Vaginal Infection: Causes, Symptoms And Prevention

Vaginal infection is a common condition occurring in women from puberty, adulthood, pregnancy to menopausal stage. This refers to an increase in the normal number of organisms present in the vagina: bacteria, protozoan, or yeasts. It is one reason why women see their physicians often because this infection can happen now and then to most women. Stress, hormonal changes or illness can trigger such condition. The infection can be in three common forms: Candida vulvovaginitis or yeast infections, trichomoniasis or parasitic infections and vaginosis or bacterial infections.
Bacterial vaginosis is common form in women where there is large number of Gardnerella and other organisms in the vagina. Presence of this cause increased of white/discolored vaginal discharge and vaginal smell after intercourse. The yeast infection is present when there are large amount of white thick discharge, itching, swelling, irritation or redness around the vaginal area. The trichomonas, however, also known as "trick" can lead to increased vaginal discharge with unusual smell and lesser itching.
The causes of the infection may be due to stress, menopausal stage, sexual intercourse, pregnancy, vaginal medications, transmitted diseases, antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives or birth control, douches or change in sexual partners.
The symptoms of the vaginal infection can include inflammation of the vagina, swelling, and itching of the genital area. Abnormal and unpleasant odor of discharge with change in colors: gray, green or yellowish are can also manifest. Painful urination and intercourse can be sign of infection. The symptoms may occur in different frequencies and rate depending on the type of infection present.
There are preventive measures to consider in keeping females safe from any of the infections. Of course, it starts with a proper hygiene: wearing clean and cotton undergarments, drying of whole genital area after bathing and wiping after defecation to avoid harmful bacteria contamination. Douching should be avoided. Use condoms during sexual intercourse to lessen chances of acquiring diseases. Yogurts or tablets with lactobacilli are good protection. Using tampons, vaginal fragrances, powders or sprays should not be used. The sugar level must be kept normal at all times.
Treatments for the infections vary on the type of the infection. Some people may find over-the-counter products or home remedies enough to cure their condition. But usually the cure is relative to the tolerance and state of the person infected. So it is best to consult a doctor not only on the first occurrence but also during the times when the infection keep coming back.