Prevention

 probiotics. The normal vaginal flora consists mainly of beneficial bacteria of the type Lactobacillus acidophilus that counter the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. Vaginal administration of these “good” bacteria, probiotics, could therefore constitute a means of preventing vaginal infections recurring³¹.

The vaginal administration of probiotics makes it possible to fight effectively against bacterial vaginosis. Thus, a clinical trial conducted in 2010 with around 75 women prone to recurrent bacterial vaginosis showed that daily vaginal administration of probiotic capsules (Probaclac Vaginal®) reduced the recurrence rate of infections by approximately 11%. (for 2 months). The capsules were administered for XNUMX weeks, with a one-week break between each treatment period³⁰. Unfortunately, in the event of yeast vaginitis, probiotics seem ineffective³²whether administered orally or vaginally. For more details, see the Probiotics sheet.

Note. The absence of adverse effects on the fetus makes probiotics an attractive option for women Pregnant⁹.

Processing

 Boric acid. A few clinical trials have evaluated the effectiveness of boric acid in the form of vaginal capsules for treating yeast vaginitis. Boric acid has disinfectant and antifungal properties. One of the first trials to be published looked at 108 patients with yeast vaginitis (Candida albicans). Treatment with capsules containing 600 mg of boric acid was found to be much more effective than treatment with nystatin (100 units per day), a classic antifungal (000% cure rate versus 92%, 64 days later). discontinuation of treatment)⁴. After 30 days, 72% of women treated with boric acid still had no recurrence, compared with 50% of those treated with the antifungal. Newer Trials Support Usefulness of Boric Acid to Treat Yeast Vaginitis^22-24 , especially in women with diabetes (vaginitis Candida glabrata)^5,6.

Contraindication

In the absence of data on the safety of boric acid in pregnant women, women should refrain from using this treatment.

Adverse reactions

Boric acid can cause irritation and a burning sensation. It should never be applied to open wounds.

Remarks

– Boric acid capsules can be obtained without a prescription at the pharmacy, but they must be manufactured, on request, by the pharmacist.

– Some experts suggest reserving this treatment for women who have vaginitis Candidarecurring, and in whom conventional treatments are ineffective^21,25.

 Melaleuca essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia). Multiple in vitro tests have established the germicidal action of this essential oil on several classic pathogens of the vaginal environment, in particular Trichomonas vaginalis et Candida albicans^10,11. However, studies in humans are not yet available to establish its efficacy and safety in the treatment of vaginal infections.

In 1962, a gynecologist published the results of a series of case studies involving 130 women whose vaginal infections were treated with melaleuca essential oil (douching with a 1% solution of essential oil and vaginal tampons soaked in 20% solution, kept in place for 24 hours)¹². After comparing the results of these interventions with those obtained in a control group treated with suppositories containing a synthetic germicide, the author concluded that the 2 treatments were of similar efficacy. The author of a case study published in 1991 reported that his patient, having refused conventional treatment with metronidazole, had successfully treated her bacterial vaginitis using swabs soaked in melaleuca essential oil¹³. However, no large-scale clinical trial can confirm these observations.

 echinacea (Echinacea sp.). Echinacea stimulates the immune system and reduces inflammation. For these reasons, it has traditionally been used in the treatment of vaginitis.

Dosage

See the Echinacea fact sheet.

 Hydraste du Canada (Hydrastis canadensis). Goldenseal is a natural antibiotic. It also has antiseptic and astringent properties, which is why it has been used traditionally to treat infectious vaginitis. The medicinal properties of goldenseal are attributed to the antibacterial and antifungal properties of its alkaloids such as berberine. Although clinical studies are lacking in humans, studies in vitro and on animals have confirmed its properties^14-16 .

Dosage

Give yourself a vaginal douche, 3 to 4 times a day, with the following infusion: 6 g of dried roots and rhizomes for 150 ml of boiling water, infused for 5 to 10 minutes.

Contraindication

Goldenseal is contraindicated during pregnancy, as the alkaloids it contains can cause uterine contractions.

 Red elm (red ulmus ou U. favra). Slippery elm has traditionally been used to treat inflammation of the mucous membranes, including those of the vagina. Its therapeutic properties would be attributable among other things to the mucilage contained in large quantities in its internal bark.¹⁷.

Dosage

Make a thick paste by mixing the inner bark powder with boiling water. Let the paste thus obtained cool and apply it as a poultice on the vulvar region.

 Vinegar. Vinegar is used for its antiseptic and refreshing properties.

Dosage

Add 3 cups of vinegar to the bath water and stay in the bath, spreading your legs so that the water enters the vagina. Or douching with the following solution: 15 ml (1 tbsp) of table vinegar in 1 liter of water.