VAGINITIS & HERBAL FORMULAS
DEFINITION AND SYMPTOMS
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain. The cause is usually due to the change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. Vaginitis can also result from reduced estrogen levels after menopause.
Signs and symptoms: irritation and/or itching of the genital area, inflammation, vaginal discharge, foul vaginal odor, discomfort or burning when urinating, pain/irritation with sexual intercourse
Most common types:
Bacterial vaginosis: Vaginitis caused by Gardnerella (a bacterium). This type of vaginitis results from overgrowth of one of several organisms normally present in your vagina, upsetting the natural balance of vaginal bacteria. More than one in six pregnant women in the United States has bacterial vaginosis, though many aren't aware of it. (Key: fish odor, pH>4.5)
Yeast infections: Vaginitis caused by Candida albicans (a yeast). An estimated three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime. (Key: no smell, pH<4.5)
Trichomoniasis: Vaginitis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (a protozoan). This type is caused by a parasite and is commonly transmitted by sexual intercourse. (Key: possible smell, pH>5.0)
Atrophic vaginitis: This type is resulted from reduced estrogen levels after menopause. The vaginal tissues become thinner and drier, which may lead to itching, burning or pain. (Key: Yin deficiency symptoms)
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
In Oriental Medicine, Vaginitis is categorized under "Leukorrhea" or "Vaginal itching". There are two main differential diagnoses.
1. Damp-Heat pouring downward: itching, a thick, white or yellow, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, bitter taste, yellow coating, wiry-rapid pulse
2. Yin Deficiency with Heat: dry vagina, burning sensation, itching, yellow leukorrhea, five-palm heat, dry mouth, dry throat, red tongue, no coating, thready-rapid pulse
HERBAL FORMULAS
1. Damp-Heat pouring downward: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Long Dan Cao 6g
Huang Qin 9g
Zhi Zi 9g
Chai Hu 6g
Mu Tong 4.5g
Che Qian Zi 12g
Ze Xie 9g
Sheng Di 12g
Dang Gui 9g
Gan Cao 4.5g
2. Yin Deficiency with Heat: Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan
Zhi Mu 6g
Huang Bai 6g
Shu Di 24g
Shan Zhu Yu 12g
Mu Dan Pi 9g
Shan Yao 12g
Fu Ling 7g
Ze Xie 7g
EMPIRICAL FORMULAS
Formula 1: Yeast infection or Trichomoniasis (External)
Actions: Clear Heat, Expel Wind, Stop itching, Stop leurkorrhea
Huang Bai 100g
Gan Cao 50g
Hua Jiao 50g
Bai Zhi 50g
Formula 2: Atrophic vaginitis or Elderly vaginitis (Internal)
Actions: Nourish Yin, Clear Heat, Relive stagnation, Transform Damp
Ban Xia 10g
Di Gu Pi 10g
Zhi Ke (fried) 10g
Gua Lou Pi 15g
Bei Mu 15g
Tu Fu Ling 25g
Niu Xi 15g
Zhi Gan Cao 15g
Bai Shao 30g
Chen Xiang 9g
Formula 3: Various Kinds (External)
Actions: Dry Damp, Clear Heat, Kill parasties, Stop itching
She Chuang Zi 30g
Bai Bu 15g
He Shi 12g
Ku Shen 12g
Xiong Huang 12g