Various vaginal infections – Treatment
Most women have been there. You are distracted and squirming in your chair because it does not feel right down there. Perhaps there is a smell that has a little, well, funkier, than usual. You want to do cure by something to make it stop, now. Although it can be darned uncomfortable, it is not the end of the world. You could have an infection caused by few factors. It is not always easy to figure out what’s going on, though. You will probably need your someone’s help to sort it out and choose the right treatment. Vaginal infection is the most common cause of vaginitis, accounting for 50% of cases.
Vaginal infection is caused by a change or imbalance in the types of the bacteria normally found in the vagina and causes an overgrowth of organisms such as. so much so that most women will experience some form of vaginal infection or inflammation during their lifetime.
There are different types of vaginal infections:
Yeast infection:
Yeast is a fungus which normally lives in the vagina in small numbers. A vaginal yeast infection means that too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina. These infections are very common in every woman. Although they can bother a lot, they are not usually serious.
Bacterial vaginosis:
Bacterial vaginosis is called as a mild infection of the vagina which is caused by bacteria. Normally, there are a lot of “good” bacteria and some “bad” bacteria in the vagina. The good types help in control the growth of the bad types. In women with bacterial vaginosis, the balance is more upset. There are not enough good bacteria and too many bad bacteria.
Bacterial vaginosis is usually a mild problem which may go away on its own in a few days. But it can lead to more serious problems. So it is a good idea to see your doctor and get treatment.
Viral vaginitis:
Viruses are a common cause of vagina, with most being spread through sexual contact. One type of virus which causes viral vaginitis is the herpes simplex virus whose primary symptom is the pain in the genital area associated with lesions and sores. These sores are generally visible on the vulva or vagina, but occasionally are inside the vagina and only be found during a pelvic examination.
Trichomoniasis:
Trichomoniasis is also a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a small organism called as Trichomonas vaginalis. Women are most often affected by this disease, although men can become infected and pass the infection to their partners through a sexual contact.
Genital herpes:
Herpes is also a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that any sexually active person can get. Most people with the virus don’t have symptoms. It is essential to know that even without signs of the disease, it can still spread to sexual partners.
Symptoms
- Burning sensation, especially during urination or sexual intercourse
- Swelling and redness of vulva
- Vaginal rash
- Genital itching
- Cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge
- Nipple pain in the breastfeeding woman
Causes
- Vaginal infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of the fungus. when the pH of the vagina changes or there is hormonal imbalance, the fungus multiplies and gets an infection.
- Other factors that can cause or worsen the infection is stress. Psychosocial factors, especially stress, is the primary cause of vaginal yeast infection.
- High sugar and caffeine diet can also worsen the infection.
- Overuse of antibiotics may also cause antimicrobial resistance, so the infection can worsen.
- Using birth control pills, Weather changes and even frequent douching can aggravate the condition.
Natural treatments for vaginal infections:
1. Keep Your Skin Clean and Dry
Yeast can only multiply to harmful levels when the conditions are just right. The best way to stop yeast or vaginal infection from spreading is to keep your skin clean, dry, and free from scrapes or wounds. By practicing good hygiene and taking care of any open cuts properly helps to prevent infections, digestive tract, whether in the vagina, mouth or elsewhere.
Make sure to wash the vaginal area with soap every day and dry off the area well after showering, since fungus is most commonly found in moist environments. When you go to the bathroom, you can decrease the risk for spreading germs by wiping from front to back.
2. Wear Clean Clothes
Make sure to wear clean inner/underwear, and ideally make your underwear cotton or another breathable fabric. Allows air to reach your genitals helps stop moisture and warmth from developing, which worsens yeast growth.
You might also want to wear looser fitting clothes and avoid tights or bathing suits if you are prone to getting infections, since these all increase body heat and retain moisture. When you do wear a bathing suit, try not to stay in one for too many hours, especially if the suit is wet or dirty.
3. Boost Your Immune System by a Nutrient-Rich Diet and Probiotics
A diet which boosts your immune system can also help your body stay in tip-top shape, greatly reducing the risk of an infection since an increase in white blood cells is able to target the problem before it worsens. This is the reason why a weakened immune system is one of the significant risk factors for recurring vaginal infections. People with few viruses like HIV or diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or cancer are all prone to developing infections more often.
Vaginal infections are a common occurrence, with three out of four women experiencing one in their lifetime. Fortunately, these are fairly easy infections to treat. The symptoms may sometimes be subtle, so it is essential to be aware of them so you can get prompt treatment.
