”If you have vaginal discharge accompanied by vaginal bleeding that is not a normal menstrual period”

Emobileclinic Trending Topic : Vaginal Infections 

Vaginal infection or vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that creates discharge, odor, irritation, or itching. It is difficult to diagnose because vaginitis has many causes. Women use a variety of over-the-counter medications to treat the itching, discharge, and discomfort of these conditions.

The vagina creates its own environment and maintains a balance among the normal bacteria found there and the hormonal changes in a woman’s body. Vaginitis occurs when the vaginal ecosystem has been changed by certain medications such as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptive preparations (oral and topical), douches, vaginal medication, sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases, stress, and change in sexual partners.

Causes of Vaginal Infection 

There are basically three causes of vaginal infections, they are: 

Bacteria Vaginosis

Vaginal Yeast

Trichomoniasis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginitis, accounting for half of all cases. It 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 Gardnerella vaginalis. Risk factors include pregnancy, intrauterine device (IUD) use, and frequent douching. It is associated with sexual activity; women who have never had sexual intercourse are rarely affected. One does not get bacterial vaginosis from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.

Vaginal yeast is a fungus infection and mainly by Candida albicans. This is also called candidiasis, genital candidiasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Yeast infection can spread to other parts of the body including skin, mucous membranes, heart valves , esophagus , and other areas. In rare circumstances, it can cause life-threatening systemic infections mostly in people with weakened immune defenses (such as women who are pregnant and people who are HIV positive, have diabetes, or are taking steroids). A majority of adult women have had at least one genital yeast infection in their lifetime. Vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but some men will develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of normally growing fungi in the vagina that creates unpleasant symptoms. Infections tend to happen when an imbalance occurs, possibly caused by any of these events:

Use of antibiotics: antibiotics destroy protective bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria normally stop the candidal organisms from overgrowing. Yeast infection may occur after taking a course of antibiotics for another condition such as strep throat .

Diabetes or pregnancy: Both diabetes and pregnancy make the vagina better suited for fungal growth. These conditions lower the glycogen store in certain vaginal cells. They may also raise the sugar content (and the pH) of the vagina and increase the risk of yeast infection.

Birth control pills: changes in the vaginal environment occur with increased hormonal levels from estrogen-containing birth control pills. This change creates an environment for the fungus to grow and cause symptoms.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (also called trich, pronounced “trick”) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the urinary and genital tract. For women, the vagina is the most common site of infection. For men, the urethra is most commonly affected.

Other causes of vaginal inflammation may be allergies to spermicides, vaginal hygiene products, and detergents and fabric softeners. 

Symptoms of Vaginal Infection 

The common symptoms of the various kinds of toilet infection are; itching, vaginal discharge, and burning. It is interesting to note that irrespective of the similarity of these symptoms, one should be able to difference by examining the colour and the smell of the vaginal discharge.Some vaginal discharge is quite common and normal for women of childbearing age. Sexual excitement and emotional stress have both been associated with a normal vaginal discharge. This discharge is a clear, mucus-like secretion.

If your vaginal discharge is abnormal in color such as green, has a foul smell, changes consistency, or is significantly increased or decreased in amount, you may be developing a form of vaginitis.

Causes of Non -Infectious Vaginitis

Non- Infectious vaginitis is a case where the itching, burning, and vaginal discharge happen without an infection. They often occur as a result of allergic reaction to various products such as

Vaginal sprays

Pant liners

Detergents

Fabric softeners

Perfumed soaps

Spermicide

It may also occur as a result of lower levels of hormones as in the case of menopause or removal of ovaries causing the vagina to be dry causing burning and pain during intercourse. External objects such as a forgotten tampon may cause vaginal irritation

When to Seek Medical Care

You should seek medical care any time if you have pain. Although vaginal infections may cause unpleasant itching, they should not cause pain, seek care for any of the following:

Foul-smelling or yellow vaginal discharge

You have greenish or large amounts of discharge or fever.

You have been taking antifungal medications for a yeast infection and you develop yellow skin , yellow eyes (the white part is yellow), or pale stools .

Lesions or rash develop elsewhere (tender, red, pus-filled bumps , which can spread to the thighs and anus).

Finally, if you have vaginal discharge associated with fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain or if you have vaginal discharge accompanied by vaginal bleeding that is not a normal menstrual period, you may have to visit the emergency unit in an hospital for proper evaluations and treatments..