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(212) Vaginitis

Started by HB KIM, Dec 28, 2007, 04:25 PM

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HB KIM

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