Your guide to vaginal infections
Very often women suffer from uncomfortable vaginal infections. Also known as Vaginitis, can cause pain, discomfort and even itching in the private area. In this article, I will give an overview of these infections and will discuss treatment options.
Vaginal infection or UTI?
Vaginal infections and urinary tract infections are different. However, a vaginal infection can travel into the urinary tract and cause an infection, both infections can cause a burning sensation when peeing, therefore a medical examination and laboratory testing are required to determine the type of infection.
Types of Vaginitis
- Bacterial.
- Fungal.
- Viral.
The type of infection is determined by physical examination and lab tests, where tissue from the vagina is analyzed.
Symptoms
- Increase in vaginal discharge.
- Discharge that has a foul smell, that sometimes resembles fish smell.
- White or green discharge.
- The vaginal discharge may be thick.
- Vaginal itching.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Burning when urinating.
- Vaginal bleeding.
Causes of vaginal infections
- Douching.
- Wearing tight underwear.
- Tampons and feminine pads when they are not changed regularly.
- Weakened immunity, that allows the overgrowth of vaginal bacteria and fungi.
- Taking antibiotics like Amoxicillin.
- Diabetes.
- Recurrent constipation.
- Some STDs such as HPV.
It is noteworthy that if the health care provider determined that the cause of the vaginal infection is an STD, both husband and wife must be treated. I would also like to highlight the importance of premarital medical tests, that can detect STDs and help treat them.
Vaginal infections treatment
The treatment depends on the cause, it can be antiviral medication, antibiotics, or antifungal treatment. Medication can be either pills or vaginal suppositories. It is also recommended to follow a healthy lifestyle, avoid sugary and processed food, and prioritize personal hygiene. Women and girls need to always wipe front to back to avoid spreading bacteria into the vagina. It is also important to dry the private area very well after washing it, a damp environment is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi.
Complications
Untreated vaginal infections can cause cervical cancer and even infertility. In some cases, doctors sever a part of the cervix to treat cervical cancer which leads to premature labor.
Check out Post c-section dos and don’ts
