Vaginal infections are the most common health complaint amongst women in the sex industry. There are three main types of infection with different organisms causing them and different vaginal discharges.

They all have the same basic symptoms:

• an unusual discharge

• itching of the vulva with pain, swelling or redness of the vaginal area

• pain or discomfort during intercourse

• stinging when urinating

All these organisms normally live in the vagina and are usually no trouble in the acidic environment. It is when the environment becomes alkaline they flourish and cause problems.

This may happen with normal changes caused by the pill or at different times in menstrual cycle. Stress or illness also affect changes in the vagina causing overgrowth.

Frequent intercourse can cause irritation as vaginal lubricating fluid is alkaline.

Other causes are:

• Antibiotics which can kill off normal bacteria causing other organisms to overgrow

• Douching and heavily perfumed soap and sprays can also cause some infections for the same reasons as above so avoid using them

• thrush can live under the foreskin of a penis and trichoma can be sexually transmitted as well, so the source of infection can be a partner

Treatment is advised if symptoms are present and persistent. A swab must be taken to identify the causative organism because the medication for each one is different. Your local STD clinic provides this service. They will also advise you if your partner should be treated as well in the case of trichomonas or recurrent, frequent infections.

Don't despair though. There are things you can do to prevent or relieve attacks especially if you know you are more likely to get them. Not all remedies will work for you, but try them to find out which one suits you.

Ask at your chemist for a cream which will restore the acid environment. It should be used for about five days.

Acidophilous yoghurt or oral tablets from health food shops restore normal vaginal flora. Yoghurt on your vulva does the same and is soothing as well.

A bath of one part vinegar to 3 parts warm water is soothing and acidic. A tampon soaked in this solution does the same thing. Replace the tampon every 4-6 hours. Keep your genitals dry and well aired. Cotton pants are best as they absorb moisture.

Stop the introduction of infection from outside sources, e.g. wipe yourself from front to back after going to the toilet. Always use condoms as it is possible to acquire or pass on any infection both at work and in your private life.

If you need to return to work, use plenty of water based lubricant such as KY Jelly or Wet Stuff.

Above all, try and keep healthy and stress free. Eat plenty of vegetables and avoid foods that contain yeast such as some bread, Marmite/Vegemite and foods with a high concentration of sugar. Remember, when you are run down you are more susceptible to infection.

SEA SPONGES
Working while menstruating is a personal choice. Some women prefer to have the first few days off; to some it doesn't bother them at all.

Menstrual blood carries H.I.V. (the AIDS virus) as do vaginal secretions and it is particularly risky having oral sex performed on you at this time. likewise you are susceptible to HIV/STD infection as your cervix is open slightly and trauma can be done while inserting tampons, sponges etc, making it easier for an infection to enter your body.

Sea sponges have been the most popular method of absorbing blood while working. If you use a sponge, remember it was once a living thing and can contain impurities and pollutants. It should be rinsed out thoroughly in water to get rid of sand etc. and soaked in salt and water (2tsp:1 cup) before use.

Choose a good quality sponge with tight holes. Don't try to economise too much by cutting it into pieces, these can be lost behind the cervix and damage can be done

Rinse the sponge out after every client. it is best discarded after the end of the shift Some women use them more than once. It's not recommended as there is a high risk of vaginal infection

The sponge is at little risk of being Pushed up the cervix during intercourse but as I mentioned before they can be difficult to locate afterwards. Some women attach a piece of tampon string to the sponge so this doesn't happen but it's personal choice.

Don't leave the sponge in overnight or forget to remove it at the end of a period.

Both the diaphragm and gynoseal are gaining popularity and they can be reused and do not have to be washed until the end of the shift.

They both work on the same principal of covering your cervix and collecting the blood. They are undetectable during intercourse and they should be used in conjunction with a condom and they provide another barrier if the condom breaks. With the gynoseal, one size fits all but a diaphragm must be fitted by a doctor or at a family planning clinic. It should be refitted if you lose or gain weight or after the birth of a baby, especially if you are using it for birth control as well. More