AYURVEDIC INTERVENTIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ABNORMAL VAGINAL DISCHARGES: A REVIEW

Abstract

A woman in her life time might have experienced abnormally stained and malodorous vaginal secretions apart from her usual physiological vaginal discharges. Even though the physiological and normal vaginal secretions plays an important role in lubrication and preventing vaginal infections, the growing concerns about carcinomas like Cervical intraepithelial neoplasm and venereal diseases from misdiagnosed cases, makes women run to their medical professionals. A relevant medical and sexual history taking along with laboratory investigations and examinations are vital in diagnosis. Ayurveda, confers a plethora of information regarding diagnosis and effective management of pathological vaginal discharges that is described under the terminology of yonisrava. The objective of this narrative review was to explore and analyse the concept of abnormal vaginal discharges and its management protocols based on Ayurveda treatment guidelines. An elaborate review was done on the topic of Yonisrava mentioned in various Ayurvedic classical texts like Charaka samhitha, Susrutha samhitha and Astanga Hrdaya. An extensive search was done in PubMed using the keywords: Vaginal discharges, venereal diseases and Etiopathogenesis of vaginal discharges. A draft of concept was arrived through literature review and clinical experience regarding the subject matter. The clinical symptom termed abnormal vaginal discharge comes under the perspective of Yonisrava in Ayurveda. In clinical practice, the management of Yonisrava is generalised under the treatment aiming at the pacification of Pitha and Kapha doshas. Ayurvedic treatment protocols for the cure of abnormal vaginal discharges is found effective and it will be a great contribution to the woman health care