Common Types of Vaginal Infections

It is very important that you get tested for vaginal symptoms by a doctor so you can get treatment quickly. Vaginal infections are quite common and most women tend to experience them in their lifetime. Vaginal infections can be treated once a pathology test has been done to identify the condition.

There are many symptoms that point to a vaginal infection such as itching, pain, burning, vaginal discharge and unusual odour. Whenever you are experiencing these symptoms, you need to make an appointment with your healthcare provider so you are given medications and instructions on how to treat vaginal infection. There are many causes of vaginal infections and some can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases. And while not all women may be prone to vaginal infections, there is a percentage of women that are at a higher risk than others. The environment in the vagina can change when hormone levels change, with vaginal intercourse, when you take antibiotics for an infection or when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is also advised not to rinse the vagina with any liquid other than water or carry out douching as it will disrupt the vaginal ecosystem.

A yeast infection is a common vaginal infection that occurs due to the candida virus. Candida is already present in the body and the vagina but sometimes, there can be an overgrowth giving rise to vaginal infections. The conditions that contribute to overgrowth include the use of birth control pills, menstruation or hormonal changes because of pregnancy. It can also be due to low immunity or chronic high blood sugar levels. When a yeast infection is present, you will experience a thick white discharge that is similar in texture to cottage cheese. It can also cause an itching sensation in the vagina and vulva along with redness. There is over the counter medication for yeast infection. However, there are certain infections that can have the same symptoms as a yeast infection and if you don’t see any improvement with the treatment, you should see your doctor.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection and is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis which is a unicellular parasite. This can be passed from one partner to the other during sexual intercourse. The symptoms are itching, swollen or reddened vulva and burning. This will result in a greenish or yellow grey vaginal discharge as well. There can be some pain during urination. Another sexually transmitted disease is chlamydia which leads to vaginal inflammation. BV or bacterial vaginosis is triggered by low levels of lactobacilli which is a type of bacteria. This bacteria can be replaced by a different variant of bacteria that causes infection. The overgrowth of this bacteria and the repression of lactobacilli gives rise to the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis which is thick white discharge or clear discharge. There can be an unusual fishy odour when you engage in intercourse. There is no itching, however. If you use perfumed soaps, scented tampons etc. they can irritate the vagina giving rise to noninfectious vaginitis and causing the skin around the vagina to become sensitive.