1. Tea tree oil baths (tea tree is a natural antiseptic) - 10 to 20 drops per bath. Lavender oil also does the same but is less strong. A midwife recommended this to me after childbirth to prevent infection.
2. natural yoghurt - get her to eat loads of it. Also those yoghurt drinks which enhance the immune system as they have friendly bacteria in, which she needs to fight off bad bacteria. If an infection is already present, she can put natural yoghurt on a tampon and apply that internally and that will get rid of it (important: take the tampon out afterwards, it's just for applying the yoghurt, not for leaving in).
3. Loose clothing, organic underwear (as chemicals in cotton can sometimes irritate).
4. Reduce yeast in the diet, i.e, no marmite or things like that as this cn be a trigger for candida albicans.
5. Don't repeatedly use anti-fungal's etc as these can cause stinging etc. They are also a trigger factor for vestibulitis and other vulval disorders. They are okay for using to treat an acute infection as long as this isn't done repeatedly. If you find the vulval pain society in the UK (they're on the net) it will tell you more about this.
6. Drinking plenty of mineral water and cranberry juice (but the cranberry juice has to be sugar free or it doesn't work).
7. Green tea (this is anti-cancer). Boil water and make some green tea, leave teabag to cool for a bit then place while still warm on the vaginal opening (she might think you're nuts but it does help )
8. Enchinancea - immune enhancing herb will build her antibodies to infection. The tincture is better but tastes foul. There are slightly less effective tablets if she can't bear tincture. It has been used for centuries and was used by native American Indian's to prevent and treat illnesses.
9. On days where she has infection, tell her not to wear any underwear as it's less painful if you don't. This works okay if she's wearing some loose fitting pants (you call them pants, right?) but obviously doesn't work with a dress. I often don't bother with underwear and my symptoms ease or cease when I don't.
10. Wild yam creams for menopausal problems. Also used by American indians to restore balance and vaginal moisture following menopause. It is just for applying lightly to the vagina.
11. Pelvic floor exercises - these can strengthen the vagina and the urinary system. She just as to practise squeezing her vaginal muscles several times daily. The great thing about this is, no one knows you're doing it so she could even do it while out with friends etc.
It also improves the SL for both partners as the muscles are more toned. Psyhiotherapist's can teach more specific exercises on this. These can also help reduce pain (works with me).
12. Stopping or limiting use of sex toys.
13. Using a lubricant for MB and actual sex such as KY.
14. Use of allergy-free condoms can sometimes prevent infection (important they must be allergy free or the latex and chemicals can irritate). NO flavoured condoms, that would make it worse.
15. The on top position for your W. In this position she can control the depth of penetration and therefore ease pressure on the vagina and bladder.
16. ML in bath tub (with tea tree oil or lavender) as this can prevent infection, or shower and then use the washing process as a foreplay and post-sex activity.
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