Green Discharge - A Symptom Of Vaginal Trichomoniasis In Women

Vaginal trichomoniasis, a type of vaginal infection caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most common cause of vaginitis in the women of reproductive age group. Suffering would be less, if women are able to identify the condition in time and take proper treatment. Here are the symptoms of Vaginal trichomoniasis, which every woman should know.

Symptoms of vaginal trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis in women is clinically manifested by the following features:

1. Profuse discharge from the vagina

There is sudden, profuse discharge from the vagina:

• The typical discharge of trichomoniasis is frothy, creamy and thin.
• It is, often, greenish-yellow in colour.
• It has an offensive smell.

2. Irritation and itching of vulvar tissue

Along with vaginal discharge, woman complains of persistent burning and itching, inside and around the vaginal opening. Vulva becomes red and inflamed.

3. Urinary complaints

Patient of vaginal trichomoniasis may also have urinary complaints, like:

• Difficulty or pain during urination
• Frequent urging to urinate

4. Pain during coitus

Patient may complain of pain during coitus, due to inflammation of the vagina. Vaginal wall becomes red and inflamed with several hemorrhagic spots, giving it a 'strawberry' appearance.

5. Symptoms of superimposed pelvic infection

If pelvic infection occurs with vaginal trichomoniasis, patient will also have these complaints:

• Pain in abdomen
• Low back pain

How is the parasite transmitted to the vagina?

Trichomonas vaginalis is transmitted to the vagina in one of the following ways:

Mode #1 Mostly, transmission occurs through sexual contact with infected man, who harbours the parasite in urethra and prostate.

Mode #2 It can also be transmitted by use of infected person's towels, clothes etc.

Mode #3 Parasite may be transmitted from one woman to the other through toilet articles.

Mode #4 Trichomonas may be transmitted to the vagina through examining gloves.

Incubation Period

Time interval between transmission of parasite and appearance of symptoms is 3 to 28 days.

High risk period for infection

The infective organism thrives well in the vagina, when the local defence is weak, such as:

• During and after menstruation
• After sexual stimulation
• During pregnancy
• After vaginal surgery

Conclusion

Trichomoniasis vaginalis is a common form of vaginitis, found mostly in the women of reproductive age group. Patient complains of a sudden and profuse discharge from the vagina, which is frothy, greenish and offensive; associated with persistent itching and burning of the vulvar tissue. There may be pain during coitus and urination. Infection is transmitted through coitus or use of infected person's articles.

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Why Cyst Develops In The Ovary

If you have ovarian cysts, one natural query you would have is: WHY? Here are five most common causes of ovarian cysts. But first, let's see what exactly an ovarian cyst is:

What is Ovarian Cyst?

It is a sac filled with fluid that develops in the ovary. It is NON-NEOPLASTIC and the features which differentiate it from neoplastic tumors are:

•  Usually, it does not exceed the size of 7 cm.
•  It resolves spontaneously in a few weeks.
•  It consists of only one chamber.
•  It has clear fluid (unless bleeding occurs).
•  Its lining resembles the lining of functional unit of ovary from which it arises.

Five most common reasons for development of Ovarian Cysts:

REASON 1: Failure of absorption of fluid in an incompletely developed follicle.

This results in follicular cysts, which is the commonest form of ovarian cysts. Mostly, follicular cysts are asymptomatic, and they disappear spontaneously within a few weeks. Rarely rupture, hemorrhage, or torsion may result in acute pain.

REASON 2: A break in the blood vessel resulting in hemorrhagic follicular cyst.

Hemorrhagic follicular cysts are not uncommon, but they are usually asymptomatic. Rarely, they may rupture causing acute pain in the abdomen.

REASON 3: Persistence and enlargement of corpus luteum.

Over activity of corpus luteum results in corpus luteum cysts. They cause prolonged menstrual cycle followed by heavy bleeding, which resembles with the symptoms of threatened abortion. Rarely, the cyst may rupture causing acute pain in abdomen, imitating the clinical picture of disturbed tubal pregnancy.

REASON 4: Excess of chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) resulting in lutein cysts.

Excessive chorionic gonadotropin is due to:

•  Gestational tumors.
•  Administration of HCG to induce ovulation.

These cysts spontaneously regress after removal of the tumor or discontinuation of the HCG therapy.

REASON 5: Continued stimulation of the ovary by luteinizing hormone (LH).

Such endocrine disturbance results in poly cystic ovarian disease, which is clinically manifested as:

•  Increasing obesity.
•  Irregular menstrual cycle.
•  Infertility (due to absence of ovulation).
•  Male characteristics, like excessive hair on face (due to excess of androgen).

Conclusion

Ovarian cysts are non-malignant lesions, which are usually asymptomatic and resolve on their own after sometime. They are, most commonly, caused due to persistence and enlargement of the functional units of ovary, like follicles and corpus luteum. Their occurrence may also be attributed to hormonal disturbances, like excess LH production.




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Approaching Menopause? - Facts You Must Know

As you reach menopause or the climacteric phase of your life, certain changes are bound to occur in your body. Proper knowledge and awareness of these changes or symptoms, helps you see this 'change of life' in a proper perspective and have a healthy menopause. Here is what you must know about menopause.

What is Menopause?

Menopause means, permanent stoppage of menstruation due to cessation of the ovarian function (resulting in low levels of oestrogen, the female hormone), at the end of reproductive life of a woman.

Normal Age of Menopause

• Normally, menopause occurs between the age of 45 to 55 years.

Criteria of Clinical Diagnosis

• Stoppage of menstruation for six consecutive months

Pattern of Stoppage of Menses

At the time of menopause, menstrual periods end in one of the three ways:

#1 - In some women, there is a sudden stoppage of menses

#2 - Some women experience a gradual decrease in the amount of flow and finally the periods stop.

#3 - Third pattern is a progressive increase in the interval between the periods. There is a gradual decrease in the frequency of the menses and then it stops.

If there is continuous bleeding or irregular menses with or without heavy bleeding, visit your doctor for investigations to exclude malignancy of the genital tract.

Menopausal Symptoms

Women who are physically and mentally fit will seldom have any symptom, apart from the stoppage of menses. However, women who are not strong constitutionally may have following symptoms:

1. Hot Flushes

This is the most common symptom that women have, when going through menopause. There is a sudden feeling of warmth or heat, mainly affecting face and neck. It lasts for about 2 to 5 minutes and is often followed by severe sweating. Several flushes occur in a day and may also disturb sleep at night. Anxiety and palpitation are often associated with the hot flushes.

2. Psychological Symptoms

A woman going through menopause may have:

• Anxiety
•  Irritability
• Depression
• Insomnia
•  Mood swings
• Poor concentration

3. Neurological Symptoms

• Some women may have a pricking sensation, as if from pins or needles, in hands and legs.

4. Genital Symptoms

• Dryness of vagina may cause pain during coitus.

5. Urinary Symptoms

Some women may have urinary complaints, like:

• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Difficult or painful urination
• Incontinence or involuntary urination during laughing, coughing or sneezing
• Frequent urging to urinate

Please Note:

1. Nutritious diet, exercise, yoga and meditation can help you have a healthy menopause.

2. Constitutional treatment with classical homeopathy cures the menopausal symptoms, like hot flushes, anxiety etc., in an efficient way. (That's my own clinical experience.)

Conclusion

As a woman reaches menopause, menstruation ceases suddenly or gradually, with progressive decrease in menstrual flow or frequency of the periods. She may have symptoms like hot flushes, anxiety, depression, pricking sensation in limbs and pain during coitus or urination. However, proper nutrition, exercise, yoga and meditation can help avoid these symptoms. Constitutional homeopathic treatment also gives significant relief from the menopausal symptoms.

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Share your views and experiences by leaving your comment. Thanks.

How To Ease Teenage Menstrual Cramps

I have discussed menstrual cramps in teenage girls, that is, primary dysmenorrhoea, its types and causes in a previous post. Today let's discuss the ways to provide relief from the menstrual cramps. I'll also share a case of severe pain and vomiting during menstruation in a teenage girl, of 3 years duration, which was cured at my clinic.

How To Relieve Menstrual Cramps Naturally

General measures for the management of periods pain include:

#1. Improvement of general health.

#2. Well-balanced diet.

#3. Simple psychotherapy, in terms of explanation and assurance.

#4. Usual activities, including sports, should be continued.

#5. Use of mild heat to abdomen, may be helpful at the time of pain.

#6. During menses, bowels should be kept empty.

Facts About Homoeopathic Treatment of Menstrual Cramps or Primary Dysmenorrhoea

• In Complete Repertory 268 homoeopathic medicines are listed under the heading of dysmenorrhoea. 

• Homoeopathic medicine has to be prescribed on the basis of individualization.

• Different patients suffering from same disease may require different medicines for cure. 

• Constitutional medicine of the patient, selected carefully, on the basis of individualization, as per the rules of classical homoeopathy, is capable of curing both the local and systemic symptoms of primary dysmenorrhoea.

I have verified this fact in practice. As an example, I will discuss here a case of primary dysmenorrhoea with severe cramping pain and vomiting every month, since 3 years. 

• The distress used to be so severe that the patient could not get up from bed and even had to be rushed to the hospital at times. One of my patients recommended my clinic to her mother and after getting her constitutional medicine she is now having ‘Happy Periods’. Thanks to classical homoeopathy.

Cured Case Of Menstrual Cramps (Primary Dysmenorrhoea)  - A Report

Miss KJ, age 17 years, visited Hariom Homoeopathic Clinic, Haldwani, with the complaints of:

1. Severe cramping pain in lower abdomen during menstruation.

2. Vomiting during periods.

3. Heavy bleeding during first 3 days.

4. Pain in legs.

Since 3 years.

28 Dec 2010

Individualized homoeopathic medicine was prescribed, as per the rules of classical homoeopathy on 28 Dec, which was the first day of her period.

3 Jan 2011

Patient reported significant relief in all her symptoms.

28 Jan 2011

Some pain as the period started on 27 Jan.

Medicine repeated.

19 Feb 2011

No complaints with the period this time. For the first time in 3 years, she had a hassle free period.

Also read:

Primary Dysmenorrhoea - Menstrual Cramps In Teenage Girls

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Uterine Prolapse - How To Prevent Prolapse Of Uterus?

Prevention is always better than cure and in order to prevent the occurrence of prolapse of uterus, proper care before, during and after child birth is a must. Here are the Do's and Don'ts during pregnancy and labor which play a crucial role in prevention of uterine prolapse in future.

These guidelines should be followed-

1. Effective care during pregnancy

• Proper nutrition

• Physiotherapy with relaxation exercises

2. Care during child birth

• Prevent premature bearing down efforts

• Avoid prolonged second stage of labor

• Avoid too much fundal pushing in an attempt to expel the placenta

• A perineal tear must be immediately sutured after delivery

3. Adequate care after the child birth

• Early postnatal ambulation

• Pelvic floor exercises

• Prevent undue distension of bladder

• Avoid heavy work for at least 6 months following delivery

• Reasonable interval between pregnancies so that too many births at too short interval are avoided

4. Prophylactic individualized homoeopathic treatment

Individualized homoeopathic treatment with the constitutional medicine of the menopausal women can be given according to the rules of classical homoeopathy.

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Uterine Prolapse - What Are The Symptoms?

Uterine Prolapse - What Causes Prolapse Of Uterus?

Uterine Prolapse - How To Avoid Surgery?

Uterine Prolapse - What Causes Prolapse Of Uterus?

Having discussed the meaning of uterine prolapse and its symptoms in the previous post, let's see now what causes the prolapse of uterus.

Why does uterine prolapse occur?

Common causes of uterine prolapse are-

1. Age Factor

Most common cause of uterine prolapse is the weakening of pelvic musculature (supports of the uterus) after menopause, as a result of oestrogen deficiency.

2. Birth Injury

Injury to the supporting structures of uterus during vaginal delivery is another important factor. Such injury can be caused by-

• Bear down efforts before full dilatation of cervix.

• Prolonged labor.

• Application of forceps before full dilation of cervix.

• Downward pressure on uterine fundus to deliver placenta.

• Repeated childbirths at frequent intervals.

• Resumption of heavy work soon after delivery.

• Delivery of a big baby.

• Ill-nourished and weak women.

3. Increased intra-abdominal pressure due to:

• Chronic cough or 
• Constipation.

4. Increased weight of uterus due to fibroid.

5. Undernutrition

6. Congenital weakness of pelvic floor muscles, in rare cases, when prolapse is seen in unmarried women (usually associated with spina bifida occulta and split pelvis).

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Uterine Prolapse - What Are The Symptoms?

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Uterine Prolapse - What Are The Symptoms?

If you have this feeling of something descending into the vagina or a dragging pain in the pelvis, you might be suffering from uterine prolapse. Read on to find what exactly is uterine prolapse and what are its symptoms.


 What does Uterine Prolapse mean?

Uterine Prolapse is the downward displacement of uterus; the cervix sometimes protruding from the vaginal orifice caused by weakening of pelvic musculature due to:

• Age, 
• Traumatic vaginal delivery, 
• Chronic straining in association with coughing or 
• Difficult bowel movements or 
• Pelvic tumors which push the uterus down.

Degrees of Uterine Prolapse

Depending on the level of descent of the cervix, uterine prolapse has been categorized as:

First Degree	Descent of cervix into the vagina
Second Degree	Descent of cervix up to the vaginal orifice
Third Degree	Descent of cervix outside the vaginal orifice ( Procidentia – All of the uterus outside the vaginal orifice)

Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse

Following symptoms are usually associated with prolapse of uterus-

#1. Feeling of something descending in the vagina or of something protruding either at the vulva or externally. Aggravated by-

• Straining.
• Heavy work.
• Moving about.

There is usually relief when lying down.

#2. Backache or dragging pain or bearing-down feeling in pelvis usually relieved by rest.

#3. Sense of weakness and of a lack of support around the perineum.

#4. Some degree of vaginal discharge may be present associated with vaginitis. Blood stained discharge may be due to ulcer formation (caused by friction)

#5. Micturition disturbances are common-

• Imperfect control of micturition and stress incontinence.

(Due to lack of support to sphincter mechanism of urethra)

• Urgency and frequency of micturition.

(Due to chronic cystitis or incomplete emptying of bladder)

• Difficulty in passing urine so that more the strenuous effort the less effective is the evacuation.

 (Due to cystocele i.e., prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall: when intra-abdominal pressure is raised during straining, urine is pushed down into the cystocele below the level of external opening of urethra.)

Patient has to press back the cystocele into the vagina with her fingers for evacuating the bladder.

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Take A Quiz On Uterine Prolapse

Ovarian Cancer - Are You At A Higher Risk?

We have discussed the early symptoms of ovarian cancer in the previous post. Though non-specific and vague, these symptoms should not be ignored in women who are at a higher risk for ovarian cancer. Today we'll discuss the risk factors for the cancer of ovary.

Risk Factors For Ovarian Cancer

Women with the following risk factors are more prone to have ovarian cancer:

Risk Factor # 1

Women with a family history of:

• Ovarian Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer
• Breast Cancer 
• Colon cancer

In such women, cancer usually occurs at a younger age.

Risk Factor # 2

Women in the following phases of life:

• Puberty
• Pre-menopause 
• Menopause  
• Post menopause

Risk Factor # 3

Late child bearing or low parity or women who have not borne children.

Risk Factor # 4

Occurrence of mumps before menarche, that is, before the onset of menstruation at the time of puberty.

Risk Factor # 5

High fat intake in diet

Risk Factor # 6

Working in asbestos related industries

Risk Factor # 7

Use of talc in the perineum

Risk Factor # 8

Use of fertility drugs to induce ovulation

Risk Factor # 9

History of PCOS or poly cystic ovarian disease.

Risk Factor # 10

Women in whom menopause has been induced by the effect of radiation.

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Ovarian Cancer - Early Warning Signs

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Ovarian Cancer - Early Warning Signs

80% Cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed in advanced stages, leading to poor survival rates. For early detection, every woman should be aware of the the early symptoms or the warning signs of ovarian cancer. Here is the life saving information:

Early Symptoms or Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Unfortunately, in most cases, ovarian cancer remains asymptomatic in the initial stages or presents only a few symptoms which are nonspecific. However, in presence of the risk factors for ovarian cancer, even these nonspecific symptoms should be considered as the warning signs:

1. Persistent gastrointestinal complaints

Patient may complain of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as:                

• Flatulence
• Eructations
• Nausea
• Dyspepsia
• Constipation

2. Abdominal discomfort

Patient may have: 

• Sensation of vague discomfort in the abdomen, and 
• A feeling of distension of abdomen.

3. Loss of appetite

There is a sense of bloating after meals and the appetite of the patient is reduced.

4. Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Excessive, frequent or irregular bleeding from the vagina and post menopausal bleeding raises suspicion of cancer, especially in women at higher risk. However, many cases of ovarian cancer do not show any menstrual abnormality.

As the disease progresses, following symptoms become evident:

• Rapid growth of abdominal swelling

• Sudden loss of weight

• Difficult respiration

• Swelling of leg or vulva

Presence of these symptoms in a woman raise even more suspicion of ovarian cancer if she is at a higher risk for having ovarian cancer. I will discuss these risk factors in my next post.

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Ovarian Cancer - Are You At A Higher Risk?

Menstrual Cramps In Teenage Girls

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Primary Dysmenorrhoea – Menstrual Cramps In Teenage Girls

Pain during menstruation, is a common problem among the teenage girls. More than 70% of teenagers and 30 to 50% of menstruating women suffer from varying degrees of discomfort at the time of menstruation. The severe incapacitating type, which interferes with a woman’s daily activities, affects only about 5 to 15% of the population.

In this post, I have discussed primary dysmenorrhoea in detail including types of dysmenorrhoea, its clinical manifestations and causes. 

What is Dysmenorrhoea?

Dysmenorrhoea can be defined as painful menstruation of sufficient magnitude, so as to incapacitate day to day activities.

Types of Dysmenorrhoea

On the basis of pathogenesis, dysmenorrhoea can be of following types-

1. Primary Dysmenorrhoea

One that is not associated with any identifiable pelvic pathology. Pain is a result of biochemical derangement.

2. Secondary Dysmenorrhoea

One associated with presence of organic pelvic pathology, i.e. fibroids, adenomyosis, PID, endometriosis etc.

Clinical Varieties of Dysmenorrhoea

Depending on the clinical manifestation, dysmenorrhoea can be classified as:

1. Spasmodic Dysmenorrhoea

Spasmodic Dysmenorrhoea manifests as cramping pains, generally most pronounced on the 1^st and 2^nd day of menstruation. Seen in case of primary dysmenorrhoea.

2. Congestive Dysmenorrhoea

Congestive Dysmenorrhoea manifests as increasing pelvic discomfort and pelvic pain a few days before menses begin. Thereafter, the patient rapidly experiences relief in her symptoms. Commonly seen in PID or pelvic endometriosis.

3. Membranous Dysmenorrhoea

A rare variety, manifested as severe uterine cramps, accompanied by the passage of a cast or partial cast of the uterine cavity.

4. Dysmenorrhoea due to IUD

Another cause of dysmenorrhoea, that should be considered, is cramping due to the presence of an Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device.

Causes of Primary Dysmenorrhoea

Mechanism of initiation of pain in primary dysmenorrhoea is difficult to establish. However, the pain is often related to dysrhythmic uterine contractions and uterine hypoxia, most probable causes of which are:

1. Increased levels of prostaglandins in the menstrual fluid.

In ovulatory cycles, (P.S. - Primary Dysmenorrhoea is almost always confined to ovulatory cycles) prostaglandins are synthesized from the secretory endometrium prior to menstruation; with maximum production during shedding of the endometrium.

Increased production of the prostaglandins or increased sensitivity of the myometrium to the normal production of prostaglandins leads to:

•  Increased myometrial contraction, with or without dysrhythmia.

•  Ischemia (angina) of the myometrium.

2. Psychosomatic factor

Pain may occur due to tension and anxiety during adolescence.

3. Abnormal anatomical and functional aspect of uterus

•  Stenosis at internal os makes it difficult for menstrual blood to escape, which leads to strong uterine contractions causing pain.

•  In case of septate or bicornuate uterus, pain is due to unequal muscular contractions.

•  Cervix fails to dilate, when uterus contracts to expel menstrual blood.

•  Inadequate expulsive force, in case of uterine hypoplasia.

•  Imbalance in autonomic nervous control of uterine muscle.

Over activity of the sympathetic, may lead to hyper tonicity of the circular fibers of isthmus and internal os. The relief of pain, following dilatation of the cervix, or following vaginal delivery, may be explained by the damage of the adrenergic neurons, which fail to regenerate.

4. Role of vasopressin

There is increased vasopressin release during menstruation in women with primary dysmenorrhoea. Vasopressin increases prostaglandin synthesis and also increases myometrial activity directly.

5. Role of endothelins & leucotrienes

Endothelins and leucotrienes are vasoconstrictors and stimulate myometrial contractions.

Clinical Maifestations of Primary Dysmenorrhoea

Primary dysmenorrhoea occurs in ovulatory cycles; hence it makes its appearance a few years after menarche. It is most intense on the 1^st day of menses and progressively lessens with menstrual flow. It often lessens with passage of time and after child birth. Clinical features include-

1. Local Symptoms

Spasmodic pain confined to lower abdomen; may radiate to the back and medial aspect of thighs.

2. Systemic Symptoms

Systemic discomforts like nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea and headache may be associated. It may be accompanied by vasomotor changes causing pallor, cold sweats and occasional fainting. Rarely, syncope and prolapse may occur in severe cases.

3. Physical Examination

Physical examination does not reveal any significant pelvic disease. When the patient is symptomatic, she has generalized pelvic tenderness, perhaps more so in the area of the uterus than in the adjoining areas.

Also read:


How To Get Rid Of Teenage Menstrual Crramps?

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