Dr. Pahi Agarwal

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that occurs in the vagina due to an imbalance in growth of the vaginal bacteria; It is the overgrowth in the naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina causes the imbalance. This disorder is very common among women, especially among pregnant women. This problem is usually not very serious and tends to subside within 4-5 days. However, in certain cases, they are capable of causing serious complications.

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:

1. Vaginal discharge that is white or grey in colour
2. Constant itching in your vagina
3. The vaginal discharge usually has a foul smelling odour
4. Burning sensation during urination

Causes
Vaginal bacteria can be either good or bad. Any disruption in the delicate balance of the vaginal bacteria can lead to bacterial vaginosis. There is no exact known cause of this disorder, but it is believed that having multiple sex partners can aggravate this risks. Other factors include:

1. Douching: If you clean your vagina with water and other cleansing agents on a regular basis, it might cause a bacterial imbalance, thus leading to this infection. 
2. Multiple partners: Having multiple sex partners puts you at a higher risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis. This disorder may also lead to various complications such as:
   • STIs: This infection may make you highly susceptible to various infections such as Chlamydia, HIV and gonorrhoea.
   • Disorders of the pelvic region: Bacterial vaginosis may lead to inflammation in the pelvic region, which in turn may lead to infertility.
   • Preterm birth: It increases the chances of premature birth
3. Smoking: Smoking frequently increases the risk of a bacterial vaginosis infection.
4. Unprotected sex: Having sex without proper protection increases the risk levels of bacterial vaginosis. 

There are certain preventive measures that you can adopt to prevent this condition:

1. Use soaps which contain no or very little chemicals to clean the region around your genitals
2. Use latex condoms during sexual intercourse to prevent STIs.
3. Do not clean your vagina (the practice referred to as douching) on a regular basis.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

The science of homoeopathy
Homoeopathy, a two-hundred-year-old medicinal science, is a preferred field of many doctors across the globe, working efficiently on the principle of ‘like cures like.

A lot of us have had those sweet white pills to cure our medical conditions. These sago-like white pills are an excellent alternative to the bitter medicines, disliked by adults and children alike. These white pills are not just an effective alternative for other medicinal sciences but are one of the preferred sciences by many doctors. Homoeopathy, the real name for the science behind the sweet-pill medicines, has its way of treatment, much liked by many patients for it is easy to consume. 

Homoeopathy is based on proofs and findings like any other medicinal science, and works on the principle of ‘similia similibus curentur' which means ‘let like cure the like' simply meaning that a particular substance that causes symptoms of a disease in a healthy person can cure the same disease affecting a sick person. Homoeopathic doctors cure diseases with this technique, but the technique is also used in conventional immunotherapies (related to immunity), allergy treatments, and different vaccinations in other medicinal sciences. The principle of ‘let like cure the like' has not only cured and prevented diseases but has effectively promoted good health of people for many decades. Homoeopathy enhances the overall normal healing of a person and optimises self-regulatory processes within the body.

A 200-year-old, recent medicinal science
Unlike ayurveda, homoeopathy is not an ancient medicinal science. It is a science that has rapidly developed in the past 200 years. Dr. Samuel hahnemann founded this branch of medicine in 1796. Homoeopathy was introduced in india two centuries ago, and today, it is offered by 235 hospitals and 8, 117 dispensaries run by the state government and municipal bodies. According to a world health organisation (who) report, it is the second most extensive system of medicine practised in the world with over 500 million users. It is practised in the us, the uk, germany, and india. It is included in the national health services in some of the nations.

A menstrual cup is a flexible cup designed out of medical grade silicone or rubber, which can be inserted inside the vagina. It is not used for absorbing blood; rather it collects the menstrual blood.

Advantages of menstrual cups over tampons

1. Tampons are disposable. Menstrual cups can be cleaned, rinsed and reused.
2. Need not be changed after every few hours. One can go without changing a menstrual cup for more than 12 hours.
3. Easier to use compared to a tampon. The insertion is smoother and it is generally not very uncomfortable if insertion is done correctly.
4. The menstrual cups need not be replaced frequently. Tampons however are needed in large numbers every month.
5. Tampons absorb almost all the vaginal fluid, leaving it dry and prone to irritation. Menstrual cups on the other hand, leave the beneficial bacteria in place and maintain vaginal pH.
6. Menstrual cups help prevent menstrual odours as it is present internally.

Reasons why you should use menstrual cups
Menstrual cups rarely cause allergic reactions, unlike tampons. They are also the most environment friendly choice as there is no need to dispose them after every use. They prevent staining, leakage and do not increase muscle cramps. There is no risk of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) from menstrual cups, which is a major risk from leaving tampons inside the body for too many hours. Menstrual cups are also helpful if you are a swimmer. They don’t make things difficult for you at all. Menstrual cups are made from 100% medically approved silicone and not cotton or rayon. If you are unable to use tampons, you may choose menstrual cups as the insertion is generally smoother.

However, it completely depends on individual preference. Menstrual cups also reduce the bulk of having to carry like sanitary napkins during travel, and urgent needs to change. Thus it makes a long journey worry free. No matter what protective measures you take, remember to be comfortable. Try and maintain a diet rich in nutrients, that can help regulate the blood flow and prevent painful blood clots. Also, it is important to remain physically active to prevent muscle cramps and back pain. 

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!