It’s frustrating, isn’t it? When another vaginal infection develops, you have hardly healed from one. Most likely, you are asking, “Why do I keep getting these awful things?” Let us explore the topic of vaginal health and identify some possible causes.
Understanding the Vaginal Environment
Let’s talk about your vagina before we get into the specifics. This is a fragile ecosystem with a complex equilibrium between yeast and bacteria. Maintaining a healthy pH level depends on this state of balance. Should something set off this balance, you may develop an infection.
Common Types of Vaginal Infections
While there are various types of vaginal infections, two of the most common are:
Yeast Infections
A yeast infection occurs when there’s an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida in the vagina. This imbalance can lead to:
- Itching: An intense itch, often worse at night.
- Burning: A stinging sensation, especially during urination or sex.
- Thick white discharge: This discharge often resembles cottage cheese.
- Redness and swelling: Inflammation of the vulva (the outer part of the female genitals).
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
BV happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted. This can result in:
- Fishy odor: A strong, unpleasant smell that often worsens after sex.
- Thin, grayish-white discharge: The discharge may be frothy or bubbly.
- Itching and burning: Though less common than in yeast infections.
These are only two very common forms of vaginal infections, hence keep in mind. Other medical conditions can also produce similar symptoms. See a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment advice if you have ongoing or unusual symptoms.
Why Do Vaginal Infections Keep Coming Back?
Several factors can contribute to recurrent vaginal infections:
Weakened Immune System
Your immune system serves to protect your body from illnesses. Should disease, stress, or specific drugs weaken a person, they may find it difficult to fight off the germs or yeast fungal skin infection.
Hormonal Changes
The equilibrium of microorganisms in the vagina is maintained in great part by hormones. Variations in hormone levels brought on by pregnancy, menopause, or birth control can upset the balance and increase your vulnerability to infections.
Uncontrolled Diabetes
High blood sugar levels produce an environment ideal for yeast growth. You are more prone to have repeated yeast infections if your diabetes is poorly controlled.
Tight Clothing
Tight-fitting synthetic underwear traps heat and moisture, therefore producing a warm, damp environment where yeast and germs can flourish. More breathable and able to assist avoid this is cotton underwear.
Douching
Douching upsets the vaginal’s natural bacterial balance. Eliminating the helpful bacteria that guard against harmful bacteria can actually raise your risk of infections.
Antibiotics
For bacterial infections, antibiotics are lifesavers; unfortunately, they can also wipe off the helpful microorganisms in your vaginal cavity. A yeast infection can follow from an overgrowth of yeast brought on by this imbalance.
Sexual Activity
Although not all vaginal infections are sexually transmitted, some STIs can produce symptoms akin to those of vaginal infections. If you are worried about your sexual health, you really should be tested.
Yeast Infection Rash or Vaginal Rash?
Differentiating a yeast infection from other skin conditions can occasionally prove difficult. Usually painful and red, a yeast infection rash can have tiny bumps.
On the other hand, a vaginal rash could be caused by various factors, including allergies, irritants, or other infections.
See a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis if you are unsure about the reason for your symptoms.
Vaginal Infection Treatment and Prevention
- Over-the-counter Treatments: Antifungal creams or suppositories can effectively treat mild yeast infections.
- Prescription Medications: If over-the-counter treatments don’t work or if you have recurrent infections, your doctor may prescribe more vital medication.
- Vulvitis Treatment: If you have vulvitis (inflammation of the vulva), your doctor may recommend topical corticosteroids or other treatments depending on the underlying cause.
- Home Remedies: While not a substitute for medical treatment, some women find relief from yeast infections with yogurt containing live cultures or garlic supplements. However, these remedies should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Good Hygiene: Practice good hygiene by wearing breathable cotton underwear, avoiding douching, and wiping from front to back after using the toilet.
- Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of antibacterial soaps, bubble baths, and harsh detergents.
- Strengthen Your Immune System: Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and manage stress to boost your immune function.
At-Home Yeast Infection Test
Although at-home yeast infection tests are accessible, their accuracy might not always be perfect. Remember, too, that these tests cannot identify other kinds of vaginal infections. See a healthcare expert for a correct diagnosis if you have ongoing symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
You should consult a doctor if:
- You experience severe symptoms or symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter vaginal infections treatment.
- You have recurrent infections.
- You suspect you may have an STI.
- You have vaginal bleeding or pain.
Remember, you are not by yourself handling vaginal infections. At some time in their life, many women go through them. By knowing the reasons and acting preventively, one can lower the frequency and intensity of these troublesome conditions.
