Our Approach
One of my clients asked me how I could spend my day looking at women’s vaginas. My response was that the vagina was a beautifully designed creation, and I feel honored to be able to see its workings on a regular basis. Our vagina is a warm moist place, a lovely place. Normally we grow a bacteria called lactobacillus in the vagina. This bacteria excretes a slight acid which prevents other bacteria from taking up residence. I have been treating vaginitis for over 30 years and know prescription medication and herbal remedies that work. We are learning more about the biome of the vagina and how to balance it. This can help if you have repeated vaginal infections. I also have experience in working with women who have chronic vaginal irritations.
Did you know: Stress Can Impact Your Vaginal Health!
Stress can interfere with our immune system, as can grief and a poor diet (especially eating a lot of sugar, alcohol or simple carbohydrates). All of this changes the internal environment which supports the growth of bacteria, fungus and parasites. These cause odor, itching and or irritation.
Causes of Vaginal Infections
Basically there are three groups of pathogens that cause vaginal infections:
Bacteria
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a combination of five bacteria that is the most common cause of vaginal infections. The main symptom of this infection is a foul or unpleasant odor and irritation/burning. Your vagina does not smell, so if you have an odor you may have an infection.
Yeast
If you experience itching before or after your period which resolves on its own, you probably have a mild yeast infection. A good treatment for this is to use the 7 day treatment , 3 days before your flow and 4 days after your flow for 3 months.
We have 3 strains of yeast that infect the vagina:
- Candida Albacans
- Trachta
- Gilbrata
Trichamonas
Trichamonas is a single cell parasite that is sexually transmitted. It often leads to symptoms like itching, burning, unusual discharge, or discomfort during urination, though many individuals may remain asymptomatic. Prompt treatment with prescribed antibiotics, typically metronidazole or tinidazole, is essential to prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission.
Take charge of your health with personalized care at Imana Medicine in Santa Fe. Specializing in women's health, we bridge the gap between Western medicine and natural healing. Contact us today to restore balance and thrive!