Vaginal Infection (Vaginitis)
Vaginal infection, or Vaginitisis, is the inflammation and infection of the vagina. That usually causes unusual and unpleasant discharge & itching.
What is Vaginal Infection (Vaginitis)?
Vaginal infection, or Vaginitis, is the inflammation and infection of the vagina. That usually causes unusual and unpleasant discharge, itching, and pain.
What are the common symptoms of Vaginal infection?
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina resulting in discharge, itching, and pain.
Not every woman with a vaginal infection will display symptoms. However, if you do have symptoms, you may notice:
- Vaginal itching & discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Burning sensation during urinating
- The unpleasant smell from the vagina
- Sore & Blisters
- Lumps and Bumps
What are the Causes of Vaginal Infections?
Vaginal infections can be classified into:
1. non-sexually transmissible or
2. sexually transmissible.
In general, the causes of vaginal infection can be a result of:
- A changes the normal balance of vaginal bacteria
- Vaginal atrophy
- Allergic reaction
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Non-Sexually Transmissible Infection
1. Yeast infection
Yeast infection or (vaginal thrush) happens when an overgrowth of the fungus candida causes yeast infection.
Aside from burning sensation during urinating and sexual intercourse, thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of bacteria often found in the vagina and causes a change in the natural balance in the vagina.
Some of the common symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis is a thin white or gray vaginal discharge, strong fish-like odor, and pain, itching, or burning in the vagina.
4. Vaginal atrophy
Vaginal atrophy can cause vaginal thinning and dryness and lead to inflammation. Vaginal atrophy commonly happens to women during their menopause, resulting from a hormone drop.
Some of the common symptoms of Vaginal atrophy are vaginal dryness, vaginal discharge, and burning sensation during urinating.
5. Allergic reaction or Irritants
Irritation of the vagina can cause inflammation, such as using the wrong soap, body wash, spermicides, vaginal sprays, and feminine douches.
Sexually Transmissible Infection
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most common Sexually transmitted infections in women. The bacteria travel up the reproductive tract, causing inflammation and infection.
Some of the symptoms of chlamydia are abnormal vaginal discharge that may have an odor, itch, and pain during sex and urinating. However, not all women with chlamydia may not develop any symptoms.
If left untreated, one of the complications of chlamydia is infertility.
2. Gonorrhoeal
Gonorrhoea is an STI that often comes along with chlamydia. Gonorrhoea can also infect the cervix in females. Some common symptoms are increased vaginal discharge, painful urination,
If left untreated, one of the complications of Gonorrhea is a pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
3. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused by parasite infection during sexual. Trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching, and painful urination.
One of the common symptoms of trichomoniasis is often foul-smelling vaginal discharge - which might be yellowish and greenish.
Men who have trichomoniasis usually have no symptoms.
Pregnant women with trichomoniasis might be at higher risk of delivering their babies prematurely.
4. Herpes Simplex Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus is an infectious STD that results in painful blisters/ulcers in the vaginal and anal skin area.
What Are The Treatments of a Vaginal Infection?
When visiting our doctor, we will do some tests to identify what are the causes of your vaginal infection.
It is important to get a proper diagnosis from a professional before embarking on any form of treatment.