Vaginal Infections: Types, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Every woman must have been facing the problem of itching and burning down there. It is because of vaginal infections. Our reproductive area is extremely sensitive because of the exposure to high temperatures, moisture in a semi-occlusive environment, and more. They demand more care than other body parts. If you have itching and burning sensations in your vagina and vulva, the condition is called vulvovaginitis. Furthermore, it is important to address the problem and take precautions. In vaginal infection conditions, the birth area becomes inflamed. Fear not, because we will talk about the problem and provide solutions.
What are Vaginal Infections?
Vaginal infections, or vaginitis are a condition in females, in which their vagina becomes inflamed because of swelling, itching, and pain. It slowly spreads and causes soreness in the vagina and vulva. Due to this, the whole area of the vagina turns red. Sometimes, the vagina smells terrible and increases the discharge.
Moreover, the reason can be bacterial, yeast, or other infections. According to the reports of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, one in three women suffers from vaginitis at least once in their lives. The condition is mainly common in women in their late teens or early 30s-40s. It is also important to note that vaginal infections can occur even if you are not sexually active. It means vaginal infections are different from sexually transmitted diseases
(STIs).
Types
Vaginitis can cause due to different reasons, which means many types of vaginal infections cause the vagina to be inflamed and painful. Let’s check out the types:
1. Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
The vagina is full of microbes, bacteria, and fungi, but in balanced forms. When an imbalance of microbes in the vagina occurs, it excessively secretes bacteria and microbes, causing bacterial vaginosis. In this condition, the discharge changes its colour to greyish, greenish, or yellow. Moreover, it excesses after penetrative sex. However, it does not cause much itching like other infections.
2. Yeast Infection
A yeast or candida infection occurs due to an imbalance of yeast in the vagina. In this condition, the vagina secretes yeast in large quantities. Furthermore, it causes vaginal and vulval itching, swelling, paining, and burning. The texture of the discharge is similar to cottage cheese with extreme itching.
3. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a condition in which the vagina is affected by a parasite spread during penetrative sex. It causes extreme itching and a fish-like odour. The discharge in this condition can be greenish-yellow in colour. You can also feel pain while intercourse, along with pain in the vagina and lower abdominal area. While urinating, you must feel a burning sensation.
Symptoms
Here are some of the major symptoms of vaginal infections that you must know. Let’s take a look at it:
- Texture and colour changes in vaginal discharge
- Itching, burning, swelling, paining, or soreness around the vagina
- Pain and burning while urinating
- Painful intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Small cuts on the vulva
- Foldable skin on the vagina
- Fish-like odour
Causes
There are many reasons behind the causes of vaginitis. It is important to note them, let’s check them out:
1. Microbial imbalances:
The vagina secretes microbes such as bacteria, yeast, fungi, and more in balanced form. But sometimes, the vagina secretes any one of the microbes in large amounts that cause an imbalance of hormones. It also affects the texture, odour, and colour of discharge.
2. Antibiotics
Many women take antibiotics in their daily medicine. It kills the good bacteria secrets in the vagina. Especially during pregnancy and hormone-related problems, women take antibiotics that cause itching in the vagina. It leads to vaginal infection.
3. Diabetes
Diabetic women should take insulin to maintain the sugar level in the body. Moreover, it increases sugar in the mucus membranes of your vagina, which increases the chances of yeast infection. Once your vagina is infected by yeast, you may feel itching and a weird odour.
4. STIs
If you have multiple partners, the chances of STIs increase; similarly, you may get infected. However, using condoms and other preservative methods can reduce the chances of infection.
5. Chemicals
If you are using detergents, lotions, wipes, fabric softeners, perfumed soaps, lubricants, vaginal sprays, and other chemical products, then stop now. They can cause vaginal infections that take days to make your vagina recover.
6. Sanitary Pads
Using sanitary pads for over 4 hours can cause vaginal infection. It is important to change the sanitary pads before four hours so that your vagina gets enough air.
Treatment
If you are experiencing the above symptoms, you may be affected by a vaginal infection. Furthermore, it can spread faster if not treated on time. Visit your local gynaecologist and talk about your condition. Mainly, the doctor prescribes metronidazole and clindamycin for treating bacterial infections, antifungal creams for treating yeast infections, and metronidazole or tinidazole tablets for treating trichomoniasis.
The Last Line
Never take your vaginal problems for granted, as they can spread and cause major diseases. Moreover, vaginal infections or Vaginitis can be extremely painful for you. They cause itching, burning, and soreness in and around the vagina and vulva. Furthermore, addressing the symptoms and causes is important. The treatments are easily available; you can contact the doctor.
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