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
