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Our vaginas are full-fledged attention seekers. Let’s nod in agreement to that. As if those terrible cramps as Aunt Flo knocks on its door each month wasn’t enough! Some of us get much-dreaded and recurring vaginal infections.
Those are the times when you have to pay extra attention to your lady bits. In order to end the mayhem of a vaginal infection, we are ready to go to any limits and beyond. However, the treatment only depends on the type of vaginal infection you’re suffering from.
Therefore, it is necessary to understand the kind of vaginal infection that is troubling you before you get down to your DIY remedies and popping antibiotic pills. Many symptoms like vaginal smells, burning sensations and weird vaginal discharge can help you differentiate.
Elaborating on the types of common vaginal infections, Dr Tanveer Aujla, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Noida, spoke to HealthShots.
“Vaginal infections and vaginitis, or vaginal inflammation, are extremely common among women. In fact, most women will encounter one or both of them at some point in their lives. Vaginal discharge, itching, burning, discomfort, and a strong odour are all symptoms of a vaginal infection or vaginitis”, says Dr Aujla.
Stating the causes of vaginal infections, Dr Aujla says, “Some vaginal infections are caused by sexually transmitted diseases. But others which are quite common, are not. For reasons that aren’t fully clear, some women appear to be more susceptible to vaginal infections than others. Bacteria and yeast can be found in a typical, healthy vaginal environment without necessarily indicating an illness. However, some factors can alter the vaginal environment, allowing for bacterial or yeast overgrowth.”
These are the most commonly occurring infections. It can be recognised by its symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning sensation, irritation, white discharge and sometimes inflammation. There is an abundance of over-the-counter medications for yeast infections. However, if the symptoms persist, it’s understandable to consult a doctor.
Maintenance of optimal vaginal health is not as tricky as it sounds. However, many of you are guilty of poor menstrual hygiene practices and not changing your undies often. One of the very common conditions which can trouble you due to poor hygiene is bacterial infection or bacterial vaginosis. This is a condition that causes vaginal inflammation due to the overgrowth of bacteria that is naturally found in the vagina. Fishy odour, burning sensation while peeing are common symptoms of this condition. Moreover, you’re at a higher risk of developing bacterial vaginosis if you’re sexually active, pregnant, or have IUD (Intrauterine device).
This is a sexually transmitted illness caused by a parasite called, Trichomonas vaginalis. Commonly known as trich, this vaginal infection is very contagious. Your risk of getting this disease multiply if you don’t use condoms or have multiple sexual partners. This infection is not limited to just women but can infect your partner as well. The symptoms you need to watch out for are thin foamy, yellow or green genital discharge and genital itching. If your male partner is experiencing white discharge from his penis, it is one of the symptoms of trich.
“All of these disorders are treatable, but it’s crucial to recognise the sort of infection or another ailment you have so that you can get the proper treatment”, says Dr Aujla.
Wearing cotton underwear, wiping your vagina front to back and following a healthy menstrual hygiene are ways to keep vaginal infections at bay. Don’t shy away from seeing a doctor, ladies! The bottom line is, if your vag needs attention, give it some.
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An aesthete and a skincare junkie, Shifa spends most of her time cooking delish food while wearing a sheet mask. At HealthShots, she creates high-octane content that can leave you all a little intrigued! ...Read More
