About Vaginal Infections
Vaginal Infections:
Frequent vaginal infections are a common problem for many women. Most vaginal infections are caused by an imbalance in the normal bacterial and yeast environment of the vagina. In the normal vagina, the yeast and bacteria grow in competition to each other, preventing 'overgrowth' or 'infection'. An imbalance may be precipitated by a recent event such as antibiotic use or heavy menstrual bleeding. Hormonal changes may increase a woman's susceptibility to vaginal infections. Examples of hormonal changes are: the monthly changes of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, pre-menopause, menopause, oral contraceptives, and breast-feeding. Some medications such as antihistamines may precipitate vaginal infections.
Hormonal changes are a natural part of a woman's life, therefore efforts to control vaginal infections focus on restoring a 'good' balance to the vaginal environment. We recommend that women:
Boric Acid
Boric Acid is an over-the-counter eyewash powder. It is gentle enough to use in the eyes and vagina. The acid helps to restore the normal acidic vaginal environment. By using boric acid in the vagina, a woman begins, to restore the balance of growth of the yeast and bacteria in the vagina. The Boric Acid is a powder and frequently is less messy than the creams. It is safe for use in pregnancy.
Revised 03/06/00
Frequent vaginal infections are a common problem for many women. Most vaginal infections are caused by an imbalance in the normal bacterial and yeast environment of the vagina. In the normal vagina, the yeast and bacteria grow in competition to each other, preventing 'overgrowth' or 'infection'. An imbalance may be precipitated by a recent event such as antibiotic use or heavy menstrual bleeding. Hormonal changes may increase a woman's susceptibility to vaginal infections. Examples of hormonal changes are: the monthly changes of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, pre-menopause, menopause, oral contraceptives, and breast-feeding. Some medications such as antihistamines may precipitate vaginal infections.
Hormonal changes are a natural part of a woman's life, therefore efforts to control vaginal infections focus on restoring a 'good' balance to the vaginal environment. We recommend that women:
- Avoid douching
- Avoid harsh, perfumed, or deodorant soaps
- Avoid fabric softener or 'dryer' sheets
- Wear cotton underwear
Boric Acid
Boric Acid is an over-the-counter eyewash powder. It is gentle enough to use in the eyes and vagina. The acid helps to restore the normal acidic vaginal environment. By using boric acid in the vagina, a woman begins, to restore the balance of growth of the yeast and bacteria in the vagina. The Boric Acid is a powder and frequently is less messy than the creams. It is safe for use in pregnancy.
- Boric Acid Capsules: Boric Acid Powder is available without a prescription. Large Gelatin Capsules "00" - available without a prescription (bag of 100) about 600mg size- a pharmacist can help you identify the correct size (Some pharmacies will make this for you for a small charge such as Broadway Pharmacy.)
- Treatment: If you have the beginnings of a vaginal infection such as itching, discharge, or odor, it is safe to use the Boric Acid to prevent a full infection.
- fill the gelatin capsules with acid
- place a Boric Acid Capsule in the vagina twice daily
- use one capsule in the vagina twice daily for one week
- Prevention: Many women will suffer from recurring vaginal infections. To prevent an infection Boric Acid can be used to re-establish the normal environment. It can be used in the following ways:
- Begin use the last 2 days of the menstrual cycle and continue for 5- 7 days.
- Use twice daily while taking antibiotics to avoid infection.
Revised 03/06/00
