An Overview of Vaginal Infections and the Tips to Deal with them

An Overview of Vaginal Infections and the Tips to Deal with them
Do you know that vaginal infection is nearly an inevitable problem in women? Yes, various statistical records say that nearly every woman will face some or other kind of vaginal discomfort at some point in life. Are you dealing with itching, discharges, soreness, or redness? Well, don’t think you are alone! By this, we don’t mean that you should ignore the discomfort. You must pay immediate attention to the problem and figure out the cause of it.
Remember, infections in the vagina are said to be the primary cause of discomforts in the vaginal region for most women. Globally, vaginal infections are among the most common reasons why women visit their doctors. In the following article, let’s learn about the common vaginal infections along with the tips to deal with them. So, continue reading…
What causes vaginal infections?
Having said that the vaginal infections are experienced by almost all the women, it’s vital to understand what causes these infections. We all are aware that infections are caused by microorganisms. When it comes to vaginal infections, the major causal organisms are bacteria and yeast among others. Now, let’s see what makes these infections likely to occur:

• Increased Vaginal pH: When the pH levels in your vagina increases, it means that the acidity levels are decreased. This phenomenon will decrease the levels of protective bacteria that live in your vagina, which can result in vaginal infections.
• Bad Hygiene: When you do not maintain a cleaner genital area, the number of bacteria in the region will increase, thereby, leading to bacterial infections.
• Use of Tight Undergarments: Some people tend to wear a tight, non-absorbent type of undergarments. These types will trap the moisture contents, thereby, facilitating the growth of bacteria and fungi.
• Tissue Damage: If the tissues of your pelvic region are damaged, your body’s natural immunity will be weakened, thereby, leading to an infestation of microbes there. As such, tissue damage can be due to various reasons as follows:
  • Tumors
  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Structural abnormalities like birth defects or fistulas
• Irritation: Irritation in your vaginal region can result in cracks and sores, which will open the gates for the bacteria and yeast organisms to enter into your bloodstream.

What are the most common types of infections?
There are three most common types of vaginal infections. They are:

1. Yeast Infections:

This type of vaginal infection is caused by the fungal species called Candida. Of all the members of Candida, a particular type is well-known to cause vaginal infections, which is called Candida albicans.
You should understand that this type of fungus will be present naturally in your body in small numbers, including your vagina. This species, in low levels, does not cause any harm. But, it’s to be noted that these organisms will thrive well in a warm, moist, and airless atmosphere.
Symptoms:
You can understand that you are dealing with a yeast infection when you find a dense, white-colored discharge, resembling your cottage cheese. Apart from this, a yeast infection will show other symptoms of vaginal itching and redness in the vulva and vaginal regions.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis:

Like the yeast, a type of bacteria called “lactobacillus” will also live naturally in your vagina. Yes, of course, this is one of the friendly microorganisms and when the lactobacilli count in the vaginal region gets very low, it could stimulate an infection called bacterial vaginosis.
It’s still unknown why these bacterial levels change, but what is known so far is that the friendly lactobacilli can be replaced by the infectious bacteria. Gardnerella is the most common bacteria that is linked to causing bacterial vaginosis.
Symptoms:
You can identify that you are affected with bacterial vaginosis when you see a dense, whitish discharge that is transparent and greasy. Along with the discharge, you can get a fish-like odor that can be noticed, especially during sexual intercourse. Unlike yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis will not cause any itch or burns.

3. Trichomonas:

Basically, this is a sexually-transmitted infection that is caused by a single-celled parasite called trichomonas vaginalis. Women will get this infection from their partners when they have sex with them.
Symptoms:
The symptoms that are caused by this vaginal infection will be similar to the other infections. They are:

• Burning
• Irritation
• Redness
• Swelling of the vulva
• Yellow-gray or greenish discharge
• Fishy Odor
• Painful urination

Other Types of Vaginal Infections:
While the above-mentioned ones are the most common types of infection, there are other types of vaginal infections and they include:

• Chlamydia vaginitis
• Noninfectious vaginitis
• Vulvodynia
• Viral vaginosis
• Gonorrhea
• Genital herpes
• Genital warts

Tips to Deal with Vaginal Infections:
If you are suffering from any of the vaginal infections, you must understand that all the vaginal infections can be treated. But, the first step in dealing with a vaginal infection is maintaining good hygiene. You can use water or ice to help alleviate the symptoms. You are recommended to avoid strong and scented soaps and unwanted topical products to use in your vagina. Keep your genital area always clean and dry. To help relieve soreness and itching, you can try applying cool compresses, taking a sitz bath, or flushing the area with lukewarm water.
If these measures do not alleviate your symptoms, you may have to take some drugs like Gynotab. This is a broad spectrum vaginal tablet that is designed to relieve multiple vaginal problems. With ingredients like Tinidazole, Clotrimazole, and Lactic Acid Bacillus, Gynotab can treat various microbial infections when at the same time being able to promote the growth of natural vaginal flora.
You can use Gynotab to treat indications like:

• Vaginal infections
• Vulvo-vaginal infections
• Leucorrhea
• Vaginal mycoses
• Trichomoniasis
• Gardnerella vaginalis
• Recurrent vaginitis
• Mixed vaginitis

One can also take Gynotab as a prophylactic measure against bacterial vaginosis. For more details on the product, check here.
Finally, you must know which type of vaginal infection you have to be able to choose the right treatment for you!