What is Bacterial Vaginosis? – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Abstract

Vaginitis is one of the most common gynaecological conditions which is being reported by females. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common type of vaginal infection and as the name suggests the causative factor for this condition is a bacteria named Gardnerella vaginalis. This bacteria is the most common infection causing organisms in this condition.  Prevotella, Peptostreptococcus and Bacteroides spp are few others which are known. If seen from ayurvedic lens bacterial vaginosis can be correlated with shleeshmiki yonivyapad. It is also known by the name kaphaja yonivyapad due to the predominance of kapha in this condition. In this article we will discuss both ayurvedic and modern aspects of bacterial vaginosis and also about some herbal formulations that can be used to manage this condition.

Introduction

Bacterial vaginosis is a condition that develops irrespective of the age and socioeconomic status. There are many reasons which are being mentioned for the existence of this condition in both modern science as well as in ayurveda. Bacterial vaginosis is termed as vaginosis instead of vaginitis as it is associated with the alteration in normal vaginal flora. It is the most common condition in women which is marked by the increase of anaerobic bacteria in vagina and reduction of lactobacilli due to production of hydrogen peroxide. Though this infection is not sextually transmitted but can be an associated condition.

Causes for Bacterial Vaginosis or kaphaja Yonivyapad

In modern science the main cause mentioned is the change in vaginal flora due to lactobacilli reduction by Gardnerella vaginalis, Prevotella, Peptostreptococcus, and Bacteroides spp presence. The route of transmission of these bacteria may vary

1. Sexual transmission
2. Use of unhygienic undergarments
3. Not maintaining proper vaginal hygiene

In addition, as mentioned above, ayurveda is termed this condition as kaphaja yonivyapad due to predominance of kapha dosha. The causes of kapha vitiation is as follows

Excessive use of abhishyandi articles, intake of heavy oily and greasy food, laziness, sedentary lifestyle, unhygienic or incompatible food.These All factors combine together and hence cause kapha aggravation thus producing various lakshana or symptoms in yoni.

Symptoms for Bacterial vaginosis

General symptoms in this condition includes

1. Homogenous greyish white discharge
2. Non viscous discharge
3. Malodorous and uniformly adherent vaginal discharge
4. Discharge profuse on labia
5. Patient often complains of itching especially late night itching
6. Redness over labia
7. Pain and swelling over labia
8. Burning sensation in vagina while urination
9. Vaginal irritation
10. If ignored for long, patients have chances to develop pelvic inflammatory disorder.

Now considering the condition through Ayurvedic lens kaphaja vitiation causes unctuousness, coldness, itching and dull vaginal pain. The woman looks anemic and discharge is usually of a dull yellowish colour. Moreover the menstrual blood is unctuous. According to ayurveda acharya this condition is even present during menstruation.

Females at risk of getting Bacterial vaginosis

1. Females who are sexually active
2. Women with multiple sex partners
3. Douching
4. Females not preferring use of condoms
5. Pregnant females due to hormonal changes
6. Females with intrauterine devices

Diagnosis

Generally a sample of vaginal discharge is taken for microscopic examination. This examination helps in finding the causative agent according to which treatment is prescribed. Moreover pelvic examination is done along with testing the vaginal pH.

Treatment

The treatment is prescribed with one of the following antibiotics

1. Metronidazole (in form of oral ingestion as well as tropical application)
2. Clindamycin ointment is prescribed to be applied locally
3. Tinidazole can also be taken orally.
4. Your physician might guide you to maintain vaginal hygiene, not douching, avoiding multiple sex partners, using protection while having sex and washing yourself daily.

In Ayurveda, under the chikitsa sidhant of kaphaja yonivyapad ruksha and ushan treatment is mentioned.

• Acharya told of the use of katu pradhan basti (like use of  basti made with cow urine and drugs predominantly having katu properties.
• Application of paste locally (paste of trivrit)
• Use of varti (pessaries) prepared with a piece of cloth soaked several times in a bile of hog.

Herbal Remedies for Bacterial Vaginosis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a leading herbal manufacturing unit and is GMP certified. Our organisation deals with the manufacturing and production of several herbal products which are formulated under the guidance of expert doctors. The whole manufacturing unit works under the guidance of Ayurvedic doctors so as to avoid any kind of compromise with the quality of medication. For the management of bacterial vaginosis Planet Ayurveda also offers some of its herbal medications.

These medications are as follows

1. Neem Capsules
2. Pradrantak Churna
3. Nirgundi Oil
4. Gandhak Rasayan

Products Description

1. Neem Capsules

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is known for its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. It is very much potent for managing bacterial vaginosis as it is also having blood purification properties. It is having tridoshahar properties that means it acts on pacifying three types of dosha

Dose: One capsule twice a day after meals.

2. Pradrantak Churna

Pradrantak churan is manufactured using potent herbs such as

• lodhra (Symplocos racemosa)
• Ashok (Saraca indica)
• udumbar (Ficus glomerata)
• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna).

It helps in supporting the female reproductive system and is a slightly modified form of classical pushyanug churna. It also helps in reducing pain and swelling over the labial area. This formulation is very much potent in reducing anaerobic bacterial colonies.

Dose: Half tsp twice a day after meals.

3. Nirgundi Oil

Nirgundi oil has ingredients like manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), haridra (Curcuma longa) and kalahari (Gloriosa superba).  Its local application is very beneficial in reducing swelling, itching, irritation and redness from the vagina. It also increases the lactobacilli in vagina which is important for vaginal health maintenance.

Dosage– Apply twice a day after washing carefully.

4. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak rasayan is manufactured using purified forms of sulphur. It helps in rejuvenation of vaginal skin and also helps in maintenance of vaginal heath. Use of this formulation helps in preventing recurrence of bacterial vaginosis.

Dose: Two tablets twice a day after meals.

Conclusion

Bacterial vaginosis is a very common condition among females in today’s era. There is nothing to be afraid of but recurrent infection or long term infection can result in various other conditions. The medications offered by planet ayurveda are totally herbal and do not cause any side effects. So use these herbal formulations and keep yourself away from diseases. For more queries you can share your query on herbalremedies123@yahoo.com .