YEAST CHRONIC ? OR IS IT REALLY YEAST? SOMETHING TO CONSIDER.

[Guest guest]

HI all

I've been meaning to pass this on as I just ran across it in still sorting out my lost articles, *sigh* esp. for those who think they have chronic yeast infections (and not saying you don't) but this is something called Cytolytic Vaginosis, (Older term was Doderleins) that 'act's' very similiar and is often misdiagnosed as typical yeast infections & over looked.

And what's so ironic is that the very things you might be treating typical yeast for, you would not for this. By the way that one piece from Dr. Marvel? I think he mentions it but not in such depth.

You'll note that there are too many Lactobacilli with Cytolytic Vaginosis (usually with other infections it's not enough and why women add Yogurt) and Baking soda douches are recommended which is NOT something you'd use for reg. yeast problems. I hope it might point some to at least consider this and be tested for it. Look for clues as to 'when' it seems to appear as it ties in with menstrual cycles too...

Dee

PS: I also added one more called Lactobacillosis where the length of the rods are totally different in size. And diagnostic criteria are similiar. Again forgive my own markings and highlights.

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Cytolytic Vaginosis (CV)

Similar to LB (lactobacillosis) *see at bottom* , the prevalence and incidence of CV is unknown. In the experience of Cibley and Cibley, Lactobacillus 'overgrowth' and candidiasis are frequently confused; therefore, many women are incorrectly diagnosed with chronic yeast infections!(11).

Many times women have tried many OTC antifungal medications with no relief. The women presenting with cytolytic vaginosis complain of a thick or thin white cheesy vaginal discharge, pruritus, dyspareunia, vulvar dysuria, and a cyclic increase in symptoms that are more pronounced in the luteal phase (11 37 49 ).

(The Luteal phase is approx. last two weeks of our cycle counting day 14,(mid) on, before the period starts. Dee T)

There is very little data on predictors or variables associated with CV although numerous clinicians have reported empirically high incidence with increased levels of stress (Personal communication, R. Britt, RN, EdD, 2002).

Clinical features include a normal appearing vulva or slight erythema and edema of the vulva (49).

The vaginal discharge pH is between 3.5 and 4.5. Wet mount slide reveals a paucity of white blood cells, evidence of cytolysis, and an ''increased'' number of lactobacilli (11).

(Cytolysis means the dissolution or destruction of a cell, Dee)

False clue cells may be present resulting from the large number of lactobacilli adhering to the cell edges (49).

Vaginal cultures will reveal normal vaginal flora or a heavy growth of lactobacilli and will 'not' grow candida (8,49).

The treatment goal is to ''increase'' the vaginal pH with sodium bicarbonate douching'' or sitz baths (11,37,49).

Comment: One of the few times 'Baking Soda' douches are recommended and if one uses that without it being this cytolytic vaginosis, they are doing the exact opposite of what they should be doing with the pH levels by lowering it even more rather than raising it (Baking soda will raise the pH level) Dee

Cytolytic vaginosis is an easily diagnosed and treated condition. Kaufman and Faro as well as Goldman recommended 1 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in 1 pint warm water, 1-2 times weekly as needed (8 50, ).

Paavonen recommended women discontinue tampon use until they are symptom-free for at least 6 months (52 ).

Hatcher and associates recommended sitz baths since douching may introduce pathogens and increase the risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) ( 53 ).

The woman is instructed to sit for 15 minutes in a sitz bath of approximately 2-4 tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate added to 2 inches of warm bath water 2-3 times in the first week, then 1-2 times weekly as needed to prevent recurrences.

The woman who experiences recurrent symptoms is encouraged to start bicarbonate douching or sitz baths 24 to 48 hours before the anticipated onset of symptoms (11,37,49).

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Lactobacillosis (LB)

(note the size of the lactobacilli compared to normal lacto. Dee)

Few studies exist in regards to the prevalence rates of LB.

In a study by Feo and Dellette, 500 pregnant women's vaginal discharge was examined and 15.2% had the filamentous bacillus present (23).

Horowitz and his colleagues described symptoms as occurring ''cyclically'' confirmed by a study of 67 patients from a private practice (24).

Thirty-seven had cyclical symptoms of vaginal itching, burning, and irritation occurring for an average of 22.2 months. Thirty women requesting annual exams and reporting no symptoms of genital disease were selected for comparison.

Anaerobic lactobacilli were found in 36 of the 37 patients (97%) exhibiting symptoms, 40% from the controls.

A healthy woman had vaginal lactobacilli between 5 and 15 microns in length, whereas the lactobacilli in the symptomatic patients ranged between 40 and 75 microns in length (24).

The cause of LB is unknown. Kaufman and Faro wrote that “among American women, the organism behaves commensally, lacking evidence to the contrary, it may safely be ignored; its chief significance lies in the possibility of confusion with the candida species” (8, p. 380).

Clinical characteristics described in 1952 by Feo and Dellette included a white discharge varying from slight to moderate in amount, vulvar itching, and a burning sensation over the introital area following urination (23).

Horowitz and group reported 83.3% of patients had a thick, white, creamy, or curdy vaginal discharge; 86.7% vaginal itching; and 63.3% had vaginal burning (24).

In the Horowitz et al.'s study, the symptoms appeared cyclically: symptoms occurred in the second half of the menstrual cycle, reaching a peak shortly before menses, and recurred approximately 7 to 10 days before the next menses (24).

There was no difference in the appearance of the vulva, vagina, and cervix of symptomatic patients and the controls. The pH in both the symptomatic patients and controls was approximately 4.5. In two studies, wet mount examination revealed long chains of slender bacilli ranging from 38 to 60 microns in length (23,24).

The most effective treatment of LB consists of Augmentin 500 mg orally three times a day for one week. Horowitz et al. found that 86.3% of patients reported absence of symptoms after treatment with Augmentin.

Six of the patients who were penicillin sensitive were selected for Doxycycline of 100 mg twice daily for 10 days. All six obtained relief from symptoms. Seven patients were initially treated with bicarbonate douches, and three-reported relief from symptoms. The other four were treated with either Augmentin (n = 3) or Doxycycline (n = 1) and successfully had resolution of symptoms. Eighteen months later, patients were symptom free and reexamination of wet mount slides revealed an absence of the long serpiginous rods (24).

I HOPE THIS CHART COMES THRU DIFFERENTIATING THEM.

Dee ~

[Guest guest]

Hi Dee,Thanks for posting that again. I think that can be an issue with many and doctors have no clue about it.The other night I had a few drinks and thought WOW I better take some acidophillus to make sure I don't get yeast and GUESS WHAT???? I took 2 acidophillus and I normally ocassionally take only one and the next day my vulva was RED and itchy. I KNOW it was from taking too much acidophillus. Because I never turn red like that anymore! It is such a delicate balance! UGH! We need to all be chemist to balance our bodies!

BlueeberriWondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food.

[Guest guest]

OH believe me,,,,I have a bottle of Benedryl on my nightstand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BlueeberriWondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food.

[Guest guest]

<The other night I had a few drinks and thought WOW I better take some acidophillus to make sure I don't get yeast and GUESS WHAT???? I took 2 acidophillus and I normally ocassionally take only one and the next day my vulva was RED and itchy. I KNOW it was from taking too much acidophillus. Because I never turn red like that anymore! It is such a delicate balance! UGH! We need to all be chemist to balance our bodies!>

You're more than welcome Blueeberri .. I had forgotten about that, and glad I found it again and resent it. I like a glass of wine now & then but *WHEW* the instant headaches I get, (nitrates I suppose).. and only with the red, white I'm ok. But you're right I think about how we have to be our own chemists for our own body and we sure can be all different and typically we think acidophillus is good but it isn't always the case.

If you're still all irritated and red and esp. w. that itch, you might think about popping an antihistamine, put those buggers 'the histamine' back to sleep. HugsDee

[Guest guest]

OH believe me,,,,I have a bottle of Benedryl

on my nightstand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL......

Wow, you poor thing to keep it 'that' handy.

So sorry, but if it helps, AMEN to that one.Dee