Vaginal Infections

Vaginal Infections can be very embarrassing to bring up especially if you display any of the following signs and symptoms of a vaginal infections. Keep in mind if for some reason you feel like some of the following vaginal infections describe what you are going through please seek medical attention. There are a couple of factors that can influence whether or not you or more likely to obtain one of these vaginal infections. Excessive douching is bad, as a good rule of thumb never douche. The reason being, the vagina contains normal flora (harmless bacteria inhabiting a part of the body). This normal flora helps fight off some of these vaginal infections. Oral contraceptives, steroids, and antibiotics disrupt either the normal flora or the pH which is naturally acidic. This acidic environment is produced by the Doderlein's bacilli which is a normal flora found in the vagina it can be destroyed by broad-spectrum antibiotics (kills pretty much all bacteria). The acidic environment is produced by the Doderlein's bacilli and helps protect the vagina from the invading vaginal infections. Of course, the one our parents taught us was to always wipe from front to back or from the cleanest to dirtiest. This is especially important in younger girls, if wiping incorrectly the bacteria from a bowel movement can introduce itself into the vagina which would most likely be E. Coli. One other factor that can influence chronic vaginal infections and that is the possibility of another disease process that is present in the body. Such as HIV, or a pre-diabetic state (Before one knows they are a diabetic).

Bacterial Vaginosis

The defining features that make up Bacterial Vaginosis are first and foremost its bacteria. Vaginal infections of bacterial vaginosis involve the microbes E. Coli, Haemophilus vaginalis, and Gardnerella vaginalis. With bacterial vaginosis there would be a fishy smell with profuse yellowish expulsion, this can be very uncomfortable for a person with insecurities. There will be irritation when voiding and during a bowel movement which include itching, redness, burning, and edema. Bacterial vaginosis is treated by a antibacterial or antiprotozoal depending on the causative organism responsible for vaginal infections of this kind. Bacterial vaginosis may also increase the risk of contracting other STDs and HIV if a woman is exposed to them. Keep in mind that vaginal infections involving bacterial vaginosis are also sexually transmitted.

Vaginal Candidiasis

Vaginal Candidiasis is a fungus and is also known as a yeast infection. Candida albicans is the fungus responsible for vaginal infections of this kind. Vaginal candidiasis is accompanied by internal itching, beefy red irritation, inflammation of the vaginal wall. Vaginal candidiasis is white, cheese-like, and it is odorless and clinging to the vaginal membrane. Vaginal Candidiasis can occur frequently and is difficult to cure. Certain woman are at increased risk for vaginal candidiasis including those with diabetes this is due to the possibility of increased sugar in the blood which helps the fungus spread. Others include taking birth control pills, pregnancy, and after finishing certain antibiotics. The treatment for vaginal Candidiasis is taking an antifungal medication.

STD: Trichomoniasis

STD: Trichomoniasis, yes that is correct, this is a STD. No, it is not the big ones like HIV, or herpes. No don't get me wrong STD and Trichomoniasis do go hand in hand as the primary mode of transmission, but you can get it by contact with damp or moist objects such as towels, wet clothing, or a toilet seat but the contact must involve the genital area. The STD trichomoniasis can involve no symptoms at all but you may have itching, burning, or pain occurring during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). It is possible to have Frothy, green-yellow, thick, foul smelling vaginal discharge, and a spot on the cervix that looks like a strawberry. It is important to note that if you do have the STD trichomoniasis and you have a man partner whom you have a sexual relationship with, he should be treated as well because males generally do not show any symptoms of the STD: Trichomoniasis. I have researched to find out where the STD: Trichomoniasis came from and have found that for the most part nobody will say. But I have found multiple sources that state the STD: Trichomoniasis loves moist or damp areas to live in and that these type of vaginal infections can survive on fomites (which are inanimate objects capable of carrying germs from an infected person to another person, e.g. clothes or bedding). The STD: Trichomoniasis is treated by either an antibacterial or an antiprotozoal medication. Avoid wearing nylons for long periods of time or tight fitting underwear as this of course can provide that moist environment these vaginal infections need to survive. Using condoms can reduce the probability of contracting the STD: Trichomoniasis.

Atrophic Vaginitis

Atrophic Vaginitis is also known as postmenopausal vaginitis it is not another one of these vaginal infections. However, I thought it was important to mentions as well because it is often mentioned in the same breath as the above vaginal infections. Atrophic vaginitis is an inflammatory condition caused by lack of production of estrogen by the body. Itching and burning are associated with atrophic vaginitis as well as the loss of vaginal tissue folds and the thin protective layer on the cavities of the vagina. The treatment for atrophic vaginitis a estrogen vaginal cream.