VAGINAL INFECTIONS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

 

Royalty Blog

Vaginal infections can cause unbearable pains and discomfort if left without adequate treatment, they may lead to complications that can adversely affect a person’s health.

      The following sections will look at some common causes of vaginal infections, as well as their specific symptoms and some treatment options.

YEAST INFECTIONS:

Vaginal yeast infections are a result of the fungus called Candida, typically Candida albicans.

  Yeast infections occur when the Candida species penetrate the mucosal lining of the vagina, resulting in an inflammatory response.

SYMPTOMS:

Some symptoms of a yeast infection include:

1) Irritation, itching, and burning in and around the vagina

2) Thick, sticky, white discharge 

3) Swelling and flushing around the vagina

4)Soreness,rash and redness

Some people may experience a worsening of symptoms just before a menstrual period.

TREATMENT: 

Because yeast infections occur due to a fungus, you can either take an antifungal medication orally or apply a cream to the inside of the vagina. 

BACTERIALINFECTIONS

Some bacterial infections that affect the vagina include:

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS:

 These occurs when there is an overgrowth of the bacteria that are naturally present in the vagina. This is the result of a decrease in the bacteria lactobacilli in the vagina.

SYMPTOMS: 

1) Thin gray or white discharge

2) Fishy-smelling odor from the vagina

3) Thin or watery discharge

4) Burning sensation while urinating

5) Pains during sexual intercourse

6) Itching of the vulva

TREATMENT:

Usually Clindamycin or Metronidazole is prescribed for treatment of BV. 

CHLAMYDIA AND GONORRHEA:

Other bacterial infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, are sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

SYMPTOMS:

1) Abnormal discoloured discharge from the penis and vagina

2) Unusual Bleeding

3) Burning sensation during urination

4) Pain during sexual intercourse

Symptoms of gonorrhea include:

1) Vaginal discharges green, white, or yellow in colour

2) Pelvic pains

3) Burning sensation while urinating

4) Swelling and pain of the labia

TREATMENT:

Both of these bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, no sex until a week after medication.

VIRAL INFECTIONS:

A person can contract these viruses through sexual intercourse or by into skin-to-skin contact with a affected persons.

        Genital herpes outbreaks usually look like a cluster of itchy or painful blisters filled with fluid. They may be different sizes and appear in different places. The blisters break or turn into sores that bleed or ooze a whitish fluid.

GENITAL HERPES:

Symptoms of genital herpes include:

1) Painful blisters or sores on the genitals

2) Burning or pain while urinating

3) Swelling of lymph nodes

4) Swelling of the vulva

5) Fever and headaches

6) Blisters on face or lips

TREATMENT:

 Antiviral drugs may help speed up the healing time of your sores and reduce pain. Keep the affected site clean and dry. Wear loose cotton clothing to keep the area comfortable.

     Doctors cannot cure herpes, but can undergo antiviral therapy to help manage the symptoms.

GENITAL WARTS

Symptoms of genital warts include:

1) Warts, either separate or in clusters, around and inside the penis, scrotum, vulva, cervix, vagina and anus

2) May cause bleeding

3) Itching, flushing, or discomfort

TREATMENT:

Like genital herpes, there is currently no cure for genital warts.the HPV infection will clear from the body within 2 years.

  Although there is no cure, visible warts can be removed through surgery or with topical solutions that people can apply themselves.

TRICHOMONIASIS:

This is a very common STI. This infection occurs due to a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.

SYMPTOMS:

Not may people show signs or symptoms. Some people begin to show symptoms within 6-29 days, while others may not develop symptoms until much later.

If symptoms are present, they may include:

1) Itchy, sore, flushed, or burning genitals

2) Change in vaginal discharge, such as:

- An increase in volume

- A change in color to clear, yellow, or green

- The production of thin discharge

- Discomfort during urination

TREATMENT:

A person can take antibiotics to treat trich. a prescribed metronidazole or tinidazole.

NONINFECTIOUS VAGINITIS

Noninfectious vaginitis typically occurs due to irritants. Certain things that the vagina may be allergic to cause such.

 There are different things that a person may be allergic to,

1)Sperm fluid

2) Spermicides

3) Latex condoms

4) Vagina sprays or cosmetics

5) Sex Lubricants

6) Feminine hygiene products/sanitary pads

7) Bubble baths and other soaps with fragrances

8) Douches that people do not dilute correctly

9) Close fitting underwear, tight jean, leather wears

SYMPTOMS:

1) Swelling and irritation of the vagina and vulva

2) Flushing of the vagina and vulva

3) Pains, burning, and stinging sensations on the vulva

TREATMENT:

The best treatment for vaginal discomfort as a result of irritants is to avoid any known triggers.

    To find out what triggers a reaction you should do patch test

Vaginal infections can be caused by yeast, bacteria, viruses, and irritants. They can be painful, cause health hazards and reduce a person’s ability to participate in normal daily activities.

Share for awareness!