A vaginal infection is also known as vaginitis, which can be caused due to different types of bacteria, fungi, or yeast in your vagina and the tissues in the vaginal opening. This condition can lead to complications if not treated at the right time. So, if you are suffering from the minor or major symptoms of vaginitis, then you must consider your health care professional for prompt treatment. This guide will be explaining you all the details regarding the vaginal infection overview, including types, symptoms, causes, and prevention.
Symptoms of Vaginal Infection:
Following are the vaginal infection symptoms that you may experience at any stage of your life. Some are minor symptoms while some are complicated ones if you are suffering from the complicated ones for the first time. Then, you must go to your healthcare professional and seek medical advice. But if you are having very minor symptoms of the vaginal yeast infection, then you can also change your lifestyle and dietary needs. This will also help in recovering you from the minor symptoms of vaginitis.
Minor Symptoms:
Following are the common symptoms that you may experience if you are having a vaginal infection at a mild level:
- Vaginal itching
- Vaginal irritation
- Redness
- Swelling
- Rash
- White, Thick vaginal discharge
- Burning sensation in and around the vagina
Severe Symptoms:
If you have vaginal infection is at a complicated stage, then you will be experiencing the following severe symptoms of vaginal infection:
- Extensive swelling
- Sores
- Pain while urinating
- Light vaginal bleeding
Types of Vaginal Infection:
There are different types of vaginal infection based on the types of sources from where they are acquired:
Bacterial Vaginosis:
This is a type of vaginal infection in which bacteria is the main cause. Although, there are different kinds of healthy bacteria as well in our body when there is an imbalance of microbes then the unhealthy ones also grow. So, bacterial vaginosis is caused due to Gardnerella vaginalis bacteria. This bacteria is harmful and can cause a thick white discharge with sometimes a grayish appearance. Along with this, you will also get a fishy smell while urinating all while having discharge from your vagina.
Yeast Infection:
Yeast infection is also another type of vaginal infection which is caused by a fungus known as Candida Albicans. This fungus resides in the digestive system, mouth, and vagina. The normal amount of this fungus in your body is perfectly healthy. But if the amount of this fungus increases and upsets your body, then you can experience a discharge from your vagina which will have a cottage cheese appearance. Moreover, you can also feel itching in your vaginal area because of this infection.
Trichomoniasis:
This is a type of vaginal infection which is caused by a parasite. This parasite is mainly spread during sexual activities. You will experience yellow-green discharge if your infection is caused by a parasite. Along with this, it also has a big risk of developing sexually transmitted infections which can be harmful to your body.
Viral Vaginal Infection:
It is a type in which the infection in your vagina is caused by a virus. So, if your vaginitis is viral, then it will be caused by Herpes Simplex virus or Human Papillomavirus. Both these viruses spread through sexual activities. This will result in causing a painful source in the vaginal area or the vulva. It can also cause warts.
Lifestyle Changes for Preventing Vaginal Infection:
If you are searching for vaginal infection prevention at home, then there are several lifestyle changes that you must adopt to reduce this infection if you are having the severe one. Moreover, by adopting these lifestyle changes, you can also get rid of the vaginal infection for a lifetime. So, the following are some of the preventive measures to consider at home if you are having minor symptoms of vaginitis.
- Always keep your vaginal area dry. This is because moisture can lead to growth in the microbes and can lead to severe infections.
- Always wear cotton underwear because they are highly comfortable for your sensitive vaginal area. Try to avoid nylon underwear or any other made of synthetic materials.
- Choose cool baths over hot ones.
- Always wear loose clothes and avoid tights.
- Avoid bubble bathing.
- Consume a diet comprising of probiotics.
- Always consider your hygiene and maintain it after using the washroom.
- If you are suffering from diabetes, you should strictly control your sugar levels.
- If you are an alcoholic, then you should decrease the intake of alcohol.
By adopting these lifestyle changes, you can easily reduce the chances of infection in children as well. All these preventive measures contribute to the professional vaginal infection treatment at home.
Vaginitis During Pregnancy:
Vaginitis during pregnancy occurs in 20% of pregnant women. This can occur at any time and is not known to any specific cause. This infection causes itching, discomfort, and discharge in the vaginal area of the pregnant women if it is at a low extent. Then it can be treated with minor medications but if it gets worse then it will have a big effect on the mother and fetus.
This is because the bacterial vaginal problems can be harmful for the baby. It increases the risk of pre-term labor and also increases the risk of low birth weight of the baby. Moreover, bacterial vaginitis also increases the chances of causing pelvic inflammatory disease in the pregnant women and will lead to long-term risks. It can be alarming for both mother and fetus if it is not treated at the right time.
