Vaginal infections are so common that statistics estimate that up to 75% of women experience them at least once in their lifetime. They can cause itching, redness, and changes in vaginal odor and discharge. They do not go away on their own, and in the absence of proper treatment they can affect the reproductive system.

Read the article and find out what types of vaginal infections there are, how they manifest, how to treat each one, and most importantly, what choices to make to prevent all this discomfort.

What are vaginal infections?

There are billions of bacteria that normally live in the vaginal environment. They are beneficial bacteria called lactobacilli, which maintain the balance of the vaginal flora and prevent the growth of fungi and harmful bacteria.

When this balance is destabilized, the vaginal pH changes and the number of lactobacilli decreases. This is how vaginal infections appear, those inflammations in the vagina and vulva that can cause itching, pain, redness and other forms of discomfort.

Types of vaginal infections

There are several types of vaginal infections, but two of the most common are bacterial (caused by bacteria) and fungal (caused by fungi) – depending on the factor that causes them.

Also, depending on the severity, vaginal infections can be acute or chronic if not treated in time. It is also possible to have several types of infection at the same time.

Bacterial vaginal infection

When certain bacteria or microbes in the vagina multiply excessively, the natural balance of the population that makes up the vaginal flora is disturbed. This is how bacterial vaginal infection occurs, most often caused by the excess presence of the bacterium Gardnerella Vaginalis.

Fungal vaginal infection

Fungal infections are another common type of vaginal infection, caused by fungi such as Candida albicans. Fungi normally live in small amounts in the mouth, digestive system and vagina, but if they multiply excessively they can cause itching and vaginal infections.

Causes of vaginal infections

Vaginal infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites or viruses. According to the WHO, 90% of cases are caused either by the bacterium Gardnerella Vaginalis, or by the fungus Candida albicans or the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. But there are other causes, especially sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or genital warts.

Among the risk factors that can cause the imbalance of the intimate flora and can increase the risk of infection are:

• Laundry detergents: may contain perfumes and other substances that irritate the intimate area.

• Undergarments made of inappropriate materials: Undergarments made of synthetic fibers can support the accumulation of sweat and bacteria because they do not allow the skin to breathe, thus creating a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria.

• Inappropriate hygiene products and excessive or inadequate intimate hygiene: it is recommended to wash only the vulva, externally, and avoid vaginal douches and soaps with perfume and parabens in order not to disturb the vaginal pH. Use only water and Enroush intimate gel with 95% natural ingredients and 87% effectiveness against candidiasis.

• Certain types of contraception, such as the intrauterine device

• Hormonal imbalances and fluctuations: for example, the drop in estrogen levels at menopause can lead to changes in vaginal pH and an increased risk of infections.

• Treatments based on antibiotics or long-term steroid drugs

• Sexual activity, especially with a new partner

• Other conditions that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes or HIV

Symptoms of vaginal infections

There are situations where infections are asymptomatic, often in the case of sexually transmitted diseases but not only. This is precisely why routine gynecological check-ups are so important, which can detect them even in the absence of symptoms.

But often, depending on the cause and severity, vaginal infections can be manifested by symptoms such as:

• Vaginal itching/burning: There are many factors that can cause vaginal itching, and infections are just one of them. Find out HERE what other causes there may be

• Vaginal pain and discomfort: may even be accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen

• Inflamed, red or swollen skin: around the vagina and vulva

• Change in the amount of vaginal secretions: very abundant secretions can be a sign of a vaginal infection, but they can also have other causes that we told you about HERE

• Change in vaginal discharge in terms of color, texture and smell: greenish-yellow or bloody discharge with a cheesy texture and an unpleasant smell may occur

• Pain or burning during urination: can also occur with a urinary infection, so a specialist consultation is necessary to determine the exact cause

• Pain during intercourse: during or after contact, because the vaginal tissue is inflamed

• Vaginal bleeding or spotting: can be a symptom, but does not automatically indicate a vaginal infection; spotting can be normal, especially right after your period ends, when the vagina is still cleansing. If you want to know more about what is normal and what is not when it comes to spotting and brown discharge, read our article .

Diagnosis of vaginal infections

The doctor will diagnose you after a gynecological consultation during which he will first ask you about your symptoms and medical history. To detect the cause, the type of infection and the right treatment, it may also be necessary:

When is a visit to the doctor recommended?

In general, as soon as you notice unusual symptoms or persistent discomfort in the private area, it is recommended to visit a specialist. So schedule a consultation as soon as possible if:

• Itching in the intimate area

• Abundant vaginal discharge, different color

• Unpleasant and unusual smell in the intimate area

• Vaginal pain during or after intercourse / urination

• Pain in the abdominal area

• Fever over 38.5℃

It is also recommended to see a doctor if you have had unprotected sexual contact with a partner suffering from a sexually transmitted disease.

Risk factors and complications of vaginal infections

Among the most common factors that can trigger vaginal infections are unprotected sexual contacts with several partners, antibiotic treatments and the use of contraceptive pills. Diabetes mellitus, the use of personal care products with perfume and toxic substances, and the use of menstrual products containing bleach, plastic and perfume are also among the risk factors.

It is very important that treatment is started as soon as possible, because these infections will not go away on their own and can cause complications such as post-hysterectomy infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility or premature birth in pregnant women.

Treatment for vaginal infections

The treatment is prescribed by the gynecologist, after establishing the diagnosis. Depending on the type of infection, he may recommend:

Mycotic vaginal infections during pregnancy

Vaginal yeast infections are more common during pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels leading to changes in vaginal pH and intimate balance. Treatment is very important in such cases, because the infection can cause complications for the baby as well (including premature or post-term birth).

Oral or boric acid ovule treatments are generally contraindicated, so expectant mothers are advised to use topical medications.

Acute mycotic vaginal infections

Occasional vaginal yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications. But for patients who have weakened immunity, oral treatment is not always effective and the doctor will recommend local treatments.

Recurrent mycotic vaginal infections

Recurrent vaginal infections are those that occur again within a 60-day interval, or at least 4 times in the same year. More investigations and even a change in treatment may be necessary to prevent another relapse.

Mycotic vaginal infections - treatment of sexual partners

Vaginal yeast infections are not sexually transmitted infections. They are caused by the overgrowth of fungi in the vaginal flora, not by a virus. As a result, it is generally not recommended to treat sexual partners either, and this may not prevent re-infection either.

Only if you have a partner with a high risk of being a carrier of a fungus (eg who has not been circumcised, suffers from diabetes or has weakened immunity), the doctor can recommend that he also undergo treatment.

How to prevent vaginal infections

Vaginal infections originate from an imbalance of the vaginal flora. So protecting the vaginal microbiome and avoiding all agents that can disturb the intimate pH is the best method of preventing infections. You can do this by taking simple steps like:

Photo source: 123RF.com