Vaginal infections are a group of different conditions that occur due to an imbalance in bacteria and yeast living in the vagina, resulting in the inflammation or infection of the vagina. The inflammation of both the vagina and vulva is known as vulvovaginitis. Disruption of normal conditions of the vagina, such as using tampons, douching, or taking antibiotics, also causes vaginal flora to grow out of control, resulting in vaginal infections.

Symptoms Of Vaginal Infections:

The most common symptoms of vaginal infections include:

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Pain during intercourse
• Vaginal itching
• Soreness in or around the vagina
• Pain when you pee
• Vaginal discharge having a strong odor
• Change in the amount of vaginal discharge
  

Causes Of Vaginal Infections:

Here is a brief overview of common causes of vaginal infections:

1. Bacterial Infections: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) causes an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria (lactobacilli), resulting in vaginal infection. Common bacterial vaginosis (BV) symptoms include a fish-like odor from the vagina, yellow or greyish-white discharge, and a burning sensation while urinating.

2. Yeast Infections: Vaginal yeast infections are caused mainly by Candida albicans, a fungus that penetrates the mucous lining of the vagina, causing inflammation of the vagina. Symptoms of yeast infections include sticky, thick vaginal discharge and itching and burning in and around the vagina.

3. Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite that causes vaginal odor and itching. This condition doesn t have apparent symptoms, but patients often experience frothy, foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

4. Irritants: Your vagina can easily be irritated by perfumes, body washes, vaginal contraceptives, and soaps. These irritants cause inflammation or flushing of the vagina.

Diagnosis Of Vaginal Infections:

Your vaginal health history is an important factor in diagnosing a vaginal infection. History of past vaginal infections, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and sexual health, is also important for diagnosis.

Vaginal infections can also be diagnosed by performing a pelvic exam. During this exam, a doctor takes a sample of vaginal discharge by swabbing the vagina and testing the sample in the laboratory.

Treatment:

What is causing your infection will determine the right treatment option for you. For instance:

• Estrogen tablets or creams are prescribed for vaginal atrophy.
• Suppositories or antifungal creams for a yeast infection.
• Tinidazole or metronidazole tablets for trichomoniasis.
• Clindamycin cream or gel and metronidazole gel, cream, or tablets for bacterial infection.
  

Prevention:

You can reduce your risk of having vaginal infections by:

• Changing underwear daily and wearing cotton underwear
• Not douching
• Not wearing tight clothes
• Avoiding latex lubricants if you re allergic to latex
• Avoiding laundry products and bath products that have fragranc
• Avoiding scented sanitary products
  

FAQs:

1. Who is more susceptible to having bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

Women of ages 15 to 44 are more prone to experiencing bacterial vaginosis (BV). However, BV can also occur in women of every age, even if you never had sex. If you have multiple sex partners, you can also get BV.

2. Do vaginal infections go away on their own?

Bacterial vaginal infections mostly clear up on their own. However, treatment options should be employed in most women to treat infections effectively. Sometimes, vaginal infections also come back even after clearing up.

References:

1. Mashburn J. Vaginal Infections Update. J Midwifery Womens Health 2012;57:629 34. doi.org
2. Coudray MS, Madhivanan P. Bacterial vaginosis A brief synopsis of the literature. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2020;245:143 8. doi.org
3. Blaganje M, Barbi
   M. Vaginal Yeast Infection. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 2020;15:325 31. doi.org
4. Schumann JA, Plasner S. Trichomoniasis. Jefferson Northeast: StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL); 2020.