Vaginal infection:
What is it?
An infection that occurs in the genital tract. Often includes vaginal discharge,
itching, and an unpleasant odor. Yeast, bacteria, or trichomonas causes most
vaginal infections. They can also be caused by irritants such as laundry
detergent, or other products applied to the genital area.
Preventing Vaginal Infections
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Always wipe from front to back after bowel movements to prevent E. coli
from the rectum from entering the vagina.
Douching is never a good idea. Douching may disrupt the fragile balance
of natural organisms in the vagina which may lead too bacterial or yeast
infection and may also cause the spread of infection up into the
reproductive tract where it can do damage.
Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Wash before and after sex with an
antibacterial cleanser and thoroughly dry the vaginal area to prevent
moisture from creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
Avoid tight clothing and always wear white cotton panties that help absorb
moisture and allow air to circulate.
Avoid personal hygiene products- perfumes, spermicides and harsh soaps
or detergents if the vaginal area is irritated.
Practice safe sex! Always use condoms to prevent STDs or other vaginal
infections unless you are in a long-term monogamous relationship.
Diaphragms cervical caps and medication applicators should be
thoroughly cleaned after each use.
Remember if you experience signs of vaginal infection it is important that a
physician makes diagnosis--most vaginal infections are not yeast infections! Selftreatment with over-the-counter remedies for yeast infection will not cure a
bacterial infection and may increase your risk of complications.
Vaginal Itching during pregnancy
Vaginal itching during pregnancy can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases
or infections; however, the most common reason for vaginal itching during
pregnancy may be the normal change to the vaginal PH level, which can cause
topical irritations. Vaginal yeast infections are also common during pregnancy
and are notorious for persistent vaginal itching.
What can be done about it?
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If vaginal itching during pregnancy is found to be caused by the normal PH
changes of the vagina that occur during pregnancy, there are a number of
self-help treatments that you can try to relieve the itching and lower the
PH of the vagina.
o Vaginal PH can be lowered by taking baking soda baths.
o You can make a paste of baking soda and water and apply the
paste to the area that itches.
o There is a possibility that having sexual intercourse may help due
to the lower PH levels of the male semen.
Some women find that cold compresses help relieve vaginal itching during
pregnancy.
How can I prevent Vaginal itching during pregnancy?
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Practice good hygiene. Keep the vulvar/vaginal area clean and dry.
Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent
bacteria from entering the vagina.
Don't use douches.
Practice good hand washing habits.
Wear clothing that is not tight or binding especially in the crotch to
increase airflow to the vaginal area.
Use warm bath water.
Don’t use soaps that cause drying.
Over the counter cream products
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The use of hydrocortisone creams is not usually recommended since it
can contribute to the breakdown of the skin, causing continued itching.
Lidocaine gel is good for relieving vaginal itching during pregnancy
because it is a pure anesthetic.
If you have a genital yeast infection, one of the over-the-counter yeast
infection creams or vaginal suppositories should quickly relieve the itch, as
well as the other symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.
Some women find relief from vaginal itching during pregnancy just by using a
yeast infection cream externally once or twice a day.
Bacterial Vaginosis
What is it?
Vaginosis or vaginitis is an inflammation, which occurs in the vagina and includes
several strains of germ that cause bacterial Vaginosis, yeast infections and
trichomoniasis. It may or may not be sexually transmitted. Many women
mistakenly believe that yeast infections are the most common type of vaginal
infection but bacterial vaginosis is the most frequently occurring vaginal infection
affecting from 10% to 64% of the population at any given time. Although
treatment is available which quickly cures this infection if left untreated, bacterial
vaginosis may increase a woman's risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID),
endometritis cervicitis, pregnancy complications and post-operative infections
among other health conditions.
Bacterial vaginosis occurs most during the reproductive years although women of
all ages are susceptible to this infection that affects the vagina urethra bladder
and skin in the genital area.
What causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
Normally, ‘good’ bacteria that are present in the vagina maintain a slightly acidic
environment that prevents the growth of unwanted or harmful bacteria. When this
balance is upset, it encourages the growth of ‘bad’ bacteria. These most often
include anaerobic bacteria and the Gardnerella organism. The healthy vagina
includes a small amount of these bacteria and organisms. When the vaginal
balance is disrupted by the overgrowth of these bacteria another protective
bacterium, lactobacilli, is unable to adequately perform its normal function.
Lactobacilli normally provide a natural disinfectant (similar to hydrogen peroxide),
which helps maintain the healthy and normal balance of microorganisms in the
vagina.
E. Coli, which is a normal inhabitant of the rectum, can cause bacterial vaginitis if
it is spread to the vaginal area. Other factors, which may contribute, include hot
weather, poor health poor hygiene, use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth
control and other vaginal products (sprays, lubricants), damp underwear, tight
pants, douching, antibiotics (medicines) and pregnancy.
Risk of bacterial vaginosis increases with menopause, in women with diabetes,
and those whose resistance is lowered due to other conditions.
What are the symptoms?
There is usually a mucous like discharge from the vagina which might be clear or
milky depending on the time of the menstrual cycle. During bacterial infection,
this discharge is accompanied by an unpleasant foul sometimes-fishy odor.
Itching and/or burning sometimes accompany bacterial infections but are not a
required symptom for a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.
Many times women are unaware they are infected until they are diagnosed in a
routine pelvic exam and Pap smear. It is important not to douche during the few
days preceding a visit to your gynecologist as douching can hide signs of
infection and may make bacterial vaginosis worse.
how can I reduce the risk of getting vaginitis?
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Wash your vaginal area every day. Use mild soap. Rinse well and pat dry.
Wipe your vagina and anus from front to back.
Don't douche, this can upset the natural balance of the vagina.
Take antibiotics only when needed. Antibiotics can kill "good" bacteria.
Limit the number of your sex partners. Always use condoms with a new
partner or with multiple partners.
Wear cotton or cotton-lined underpants.
Don't wear tight pants and don't wear panty hose in hot weather.
See your health care provider if you have any unusual discharge or smell.
What is the treatment?
Diet: try adding 1 or 2 cups of YOGURT to your diet for 3 or 4 days to see if your
condition improves - avoid yeast products while doing this, such as baked goods,
alcohol, and vinegar. You might investigate a detoxification diet.
Itching of the genitals
Itching of the genitals can have many causes. Itching around the opening of the
vagina could be yeast or trichomonas.
Itching in the hair of the genitals or close to the genitals could be caused by
scabies or pubic lice. Both these can be treated with local remedies, or with
medicines found in most pharmacies.