Vaginal infections are common among women. Those who suffer from the vaginal infection, some of them choose to ignore it because of hesitation, embarrassment and confusion. They suffer it until they can’t take it anymore and feel discomfort. Vaginal infection can be treated, but if you ignore the vaginal infection’s symptoms or choose to take self medication, it can worsen your health. It can create problems in the relationship, fertility, pregnancy and comfort if you don’t see a doctor. In this blog, we will get to know about vaginal infection, including symptoms, types, causes, prevention tips and treatment.
What is Vaginal Infection?
The vagina naturally maintains a healthy balance of good bacteria (mainly Lactobacillus) that protect against harmful microorganisms. This infection develops when the bacteria of the vagina is unbalanced because of hormonal changes, infection, weak immune system and poor hygiene. It is also caused by fungus, bacteria, virus and parasites. They stay in your vagina without any problem, but when they grow out of control, then they create problems. This infection can happen with any sexual activities, medication, health issues and conditions and lifestyle habits.
Symptoms of Vaginal Infection
Vaginal infection symptoms depend on the type of infection you have but still there are some symptoms that identify that your vagina is infected. So here are some vaginal infection symptoms:
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is clear, white or off white fluid. It helps to keep your vagina clean, healthy and protects against the infection. Some color changes may indicate infection, especially if accompanied by odor, itching, or pain. The texture of the vaginal discharge should be watery, sticky and thick. The smell of the discharge is mild. Everyone makes a different amount of discharge and it depends on the pregnancy, birth control pills and naturally. So, if there is any change of this that means you are suffering from viginal infection.
Pain and Discomfort During Intercourse
Pain during or after the sex is common, but not normal, if it increases, it can cause problems. Women feel the pain in the lips of the vagina and inside the vagina, like the uterus or lower abdomen. They can feel pain in entry, in position or in deep. In the entry, it is pain because of hormones, vaginal dryness, infections, injuries, vulvar and chronic irritation. In this position, it is painful because of infection, pelvic muscles and vaginal dryness. It is painful because of deep penetration, sexual positions. Sometimes even a tampon can make you feel uncomfortable and painful.
Vaginal Itching, Irritation, Redness, Swelling, and Burning Sensation
Vaginal itching is a sensation that can be annoying especially when it is intense and constant. Sometimes it is common but it is also a way to create major problems. Vaginal redness and swelling that is around the vaginal area. It can be caused by scratching and rubbing roughly. Vaginal burning can stay or go according to the things. For example, if you are using tampons, latex condoms and douche then it can create the burning in your vaginal so some time but it can heal after some times. But if it is burning because of yeast infection, then the burning can stay longer until it can be treated.
Pain During Urination
When you feel pain, burning or discomfort while urinating, it’s called dysuria. It is common in men and women at any age but it is most common in women. Urinary Tract Infection is also common in women. You have a higher risk of getting painful urination if you are pregnant, have any bladder disease, or have diabetes. You can feel pain during and after the urination.
Unusual Bleeding in the vaginal
Vaginal bleeds during your periods, when you are suffering from trauma or when there is any medical problem. Bleeding between the periods can be random or impossible to predict. There are other causes too rather than menstruation for bleeding in the vaginal. It can be caused by medicines, pregnancy, menopause, health conditions, hormones, injury, infection and trauma. In the medical condition, Hypothyroidism, it is an underactive thyroid that can lead to irregular menstruation. In the hormones, PCOS is a hormone that causes irregular periods, gains weight, and increased hair growth and acne.
Sometimes you will not notice any symptoms but still you are suffering from a vaginal infection. So if you feel anything unusual, then you should consult the doctor.
Types of Vaginal Infections
There are many types of vaginal infection. You have to choose which vaginal infection you are suffering from by seeing the symptoms and causes. And even your doctor can also check before prescribing the medicines.
Yeast Infection
Yeast is a fungus that naturally occurs in the vagina. It happens when the growth of Candida has increased. The other name of yeast infection is candidiasis.
Symptoms
- Intense itching
- Burning sensation during sex and urination
- Thick, cottage cheese like discharge
- Redness and swelling in the area of vagina
Causes
- Pregnancy
- Antibiotic
- Weak immune system
- Diabetes
Treatment
- Antifungal cream
- Vagina tablets for short term case
- A single oral pills
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when bad bacteria increase and overcome the good bacteria. It is the most common infection that happens to women. But you should treat it the right way.
Symptoms
- Strong and fishy smell during the sex
- Irritation and itching in the vagina area
- Thin, white and gray color discharge
Causes
- Douching
- Imbalance of vaginal Ph
- Multiple sex partners
Treatment
- Antibiotic tablets
- Vaginal gel
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis infection is the source of sexually transmitted infection or disease. This infection required medical treatment for both the partners.
Symptoms
- Strong vagina smell
- Pain during urine
- Burning and itching sensation in vagina
- Yellow and green color of discharge
Causes
- Sexually transmitted parasite
Treatment
Treated with prescription antiprotozoal medication such as metronidazole.
- Antibiotic tablets
- Antiparasitic tablets
Viral Infections
Viruses like herpes simplex virus which cause genital herpes and human papillomavirus which cause genital warts. They can affect the vaginal health. There is no permanent cure for viral infection but the symptoms can be managed by the medication.
Genital Herpes: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
- Symptoms:
- Pain and burning during urine
- Pain during sex
- Painful sores
- Redness and swelling
- Fever and headache
- Causes:
- Sexually Transmitted Infection
- Sexually Transmitted Disease
- Herpes Simplex Virus One
- Herpes Simplex Virus Two
- Treatment: This virus can’t be cured but doctors give antiviral therapy to relieve the pain. It can give relief within 20 days approx. But you should not leave it in the middle. And don’t have sex until the medicine is over.
Genital Warts: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
- Symptoms:
- Itching, discomfort and burning sensation in and around the vagina area
- Flesh-colored bumps
- Cauliflower-like growths
- Thick and white discharge
- Causes: The only process of getting this virus is sexual contact. If you are sexually active with someone who has HPV or suffering from Genital warts, you can also get the disease. Such as having oral sex or having sex in anal, vaginal to vaginal and vaginal to penile.
- Treatment: HPV infection may clear naturally in many people within 1–2 years, but genital warts may require treatment. The doctor suggests going through the surgery or they provide the topical solution which they apply by themself.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are bacterial infections which happen because of sexually transmitted infections.
Symptoms
- Bleeding
- Painful sex
- Yellow, green and white in color of discharge
- Burning sensation during urine
- Pelvic pain
- Swelling and pain in the labia
Causes
- These infections can enter your body while having unprotected sex with the person who is suffering from these bacteria. This bacteria can enter your body by mouth, anus, vagina and penis. It can also spread by unclean sex toys.
Treatment
- The only treatment of these infections are antibiotics. That will be suggested according to the disease because in some situations females suffer from both the disease at the same time. While taking the medicines you should not have sex for a week because it can worsen your health.
Causes of Vaginal Infection
There are so many causes that affect the vaginal infection and increase the risk.
Uncontrollable Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious health disease. When people can’t manage their blood sugar level due to insulin and the excessive sugar. It can affect the growth of the microbes and it can lead to the damage to nerves, loss of the ability to see, kidney failure, heart disease and It can cause too much sugar in your vaginal and pee.
Use of Antibiotics
Taking and using antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs and medicines can help to kill bad bacteria. But the excessive use in UTI or in other diseases, it can kill good bacteria too. And it can increase the growth of bad bacteria which is not good for your health. Also, antibiotics are the only option for the bacterial vaginosis infection. But if you are facing nausea, vomiting, itchiness, rash, coughing and diarrhea, any of these problems, then it’s a side effect and allergic reaction.
Chemicals
Sometimes vaginal is infected because of allergies or chemicals in the products. So extra use of chemical products in the vagina can cause itching and burning sensation such as using soap, deodorant, detergents, lotions, wipes, vaginal sprays, douche and lubricants. Maybe you are allergic to something which is mixed in the product and you don’t know about that. You should check before using any product.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones change throughout the month. Low hormones can make your vagina to dry and it unbalances the growth of microbes. It happens during your menopause, pregnancy, when you just give birth, breastfeeding or when you switch your birth control pills. Due to hormonal changes, you can be affected by yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis.
Sexual Transmitted Infection
Many different types of infection in vaginal is spread by STI by sex even through oral sex or anal sex. Condoms can somehow prevent you from infections and if you are doing unprotected sex then it can lead you to the most threatening condition. You should go for a check up especially if you are sexually active.
Prevention Tips for Vaginal Infection
Preventing vaginal infections is much easier than medical treatment. You just have to avoid some things and the risk of a disease can be low.
- Maintain the balance diet
- Manage the blood sugar level
- Visit the gynecologist on regularly bases
- Change the wet cloths
- Practice of safe sex
- Use protection while having sex and mainly when you have new partner or multiple partners
- Avoid scented products like douche, soap and spray around the vagina
- After using toilets, wash the front to back area with the clean water
- Avoid using soaps and antiseptics in the private areas without asking the doctors
Treatment and Management of Vaginal Infection
Vaginal infection treatment depends on the type of infection you are suffering from. Treatment plans are based on the causes, patient history etc. Sometimes while having sex you can feel pain, it can be Vaginismus, not a vaginal infection. So you should consult for the vaginismus treatment. You have to manage the vaginal infection by care, knowledge and comfort.
Medical Treatment
- Medication will be provided as an oral tablets, gel and cream
- Antiviral medication for virus infection
- Antifungal medication for yeast infection
Importance of Professional Treatment
Self treatment can provide relief for temporary bases and sometimes it can worsen your health too. So, consult the gynecologist to ensure the best treatment. You can also go to the common gynecological symptoms to know more about the issues.
Home Treatment
Medical treatment is important but some home care or treatment is also essential like:
- Take medicines on daily bases
- Maintain proper hygiene
- Wear cotton underwear
- Vaginal area should be dry and clean
- Avoid douching
When to See the Doctor?
You can see the doctor if the vaginal infection symptoms stay for more than 3 days. While having intercours if the discharge has a strong smell and different color it can be a problem. Pregnant women should be careful, the chances of getting vaginal infection can be increased. If you are suffering from pain in the vagina and it is increasing day by day then it can create the problem and can worsen your health too.
Conclusion
I hope you understand the problems of vaginal infection and also know more about the vaginal infections symptoms. There are a lot of types of vaginal infection, causes, and treatment too, which we covered above. If symptoms persist, worsen, or occur during pregnancy, seeking medical care promptly is important.