Protect Yourself from Vaginal Infection

Vaginal infection is a medical condition that is a cause for concern for most women. Also called vaginitis, it is a swelling of the vagina, which produces unnecessary discomforts such as itching, irritation, discharge, and foul odor, among others.



Understanding the Vagina

The vagina operates in its own environment. Any change or disruption in the established vaginal ecosystem could lead to vaginitis. There are three known vaginal infections - bacterial vaginosis, vaginal yeast infection and trichomoniasis.


Following is a short discussion of these most common vaginal infections - their causes, symptoms and recommended treatment.

Bacterial vaginosis
Causes The occurrence of bacterial vaginosis commences when the bacteria ordinarily inhabiting the vagina change. Such modification triggers an over germination of the Gardnerella vaginalis organisms leading to this infection.


Bacterial vaginosis usually occurs when a woman is on the onset of pregnancy. Based on reports in the United States, at least 16% of pregnant women suffer from this condition. This also affects individuals who lead active lives like engaging in multiple partners or moving to new partners.


Symptoms
a. Discharge marked with repulsive smell - normally gray or white, the discharge emits an odor akin to that of a fish
b. Burning when urinating
c. Itching

These are the general conditions though there are cases when no symptoms are exhibited but a woman may still be diagnosed with having bacterial vaginosis.

Treatments
The normal treatment for this infection is antibiotics. Cream or gels can be prescribed.


2. Vaginal yeast infection
- also referred to as vulvoginal candidiasis, genital candidiasis or simply, candidiasis.


Causes
The vagina ordinarily has fungi growing inside it. Any case of overgrowth by the fungus called candida albicans causes the yeast infection. Normally kept under control by the bacteria inhabiting the body, any change in the equilibrium tends to stimulate the yeast to increase uncontrollably.


Vaginal yeast infection is usually triggered by any of the following:
  • a. Antibiotics intake - the consumption of antibiotics, for whatever condition, kills the bacteria that protect the vagina from the fungus candida albicans.
  • b. Pregnancy - weakens the vagina and makes it susceptible to fungal growth.
  • c. Diabetes - can increase sugar composition of a woman’s vagina
  • d. Use of birth control pills - disrupts the vaginal ecosystem making the fungus to over germinate
  • e. Others - steroid use, excessive alcoholic beverage intake, choice in underwear use such as non-cotton or tight fitting, weakened immune system


This condition is not a STD although more than 75% of all women have suffered from yeast infection at least once in their life.

Symptoms
a. Discharge - thick and whitish-gray in color
b. Excruciating feeling when urinating and also during intercourse
c. Itching

Treatments
Vaginal applications such as creams are preferred over medicines to be taken orally.


3. Trichomoniasis
- an infection affecting the genital as well as the urinary tract.

Causes
Primarily triggered by the trichomonas vaginalis parasite, this condition is aSTD affecting both men and women.


Symptoms
  • a. Discharge - yellow-green or gray in color
  • b. Burning when urinating
  • c. Foul smell
  • d. Itching
  • e. Pain