Frequent scratching of the irritated vaginal skin can exacerbate inflammatory symptoms and contribute to vaginal tissue tenderness or discomfort. Cytolytic vaginosis is actually the name for vaginal cell death – that’s what’s causing the itching. cytolytic vaginosis is therefore a condition involving the disintegration of the vaginal cell wall. This resource is not a substitute for your doctor. Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the: A password will be sent to your email address. Each of you will be a bit different, but the treatment period is over several weeks and therefore the results will also be over several weeks – but, you should feel some relief immediately. Your naturopath may be a good place to start, as you get way more time with your practitioner than your regular GP. This resource is not a substitute for your doctor. We suggest you see a practitioner who either knows about cytolytic vaginosis or is willing to learn, who wants to help you. (In theory.). We do our best as science loving, evidence-based health practitioners to provide accurate, correct information, but we cannot replace your real-life health professionals. Lactobacilli produce hydrogen peroxide and lactic acid, among other bacteriocins, in their normal daily war against all things not vagina, including HIV. This means symptoms will get worse at certain times of your menstrual cycle when oestrogen is high. If you develop symptoms of lactobacillus overgrowth, consult a physician. If you have elevated vaginal levels of lactobacillus, you can develop unusual vaginal discharge as a symptom of this infection. This can go on for a long time undiagnosed. What Are the Causes of Vaginal Itching & Foul Odor? While it isn’t usually the primary focus of a doctor’s visit, there are some stats available. It is estimated that while yeast infections comprise up to 30 per cent of all gynaecological complaints associated with discharge, cytolytic vaginosis makes up between five and seven per cent of those in the same patient population. Higher oestrogen times are during the middle of your cycle, around ovulation, with another smaller spike between ovulation and your period. High levels of lactobacilli within the vagina can irritate and inflame this sensitive body region. Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the: A password will be sent to your email address. Vaginal inflammation caused by lactobacillus overgrowth can increase a woman's sensitivity to touch. Women with diabetes (any kind) may have an overabundance of glycogen (vaginal glucose) due to blood sugar dysregulation, which feeds the lactobacilli and allows their overgrowth. This scenario seems unlikely if you did not start this adventure out with CV; you started it out with BV or another infection, meaning you did NOT initially have lactobacilli overgrowth. These symptoms of lactobacillus overgrowth can also be signs of alternate infections, such as urinary or sexually transmitted infections. Researchers are still learning about it, and therefore many doctors are unaware of how to test for or treat lactobacillus overgrowth. While lactobacilli is one of the most helpful (identified) microorganisms in the human vaginal tract, it isn’t always good news if this generally-friendly bacteria get out of control. This is not to say that you have a blood sugar issue, but if you do have blood sugar dysregulation or a propensity to oestrogen excess, this can be a sustaining cause of cytolytic vaginosis. This should help to restore the natural balance after three weeks, however if symptoms worsen, stay the same or become different, cease treatment and seek re-evaluation. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. The overgrowth of these bacteria -- a condition called cytolytic vaginosis -- disrupts the normal vaginal environment, causing it to become more acidic 1 2. This resource is designed to increase your knowledge and empower you with your health options, not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. In one study (Cerikeioglu et al 2004​1​), 210 women with vaginal discharge and other symptoms that looked like a yeast infection were examined, and 15 of them were found to have cytolytic vaginosis. Don’t have unprotected sex until this is resolved to eliminate the possibility of BV biofilm seed bacteria being passed back to you by an infected partner (see how to treat male sexual partners for BV here). When lactobacilli overgrow, it can look and feel like a yeast infection, but doesn’t respond to antifungals. This discharge is then misdiagnosed as a yeast infection and antifungals are prescribed. Lactobacillus is a naturally occurring bacteria present within a woman's vagina. A naturopath, herbalist, acupuncturist, or nutritionist may be able to shed some light on what they think is going on, and help restore balance. The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Testing and treatments is haphazard at best, with this condition not even necessarily an official condition. Uddin earned her Master of Science in integrated biomedical sciences with an emphasis in molecular and cellular biochemistry from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. The vulvar or vaginal skin can appear abnormally red due to this infection. Douche twice-weekly for one week on, one week off, for three weeks. Pain during sexual intercourse can result in a temporary decrease in libido in certain women. The thing is to A) let your vagina do its thing and correct itself and/or B) do a mild baking soda douche once, and see how you go. Cytolytic vaginosis (aka Lactobacillus overgrowth syndrome or Doderlein’s cytolysis) is a lesser-known condition that can cause vaginitis symptoms that are often misdiagnosed, resulting in chronic irritation and/or discharge and unsuccessful treatment attempts. You possibly need to be checked for high levels of oestrogen or a blood sugar dysregulation disorder. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. Cerikcioglu N, Beksac MS. Cytolytic Vaginosis: Misdiagnosed as Candidal Vaginitis. You can experience a burning or stinging sensation while urinating, which can range in severity from mild to severe. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy.