infection clears.
*Apple Cider Vinegar Douche*
*Abstain from intercourse - it is easily spread...and avoids further
agitation
Yoni Powder*
I personally found that tea tree oil works wonders on yeast infections
and may have the same effect on gardnerella. Simply put 15-20 drops of
the oil on a tampon and insert, leave in for 24 hours. You can also make
a douche with tea tree oil: 8-10 drops per 1pint of water or 10 drops in
a bath. There are also tea tree oil suppositories at the health food store.
I highly recommend trying tea tree oil first because it is so effective.
Your client will want to tell the whole world it is that great! Let me
know what happens - I am always curious to hear results so I know that
my recommendations are on track.
I am working a specific protocol and survey for "alternative" treatments,
but been too busy to get it done. I will post here when it is ready (the
summer went by too fast, I'm in love). In the meantime, here is what my
research has shown to be effective. If you use this or anything else please
document all methods you hear about, what method you use for diagnosis,
and what works and let me know. I have a lot of references on this condition
& the following treatments, I don't have time to post them tonight
but e-mail me privately and I will send them soon.
I am currently using two methods; the first is hydrogen peroxide vaginal
washes: It is easy, cheap & hydrogen peroxide is what the vagina produces
naturally to clean bacteria. If that doesn't work I use tea tree oil suppositories
1xnight for 7 nights (I get mine from Eclectic 1-800-332-HERB). I also
recommend echinacea & vit. C internally. If all that fails then I have
them do the cleocin or the metrogel in the last trimester.
Directions for hydrogen peroxide washes:
Take a 30 cc syringe (without the needle) place 3 cc of hydrogen peroxide
and fill the rest with distilled water. Insert the syringe in the vagina
about an inch and push the fluid in. Do this once a day for seven days.
During treatment period the partner should wear condoms during intercourse.
To prevent recurrences the partner should wash after intercourse with a
mild antibacterial soap (like dial).
Flagyl is a heavy-duty drug, but nothing else really works for trich
and it's very effective against BV, as well. I'm amazed that her doctor
called Flagyl and Clindamycin "dangerous".
Flagyl had a terrible reputation around here, supposed to cause birth
defects if used in pregnancy and on our initial risk assessment forms (taken
directly from our local teaching hospital in 1981 --we used a "RISK FACTOR
SCORING" system then) "use of flagyl in pregnancy" was rated a "5" - the
highest score!
I never could get good info on why it was supposed to be so awful -
but everybody "knew" it was[grin]... Can anyone enlighten???!
Flagyl (metronidazole) may be carcinogenic, and can cause birth defects
and gene mutations (thus affecting more than one generation!). It enters
the bloodstream and lowers the WBC, decreasing immune response. IT SHOULD
NOT BE TAKEN BY A PREGNANT WOMAN OR A WOMAN WITH PEPTIC ULCERS. It should
not be taken by anyone with an infection elsewhere in the body, anyone
with a history of blood disease, or anyone with a disease of the CNS. Never
drink alcohol or use vinegar at all until the course of treatment is completed.
In combination with Flagyl, alcohol and/or vinegar can cause nausea, vomiting,
sweating, and weakness.
An alternative pharmaceutical for trich is vag suppositories of Betadine.
Make your own---it's cheaper!
Natural remedies include garlic vag suppositories and garlic oil capsules.
To do a garlic supp, peel a clove of garlic (careful not to nick it or
it burns!) and wrap it in gauze, twisting into a tail. Insert like a tampon.
Replace every 4 hours or so. Also a good treatment for yeast.
Another is boric acid capsules. These can also burn but are very effective.
Fill a size "00" capsule with boric acid powder and insert 2 capsules as
deeply as possible in the vagina. Repeat once a day for 7 days. Wear a
pad as there may be extra discharge. Many women report a burning sensation
the first couple of days. DO NOT TAKE CAPSULES ORALLY!
Vinegar douches can be helpful because trich grows best in an alkaline
environment. Herbal "tea" can be added for increased effect. Try making
a tea of 2 parts sage, 2 parts raspberry leaf, 2 parts mullein and 1/4
part goldenseal root. Boil 1 quart water and steep herbs in it, tightly
covered, for 1 hour. Strain and add 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar,
1 tablespoon acidophilus culture or 1/4 cup yogurt, and a tiny drop of
tea tree oil. Mix well and allow to cool to warm but not hot. Douche gently
with a slow flow every couple of days.
Another formula is an oral capsule consisting of 2 parts chaparral powder,
1 part osha root powder, 2 parts pau d'arco powder and 1/2 part black walnut
hull powder. Take 2 capsules 3x daily until symptoms disappear.
As with any natural or herbal remedy, the above-mentioned suggestions
are merely offered as traditional women's wisdom and should be used carefully,
with respect. One should never use any remedy one is not familiar with
without competent supervision. [standard disclaimer...grin]
Does anyone have any homeopathic remedies for chronic gardnerella in
non-pregnant or pregnant women? I have several non-pregnant patients who
have been treated with metronidazole, metro-gel, clindamycin p.o. and vaginal
cream, acidophilus p.o and baking soda douches.
I would like to point out something that I learned (or maybe re-learned?)
at the conference I went to recently. The session was on vaginitis and
a portion on the lecture was on Bacterial Vaginosis, which is what we now
call what used to be called Gardnerella. The important point that the lecturer
made, in my opinion, is that Gardnerella is now known to be only a co-factor
in BV. It is not diagnostic!! Up to 50% of healthy women (i.e. no BV) have
Gardnerella as part of their normal flora - in the absence of clue cells
or other sx of BV, it should be ignored.
A client who transferred to my practice from another CNM in the area
was really concerned about this. The other CNM had diagnosed BV based on
an initial vaginal culture, though the client had no sx whatsoever and
no wet mount was done to confirm. She was told how dangerous BV is and
rx'd with Flagyl in the 1st trimester, but didn't take it. After coming
home from the conference, I went back to her old records and sure enough,
the culture picked up Gardnerella alone. We now feel pretty comfortable
leaving it without tx.
If BV is diagnosed through sx and a wet mount showing clue cells with
few or no WBC and decreased lactobacilli, the tx regimens she recommended
are:
Metronidazole 500 mg orally BID x 7 days
Metronidazole gel 0.75%, 5 gms intravaginally BID x 5 days (may be dropped
to a once daily dose soon)
Clindamycin 2% cream, 5 gms intravaginally qHS x 7 days
Clindamycin 300 mg orally BID for 7 days
She recommended against using Ampicillin, triple sulfa cream, acigel,
iodine solutions, or other antibiotics. Recurrence rate is up to 80% in
the first nine months, so it obviously has a tendency to be stubborn. Treating
the partners has not been shown to decrease the recurrence rate.
Incidentally, in treating BV in pregnancy, using oral metronidazole
rather than vaginal apparently leads to fewer cases of preterm labor. Might
be esp. important in women with PTL risk factors. Shucks - I really hate
using the oral stuff during pregnancy and probably continue to avoid it
if possible.
I don't know about remedies for a "persistent" yeast infection, but
for your standard garden-variety yeast infection I've had great success
with application of essential oils of lavender and/or tea tree. Usually
I've just poured about a tablespoon of carrier oil (e.g. sweet almond oil)
into the palm of my hand, then added a few drops of said essential oils.
Then I apply it both internally (vaginally, that is -- not orally) and
around the vagina. After doing this morning and night for a day or two,
I've been problem-free.
Try a sitz bath with four to six drops of tea tree oil in it swish water
around vagina stay in tub for at least ten minutes. You can also add myrrh
to this. Keep vagina dry. Try wearing a dress with no underwear for a few
days. Also I make a oil with lavender and myrrh. 2 drops Myrrh, 4 drops
lavender, to 1/2floz(15ml/2 1/tsp.) of carrier lotion or oil. I use apricot
kernel oil for a carrier and use this on the outer lips of vagina it might
burn a bit if vagina is very irritated. Try to avoid intercourse for a
while. These recipes came from Aromatherapist Shirley Price. I have tried
everything and I think ultimately the aromatherapy really helped. Give
some of the oil to your partner too. Also I think standing meditation has
really helped too.
Take odorless garlic, Citrimax (or other grapefruit seed extract capsules),
acidophilus, and vitamin C 3 times a day. Also don't use any soap other
than perhaps a very mild liquid baby soap (regular soaps are too alkaline),
go without underwear, and CHANGE YOUR DIET! Eliminate all processed foods,
white flour, white sugar, and nitrate-preserved meats. Concentrate on whole
foods with a minimal amount of fruits. Avoid canned fruit juices. You can
also use a douche of liquid Citrimax (or other comparable product), tea
tree oil, and acidophilus.
In cases of persistent yeast infection, diabetes and immune-compromising
conditions should be ruled out. Other common causes are antibiotics, stress,
and vitamin b deficiency.
In addition to applying plain live yogurt topically, anyone who
has a persistent yeast infection should eliminate sugar and yeast from
her diet, at least temporarily. Taking acidophilus might also be helpful.
Anne McIntyre recommends sitting in a bowl of dilute vinegar or lemon
juice (one part to three parts water) to correct pH imbalance. She also
recommends eating plenty of garlic, cold pressed olive oil, and taking
an anti-fungal caprylic acid supplement, and douching once a day with a
tea made from thyme, calendula, golden seal, chamomile or myrrh. (Reference,
The Complete Woman's Herbal)
There are a lot of books on this topic alone! Look under candida albicans
at the library/bookstore.
I wanted to put out my experience with Boric Acid in pregnancy.
I used it myself quiet successfully non pregnant and asked another midwife
about its use in pregnancy, with her support I went on to suggest it to
my clients. Three women in one year had PROM (37 and half weeks,
38, and 39) while using it late in their pregnancies. (Since then I have
been reprimanded by a good friend midwife that I respect that I should
have known better not to use it-oh well-live and learn)
It was quite clear that all membrane rupture occurred during the use
of the Boric Acid and all without any labor or signs of labor. I
was lucky that we managed to get all three to birth at home, but not without
Prolonged rupture and castor oil and every other natural induction we could
think of to accomplish this.
Without a doubt I feel that Boric Acid works to get yeast infections
under control, it is awfully stringent and leaves the tissue in great need
of rebuilding its healthy flora. It might have properties that break
down the mucous and membranous tissues. I always suggest some yogurt
after only one or two doses. Now for pregnancy I would not have women
use it again with the experience I had with PROM certainly not in capsule
form so close to the cervix.
Now how about having someone sit in a shallow bath with Boric Acid powder
added and let it flow up into the vagina and then using yogurt suppository
as an option? I would feel that to be far less likely to disturbed
the mucous or membranes.
I've heard that boric acid is effective against yeast without bothering
the acidophilus. Perhaps this is because acidophilus is ACID LOVING,
thus the name ACIDO-PHILUS.
I HAVE written about this in MT and so...the beat goes on. I think
in solution it is ok, but not in a capsule. Maybe a tsp in a cup
of h2o.
I think it must have been some kind of fluke. I've known DOZENS
of women using boric acid capsules in pregnancy without problems -- certainly
nothing as obvious as ROM! Boric acid capsules are pretty much the
first thing recommended here for stubborn yeast or BV. Lots of experience
in my region with it. I think if there were a problem we would have seen
it already.
From reading your post on Boric Acid I was spurred to think about my
experiences with it during pregnancy. I am not so sure that I would
not use it during late pregnancy as I am not sure which came first-- the
infection that predisposes the ROM--- or the use of the Boric Acid.
I would really like to look into this issue at greater detail. I
myself have not had any increase in rupture with the use of Boric Acid.
If you're not pregnant and want to try boric acid, you can shop
online.
I am now prescribing a vaginal suppository of tea tree oil which is
formulated for yeast. Having tremendous success.
I recommend Tea Tree Oil suppositories. Just the oil in cocoa
butter. Work great.
Don't those suppositories burn like the dickens? One of my clients
said she almost cried. Had to take it out.
Try "Tea Tree Vaginal Suppositories" by Thursday Plantation, and you
can have your health food store order it through Natures
I believe tea tree oil should always be diluted when used on the skin
or mucous membranes. The straight stuff would definitely burn.
While dilution on the mucous membranes is true, tea tree is one of the
essentials that may be used "neat" (without dilution) on the skin with
out fear of tissue damage. The other is lavender.
The recommendations below reference quite a few different herbs and
essential oils, which can be overwhelming. You can purchase a packet
of Afterbirth
Sitz Herbs, which is an herbal blend including Uva ursi leaf, yarrow
flowers, sage leaf, comfrey leaf and root, plantain leaves, witch hazel
bark, sea salt. They say "One 5 oz package provides enough herbs for 4-5
baths.", but since you're using much smaller amounts of water, you can
use smaller amounts of herbs, too. I would guess that a packet of
herbs could be used for at least 15 penile soaks.
The essential oils can be a bit pricey, but they last a long time.
It's always good to have tea tree oil around, anyway, for minor skin infections,
and the lavender smells nice. You can buy those two at Whole Foods
- I'm not sure about the Bergamot. Be sure to get organic blends!!!
"This technique for male hygiene and external herbal therapy was originated
and is strongly suggested by a clinical herbal therapist named Cascade
Anderson-Geller. One can think of this as a male (reverse) douche to be
used if you itch, after making love, or any other time you suspect a problem.
Without question, it is most important for a male whose female partner
may have a vaginal malady to use these penis soaks. Many of these vaginal/uterine
infections such as gardnerella, trichomonas, monilia (yeast and candida)
chlamydia, urethritis, etc., are transmitted or re-infected by the male
member during intercourse. The microorganisms are passed back and forth
between partners to the chagrin of both, especially the female. Most
often the male, because he doesn't offer as perfect a breeding arena, doesn't
experience the symptoms as intensely and uncomfortably as the female. At
the same time both partners must work to bolster their immune systems.
To perform a penis soak simply hold a drinking glass filled with a strong
infusion or decoction of appropriate herbs and hang in there for 5-10 minutes.
(If you are not circumcised retract the foreskin throughout the soak).
The tea should be as warm as possible. It is helpful to include the testicles
in the soak, too, so you might graduate to a vase or a jar as a container.
In general, I recommend using combinations of strong aromatic herbs
for this male herbal soak, such as equal parts of yarrow, sage, Lavender,
and Chaparral. You can include one to two drops of Tee Tree oil, Lavender,
and Bergamot. Disperse the oils well, soak for 5-10 minutes at least once
but preferably 2-3 times a day.
......when communicable infection is involved between caring lovers,
each partner has a responsibility to the mutual care. No matter how
absurd the image of this therapy strikes you, in time when your female
partner is stressed with recurring vaginal infection, the most chivalrous
act is a daily hygienic penis soak until the cycle of re-infection has
been stopped. Words of love are merely promises."
Unfortunately this is a one month cycle for full yeast die-off.
And if you are chronically infected- or it is more of a systemic problem-
then you are looking at least 2 months die off cycle.
Pirotta M, Gunn J, Chondros P, Grover S, O'Malley P, Hurley S, Garland
S.
BMJ. 2004 Aug 27
2. Go without underpants or wear cotton boxer shorts.
3. Eat fresh garlic often, live yoghurt and pure unrefined olive oil.
The olive oil contains oleic acid which can prevent candida growth, but
it must be eaten raw - e.g.. on salads. It can be beneficial to take one
tablespoon daily.
4. Live yoghurt onto a tampon then inserted into the vagina at night,
washing it off in the morning.
5. A few tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda in the bath can ease itching
and reduce acidity.
6. Chamomile cream applied to the vulva several times a day to ease
itching. Alternatively sit in a bath of strong chamomile tea or wash the
vulva with chamomile tea with 10 drops of calendula tincture added.
7. Sepia 6C (homeopathy) taken 3 times a day for up to one week, stopping
when symptoms stop, can be beneficial.
8. Drink teas of chamomile, fennel or calendula 3 times daily.
9. Baths with salt added can ease the discomfort. Also, one tablespoon
of lemon juice added to 300ml of water used to wash the vulva 2-3 times
a day can help.
10. Reduce stress!!!!!!
If it's a first time yeast infection, Monistat® or Gynolotrimon®
is perfectly safe. If that doesn't work, I would use 500mg boric acid capsules,
which your formulary pharmacy or any pharmacist can make up, in the vagina
or a boric acid douche. Or you might use Tea Tree oil as a douche, just
a small amount in water that's anti fungal. The old paradigm is seeing
the yeast as the enemy so the yeast has to be eliminated. So we kill the
yeast. The new paradigm says: what is it that is causing the imbalance
in the body in the first place? What is allowing yeast which is normally
there, to over grow?
and it has been documented that garlic kills yeast infections in large
animals like cows
I think this would bother most people when they are awake, but it is
not a bother when one is sleeping.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bodnar LM, Krohn MA, Simhan HN.
J Nutr. 2009 Jun;139(6):1157-61. Epub 2009 Apr 8.
Larsson PG, Fahraeus L, Carlsson B, Jakobsson T, Forsum U; Premature
study group of the Southeast Health Care Region of Sweden.
BJOG. 2006 Jun;113(6):629-37.
Fredricks DN, Fiedler TL, Marrazzo JM.
N Engl J Med. 2005 Nov 3;353(18):1899-911.
Reid G, Bocking A.
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2003 Oct; 189(4): 1202-8.
Chaithongwongwatthana S, Limpongsanurak S, Sitthi-Amorn C.
J Med Assoc Thai. 2003 Jun;86 Suppl 2:S379-84
Winceslaus SJ, Calver G
Int J STD AIDS 1996 Jul;7(4):284-7
Hydrogen peroxide (3%) used as a single vaginal wash was as
effective as any other agent in current use in clearing the vaginal malodour
of bacterial vaginosis at 3 weeks after treatment.
Carey JC, Klebanoff MA, Hauth JC, et al.
N Engl J Med 2000 Feb 24;342(8):534-540
Conclusions: The treatment of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis
in pregnant women does not reduce the occurrence of preterm delivery
or other adverse perinatal outcomes.
Vaginal pH Test for Bacterial Vaginosis in Premenopausal Women.
NS.-Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is caused by a variety of organisms, and occurs
in half of women with a vaginal discharge. Because diagnosis through cultures
is costly and time-consuming, BV currently is defined clinically when four
signs are present: a vaginal pH greater than 4.5, many clue cells seen
on wet smear of the discharge, a positive amine odor when discharge is
mixed with potassium hydroxide, and a homogeneous discharge. This study
evaluated how good vaginal pH alone was for diagnosing BV in asymptomatic
pre- and postmenopausal women.
AU.-Caillouette JC et al.
TI.-Vaginal pH as a marker for bacterial pathogens and menopausal status.
SO.-Am J Obstet Gynecol 1997;176:1270-7.
1st trimester - clindamycin 300mg BID x 7
2nd & 3rd trimester - metronidazole 500mg BID x 7
Echinacea as a Vaginal Wash
1 qt. warm water
2 tbls. apple cider vinegar
1-2 tsp. garlic oil
*Help acidify your system by drinking 8oz of unsweetened cranberry
juice every day.
1 c. fine white clay
1/2 c. cornstarch
2 tbs. black walnut hull powder
2 tbs. myrrh powder
1 tbs goldenseal powder
1-2 drops of tea tree oil"
About Boric Acid
About Tea Tree Oil
Plus. It is 200mg tea tree oil in vegetable oil base.
Herbal Treatment for Male Partners
Penis Soaks -- The P.S. of couples' mutual health-care
From The Male Herbal
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