Vaginal Infection - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

Vaginal infection is a condition when there is excessive yeast growth in the vagina. There will be intense itching, swelling and irritation in women who get this infection. Vaginal infection is bothersome for the women who experience it.

Vaginitis is one of the most common groups of infections faced by women around the globe. It is generally described as uncomfortable inflammation followed by discharge, itching, and pain. Vaginitis can be categorized into five subdivisions based on the root cause. These five types are:

• Bacterial vaginosis: caused by an imbalance in normal bacteria lactobacilli and anaerobes found in the vagina.
• Yeast infections: caused by naturally occurring fungus known by the name of Candida albicans.
• Trichomoniasis: caused by a parasite named Trichomonas which is only transmitted through intercourse.
• Noninfectious vaginitis: the cause of this form of vaginal infection caused by external products used for sanitization and hygiene of your intimate area. The products cause irritation and imbalance in your pH level leading to vaginitis.
• Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy): internal insufficiency of a female hormone named estrogen. Postmenopause your vaginal lining may slim leading to irritation in the skin.

Summary: Vaginitis is generally described as uncomfortable inflammation followed by discharge, itching, and pain. Vaginitis can be categorized into five subdivisions based on the root cause.

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of vaginal infection should visit a gynaecologist. Gynaecologist will check whether the person had episodes of sexually transmitted disease. Pelvic exam is carried out to thoroughly check the vaginal walls and cervix. Vaginal sample test is prescribed for women who have recurrent episodes of vaginal infection.

Treatment for vaginal infection includes vaginal creams to remove the infection. Vaginal creams contain oil and hence, have the ability to effect the latex of condom and other birth controls. It is best to avoid these birth control at the time of infection.

Simple yeast infections can be treated by a three-day regimen of ointments, anti fungal creams or suppository. The vaginal infection will cure on use of these medicines. A follow up to the doctor is required to check for recurrent episodes.

The diagnosis of Vaginal Infections is usually done in the following ways:

• Detailed inquiry about the history of patients regarding health: This includes detailed explanation about medical history as well as sexual health. Taking the history of sexually transmitted diseases or infections is important.
• Pelvic exam: This includes a collection of samples related to discharge from the vagina. This is needed for lab analysis.

Vaginal Infections which is a kind of fungal infection can get treated in some of the following ways:

• Application of antifungal creams or suppositories under the supervision of a doctor.
• Some creams are also preferred to be used which are basically estrogen-related creams.
• Tablets in the form of metronidazole or any antifungal may be helpful in such cases.
• Clindamycin available as cream or gel is also preferred in some cases.
• Antifungals such as miconazole, fluconazole prescribed by a doctor are also beneficial.

Intimate hygiene is very easy and the most important thing to maintain. Not only does it help us have a healthy lifestyle but also keeps our vital organs healthy making it more efficient towards reproduction and intercourse. Here are some of the preventive methods that allow us to prevent infections like vaginitis:

• Avoid water bodies like hot tubs, baths, and other forms of public bathing places.
• Keep an eye on intimate products like sanitary napkins, tampons, menstrual cups, intimate washes, creams, and other forms of products. If the texture, chemical composition, or scent may irritate your skin, do not ignore it as it can lead to yeast infection.
• Clean right, it is important to use the correct wiping method. Wipe your intimate area from front to back covering your anal. Do not wipe it in the opposite direction as it only welcomes anal residue and bacteria straight into your vagina.
• Practice safe sex. Use protection each time you have sex. Not only an infected person can cause yeast infection but also a healthy person’s sperm can also cause an imbalance in the pH levels of the vagina. Using condoms will be the best preventive method to be on the safe side.
• Wear cotton underwear. Cotton absorbs and dries faster than any other fabric. It is also quite breathable making it easy to maintain the temperature of your body. Also, too tight or loose clothes can cause discomfort. Choose the right underwear for better prevention and care.

Summary: Intimate hygiene is very easy and the most important thing to maintain. Follow the preventive methods that allow us to prevent infections like vaginitis throughout our lives.

Complicated vaginal infections can be caused due to a number of reasons like uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy or HIV. These cause recurrent episodes of vaginal infections and hence need a more aggressive treatment. Here the women are given a 14-day cream or ointment and medications like antibiotics to treat the infections. Use of condoms during sex is also prescribed by the doctor to avoid further infection.

Vaginal infections can be prevented by following some simple precautions. Avoid wearing tight underwear, feminine deodorant or pads, eating a well balanced diet, avoid wearing wet underwear, wearing natural fibres like silk and cotton, avoiding use of hot tubs frequently, avoiding hot douches.

Prevention and precautions taken properly can avoid vaginal infections and lead to a good hygiene in women.

Vaginal Infections may show mild infections in some cases and require around three days to recover from the symptoms. In most such cases, treatment may not be required. However, in moderate cases or some severe cases, the time interval usually taken for the recovery process includes around two to three weeks.

Dietary changes have a positive effect on fungal infections such as Vaginal Infections. Some of the food items and food habits which are preferred in such conditions include the following:

• Use of Coconut oil, it is rich in Lauric acid which is much needed in the prevention of Vaginal Infections.
• Incorporation of probiotics in the regular diet. Some of them include yoghurt and several fermented foods.
• Diet rich in low sugar content as high sugar may be unfavorable for Vaginal Infections.
• Some herbs and spices such as garlic and curcumin which have effective antifungal actions.

The treatment of Vaginal Infection includes the application of antifungal creams, tablets, or medicines. The side effects of such antifungals remedies include the following:

• Hepatotoxicity: It adversely affects the liver.
• Deranged kidney function tests: It has a negative effect on the kidneys too.
• Electrolyte imbalance: It usually causes an imbalance in the electrolytes in the body.
• Occurrence of diarrhoea.
• Nausea and vomiting.

A complete cure is quite possible in the case of fungal infections such as Vaginal Infections with an application of antifungal medications. The results are permanent in most of the cases or it may not be so. However, there occurs a chance of recurrence in some of the cases which are followed by the same treatment methods.

Some of the important post-treatment guidelines which a woman should follow in case of Vaginal Infections include the following:

• Maintenance of hygiene in the vaginal area so as to keep them clean and free from infections.
• Wearing comfortable undergarments and avoiding ill-fitting clothes to prevent excessive sweating which facilitates the growth of the yeast.

Vaginal Infection is a kind of infection usually caused due to fungus. It can be treated by using antifungal medicines. The treatment cost is normal and affordable. It is around rupees 300 up to rupees 1000 and may vary in this range.

The main treatment methods for Vaginal Infections include the application of antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor. However, there are some alternative methods for the treatment which include the application of suppositories consisting of boric acid. It should be used at bedtime, one suppository per day.

Summary: Vaginitis is generally described as uncomfortable inflammation followed by discharge, itching, and pain. Causes of vaginitis include hormonal imbalance, bacterial infection, and transmission of the parasites from an infected partner. Treatment of vaginal infection includes self-care and antifungal medication. While self-care includes preventive methods, medicational will include oral pills and applicable creams.