This condition's symptoms can resemble those of a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
The condition known as cytolytic vaginosis, also known as “lactobacillus overgrowth syndrome” or “Doderlein’s cytolysis,” is hypothesised to occur when an excessive amount of one particular type of bacteria develops in your vagina.
It is typical to have the bacteria, known scientifically as lactobacilli, in your vagina. You may benefit from protection from things like yeast. However, some medical professionals think that if there is too much, you may get cytolytic vaginosis, which causes uncomfortable and occasionally painful symptoms.
The symptoms of cytolytic vaginosis, however, are typically severe the week prior to your period. This is because during this time of your menstrual cycle, your body contains larger numbers of lactobacilli. The symptoms of this ailment also tend to lessen while you are on your period. Due to the fact that period blood has a lower pH, this occurs. Therefore, when you bleed throughout your period, the acidic levels will usually balance out.
In the medical world, cytolytic vaginosis is a contentious diagnosis. Many medical professionals disagree that it is a valid diagnosis. Others think it’s a condition that has to do with your vagina’s pH balance. Your vagina’s health is significantly influenced by the vaginal pH value. It gauges your body’s acidity and may change depending on your age, food, medical history, and other circumstances. The pH scale has numbers aero through fourteen. “Acidic” refers to anything below seven.
The pH of the vagina can typically range from 3.8 to 5. However, with cytolytic vaginosis, a shift in pH causes your vagina’s normal bacterial balance to change. As a result, your vagina’s pH becomes more acidic and lactobacilli levels become too high. If you have the disease, your vaginal pH may range from 3.5 to 4.5.
When someone has persistent vaginal discharge, doctors frequently see that they treat it with a variety of antifungals or antibiotics. However, these therapies have the potential to alter the pH of your vagina and promote bacterial overgrowth.
Your doctor will first perform a pelvic examination to determine if you have cytolytic vaginosis. Your vaginal discharge will be sampled for examination under a microscope. They’ll be on the lookout for cellular alterations, an abundance of lactobacilli, and a deficiency in white blood cells. If they discover everything listed above, you might have cytolytic vaginosis.
Your vaginal pH will be measured to determine whether it falls within the normal range for cytolytic vaginosis instances. To determine whether you have cytolytic vaginosis, your doctor could do a Pap smear. If there are no indications of yeast, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis, this condition is the source of your symptoms.
You must restore normal levels of lactobacilli and raise the pH of the vagina to cure cytolytic vaginosis. Your doctor might advise a baking soda treatment to achieve this. Additionally, it’s crucial that you avoid anything that can set off your triggers.
You can take the following lifestyle modifications to prevent cytolytic vaginosis:
- Avoid using soap near or on your vagina.
- Simply use water to wash that region or a bar soap that has a pH balance and is scent-free.
- During your period, use organic pads rather than tampons since menstrual blood raises the pH of your vagina.
- Unnecessary feminine hygiene items such as scented toilet paper, scented pads, sprays, and powders should never be used.
- As soon as you can, change out of wet clothing.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing.
- Wear cotton underwear all day.
- Attempt to sleep without wearing underpants.
- Avoid having sex if you have cytolytic vaginosis until your symptoms subside.
Parvathy Sukumaran 
