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Health Blog: Vaginal infections are fairly common and nothing to be ashamed of. The most common vaginal infections include bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections and trichomoniasis. One of the key signs of an infection is vaginal discharge, though itching or burning are not uncommon. Fortunately, there are many one day treatments available that help relieve the discomfort associated with most vaginal infections.
Having any type of vaginal infection can be both distressing and uncomfortable. It is often difficult to differentiate between one type of infection and another, thus it is important that you discuss with your physician any symptoms you may be experiencing to ensure an appropriate diagnosis is made.
The Most Common Vaginal Infections
At some point in time all women will have a vaginal infection. Most women will have several during their lifetime. The most common vaginal infections are as follows:
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are very common, and occur in young and old alike. Yeast infections are in fact responsible for nearly one-third of all vaginal infections. Most women experience the highest number of yeast infections during their reproductive years, and realize a decline post menopause.
What causes yeast infections? Overgrowth of yeast in the vagina called Candida Albicans, or Candidiasis. Typically the growth of yeast in the vagina is inhibited by other bacteria in the vagina called lactobacilli. A yeast infection occurs when the balance of good bacteria in the vagina is disrupted however, causing symptoms and discomfort. There are several things that can upset the balance of bacteria in the vagina including:
It is important that you do not douche or overly clean your vagina prior to your exam, so that your test results will be accurate. The actual test used for a yeast infection is quick and easy.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are generally relieved more than 80% of the time when proper vaginal preparations or oral medications are used. The type of medication you use will vary depending on your doctor's preference. Single dose treatments are often recommended.
Bacterial Vaginosis
This vaginal infection has one main symptom: a copious amount of vaginal discharge accompanied with a strong, “fishy” odor. Typically burning or itching is absent when a patient has bacterial vaginosis.
This infection is also caused by an imbalance of normal protective vaginal flora. In particular, bacterial vaginosis occurs when the Lactobacilli in the vagina is decreased.
Bacterial vaginosis is found in women who are and who are not sexually active. Douching is considered a risk factor for this condition.
Bacterial vaginosis can cause severe complications, including a higher risk of preterm delivery and premature rupture of the membranes in pregnant women. Thus it is vital that treatment be sought out immediately.
Women who are undergoing gynecologic surgery are also at an increased risk for postoperative infections if they have an active infection.
The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis can be made at your healthcare provider's office. Treatment may include use of a cream or substance called MetroGel-Vaginal, which is a five day treatment that helps restore the protective bacteria in the vagina.
One of every three women that have bacterial vaginosis will realize a recurrent infection within a three month time frame, though doctors aren't sure why this happens. Generally recurrent infections are treated more aggressively.
Trichomoniasis
“Trich” as it is referred to is an infection caused by a parasite that affects the vagina. Anywhere from 2 to 3 million women are infected with these organisms every year.
Trich can cause profuse vaginal discharge that is typically frothy and yellow, and has a bad odor. Some women however do not have symptoms and will only be diagnosed during their annual pap smear.
The treatment of choice for this infection is metronidazole (Flagyl) which is taken orally. This is a sexually transmitted disease, and requires that all sexual partners be treated before resuming intercourse to prevent re-infection.
The next time you notice a change in your vaginal discharge, or wake up with an itch, get it checked out! There is no reason to suffer in silence when a simple test and prescription remedy might be all you need to rid yourself of your infection. Remember that many treatments are effective within one day!
source: womenshealthcaretopics.com
Having any type of vaginal infection can be both distressing and uncomfortable. It is often difficult to differentiate between one type of infection and another, thus it is important that you discuss with your physician any symptoms you may be experiencing to ensure an appropriate diagnosis is made.
The Most Common Vaginal Infections
At some point in time all women will have a vaginal infection. Most women will have several during their lifetime. The most common vaginal infections are as follows:
- Yeast Infection
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
- Trichomonas (Trich)
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal odor
- Vaginal itching and irritation around the vaginal area.
- Burning with urination
- Discomfort or pain during intercourse
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections are very common, and occur in young and old alike. Yeast infections are in fact responsible for nearly one-third of all vaginal infections. Most women experience the highest number of yeast infections during their reproductive years, and realize a decline post menopause.
What causes yeast infections? Overgrowth of yeast in the vagina called Candida Albicans, or Candidiasis. Typically the growth of yeast in the vagina is inhibited by other bacteria in the vagina called lactobacilli. A yeast infection occurs when the balance of good bacteria in the vagina is disrupted however, causing symptoms and discomfort. There are several things that can upset the balance of bacteria in the vagina including:
- Antibiotics - antibiotics are typically prescribed to kill bacteria in the body. They work by killing all bacteria, including good protective bacteria in the vagina, allowing the overgrowth of yeast.
- Oral Contraceptive Pills - High estrogen levels in the pill can affect the pH balance of the vagina creating a favorable environment for yeast to grow in.
- Pregnancy - Hormonal changes during pregnancy may lead to an increased incidence of yeast infections.
- Diabetes Mellitus - High blood sugars typically allow yeast to grow faster.
- Weakened immune system.
It is important that you do not douche or overly clean your vagina prior to your exam, so that your test results will be accurate. The actual test used for a yeast infection is quick and easy.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are generally relieved more than 80% of the time when proper vaginal preparations or oral medications are used. The type of medication you use will vary depending on your doctor's preference. Single dose treatments are often recommended.
Bacterial Vaginosis
This vaginal infection has one main symptom: a copious amount of vaginal discharge accompanied with a strong, “fishy” odor. Typically burning or itching is absent when a patient has bacterial vaginosis.
This infection is also caused by an imbalance of normal protective vaginal flora. In particular, bacterial vaginosis occurs when the Lactobacilli in the vagina is decreased.
Bacterial vaginosis is found in women who are and who are not sexually active. Douching is considered a risk factor for this condition.
Bacterial vaginosis can cause severe complications, including a higher risk of preterm delivery and premature rupture of the membranes in pregnant women. Thus it is vital that treatment be sought out immediately.
Women who are undergoing gynecologic surgery are also at an increased risk for postoperative infections if they have an active infection.
The diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis can be made at your healthcare provider's office. Treatment may include use of a cream or substance called MetroGel-Vaginal, which is a five day treatment that helps restore the protective bacteria in the vagina.
One of every three women that have bacterial vaginosis will realize a recurrent infection within a three month time frame, though doctors aren't sure why this happens. Generally recurrent infections are treated more aggressively.
Trichomoniasis
“Trich” as it is referred to is an infection caused by a parasite that affects the vagina. Anywhere from 2 to 3 million women are infected with these organisms every year.
Trich can cause profuse vaginal discharge that is typically frothy and yellow, and has a bad odor. Some women however do not have symptoms and will only be diagnosed during their annual pap smear.
The treatment of choice for this infection is metronidazole (Flagyl) which is taken orally. This is a sexually transmitted disease, and requires that all sexual partners be treated before resuming intercourse to prevent re-infection.
The next time you notice a change in your vaginal discharge, or wake up with an itch, get it checked out! There is no reason to suffer in silence when a simple test and prescription remedy might be all you need to rid yourself of your infection. Remember that many treatments are effective within one day!
source: womenshealthcaretopics.com
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