Ayurveda– the science of life, is a wellness system designed to help people stay vibrant and healthy while realising their full human potential. Ayurveda gynaecology is traditionally known as Prasuti Tantra and Stri Roga which is a comprehensive branch of an Indian medicine dedicated to women’s health. While modern medicine focuses on hormonal suppression and surgical intervention, Ayurveda considers gynaecological health as a reflection of women’s internal ecosystem. 20 yoni Rogas has been mentioned as major gynaecological diseases in Ayurveda.
Due to changes in lifestyle, busy schedules, stress and untimely food habits women are facing multiple health problems. Infectious disease of genital organs are common among them and it affects woman of all ages, especially when they are sexually active. The common vaginal infections include bacterial and fungal which include bacterial vaginosis, vulvo vaginal candidiasis, trichomoniasis etc.
The pH of vagina is acidic which protects vagina from infections. But at different stages of menstrual cycle and life, there are changes in the vaginal pH which makes it prone to infections. The reason for maintaining vaginal pH is an organism called Dorderline bacillus. This converts glycogen to lactic acid which maintain the acidic nature. In conditions of diabetes and high blood sugar, there will be growth of yeast and reduces the bacillus bacteria and result in vaginal infection.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of vaginal infections are abnormal vaginal discharge which may be fishy, thick, white, or yellow or green, vulval itching, burning sensation, pain during sexual intercourse, pelvic pain, and dysuria.
Vaginal discharge- Normal and abnormal
Normal
Normal vaginal discharge is typically clear white or off white with a mild or no smell often varying in consistency throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal variation. It cleans and protects the vagina acting as a natural lubricant. After menstruation, the discharge may appear thick, sticky or slightly white. During ovulation, the discharge becomes clear, slippery stretchy reassembling, a raw egg white, after ovulation the discharge may get thicker, and whiter as progesterone level rises. During pregnancy, there may be increase in discharge, which is typically white or milky. In pregnancy due to increased oestrogen level, there will be more vaginal discharge, which is usually normal unless it has an unusual colour or smell. After menopause due to low oestrogen level, there may be vaginal dryness or change in the consistency of discharge.
Abnormal
Abnormal vaginal discharge is characterised by strong/fishy odour, yellow/green/grey colour or a thick/clumpy texture, usually associated with the pain, itching or burning sensation. According to the organism and type of infection, the discharge varies.
- Yeast infection – Thick white clumpy, discharge, itching will be more.
- Bacterial vaginosis- thin grey/white discharge with strong fishy odour in which symptoms worsen after sex.
- Trichomoniasis – greenish yellow frothy foul-smelling discharge
- Clamydia/ gonorrhoea- yellow, cloudy or pus, like discharge
When to see a doctor?
- When the discharge last more than few days or is recurring.
- With unusual colours or texture that is green, yellow, grey, brown, or foamy/ frothy consistency.
- With foul smell that is fishy or unpleasant smell, which is strong after intercourse
- Irritation and pain that may be itching, burning sensation, soreness, or swelling around vulva or pain in the lower abdominal area.
- Post Menopausal bleeding or discharge
- Vaginal discharge for those women having multiple sexual partners
Complications of vaginal discharge if left untreated
If you’re having vaginal discharge for a long time and you consider it to be normal, even though it is abnormal, it may lead to
- Recurrent infection which is more difficult to manage.
- Ascend of infection to your internal genital organs and cause pelvic inflammatory disease which is having severe pain in lower abdomen associated with fever and chills. This may lead to sepsis, or the doctor needs to remove your uterus to save yourself.
- Prolonged vaginal infection, which is due to papilloma virus, which is sexually transmitted can lead to cervical cancer in long run. Cervical Cancer can be symptoms less for many years, and when symptom appears it maybe in a stage, which is not treatable, or even life threatening.
- If abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy is not treated, it may lead to miscarriage, Pre term Labour, low birth weight baby, amniotic, fluid infection and so on
Management of vaginal infection through Ayurveda
Ayurveda emphasis on treating the disease along with maintaining the rhythm of the menstrual cycle with the rhythm of nature. So, the infection will be treated according to the cause, and the immune system of the body will be boosted to fight against the infection. In vaginal infection, the Dosa involved is kapha and Pitta, so the treatment is kapha pitta Hara, shoolagna (that relieve pain), shothahara (that reduces swelling), kledahara (that removes wet discharge) ,krumigna (that removes microorganisms). Vaginal douching with Kashayas having these properties can be adopted.
Yoni dhoopana (introducing medicated smoke to vagina) with drugs, having these properties can be done. Different types of lepa can be applied. There are several internal medications given in gynaecological infections to reduce and cure infection along with the balancing the hormonal system. For every disease and for every patient, the treatment protocol varies as Ayurveda is not only treating the disease based on the symptoms but also based on the patient and the Avastha of the disease.
Summarizing, gynaecological health in Ayurveda is about more than just treating an infection; it is about restoring the delicate balance of a woman’s internal ecosystem. By understanding the transition from normal to abnormal vaginal discharge and recognizing the early warning signs of infection, women can take proactive steps toward their well-being. Ayurveda offers a unique, personalized path to healing that doesn’t just suppress symptoms but addresses the root cause through Tridosha balancing and immune-boosting therapies along with treating the active infection. Prioritizing your reproductive health today ensures a vibrant, balanced, and disease-free future.
