Vaginal infections can cause very unpleasant symptoms and lead to severe health problems if left untreated. There are many different types of vaginal infections, and many of them manifest similarly, but the treatments for each can be different. Because of that, it’s crucial to know what the common symptoms can indicate and what you should do if you notice any of them.
What Are Vaginal Infections?
Different factors cause different types of vaginal infections, and some of them are bacteria, parasites, viruses, or fungi. Some are sexually transmitted, while others are triggered by unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking alcohol, using various products for intimate hygiene, or tampons.
Products used around or in the vagina can irritate it and lead to the overgrowth of the bacteria already there. Common irritants can also be any soaps, shower gels, deodorants, detergents, and any products you are using for your skin or your clothes.
Different types of infections have different symptoms, but in most cases, they are similar. And these are the most typical ones:
- A strange vaginal discharge that’s often white or yellow, sometimes green and foul-smelling
- Pain during and after intercourse
- Bleeding between periods or after intercourse
- Pain during urination
- Itching in or around the vagina
- Soreness in or around the vagina
- Pain in the lower abdomen
The issue with these infections is that many people often don’t experience any symptoms. And it can be a problem because, left untreated can cause severe complications with reproductive health. Also, if you are unaware of the infection, you can pass it on to your sexual partner.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your gynecologist. It’s necessary to find out if you have an infection and which one to get the proper treatment.
Your Gynecologist in Jacksonville, FL
Sometimes you can have one or more of these symptoms without having an actual vaginal infection. On the other hand, you can have zero signs of inflammation and ongoing severe infection. Because of that, it is essential to schedule regular gynecology check-ups to exclude the possibility of having any diseases.
There are many reasons why people don’t go to regular check-ups, and one of those reasons is timidity. If you avoid going to a gyno exam, it can be that you didn’t find the right gynecologist. It’s vital to have a trustworthy relationship with your health care provider, and for that to happen, you need to find someone that makes you feel comfortable. Your gynecologist should be there to help you with both physical problems, to answer any questions, or clarify any doubts you are having.
Different Types of Vaginal Infections
Here are some of the most common types of vaginal infections, the symptoms they cause, and how to treat them.
Genital Herpes
One of the most typical vaginal infections is genital herpes, caused by the herpes simplex virus. The most frequent way of contracting it is through sexual contact with an infected person.
Many people don’t experience anything, and because they are unknown of the infection, they can easily infect others. And when the symptoms are present, they occur in the form of blisters. They form around the genital area and can be very painful and irritating. Other indications of genital herpes can be headaches and fever, but they don’t occur that frequently.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) that causes genital herpes can’t be treated and will stay in your body forever. However, you can treat the symptoms, and often it’s done with antiviral drugs or an anesthetic gel. Since the HSV will stay permanently in your system, it means that blisters can appear anytime. It often happens when your immunity is compromised or due to stress.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a usual vaginal infection caused by bacteria. And it is also one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Like genital herpes, most people don’t have any symptoms, and it can be a problem, as untreated infection can lead to pelvic inflammation, infertility, and even complications during pregnancy.
The usual signs of chlamydia are pain during and bleeding after intercourse, during urination, bleeding between periods, and unusual vaginal discharge.
It’s important to regularly do gynecology check-ups as you may have chlamydia and don’t know about it. If you find out you have chlamydia early enough, you can quickly treat it with antibiotics and avoid any severe health problems.
Gonorrhea
Another STI caused by a type of bacteria is gonorrhea. The most frequent signs indicating you have gonorrhea are unusual vaginal discharge, pain during urination, bleeding between periods, and pain in the lower abdomen. But often, many people don’t experience any of these.
If not treated, gonorrhea can cause infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, so it’s vital to treat it properly, which can be done with antibiotics.
Bacterial Vaginosis
The most common vaginal infection that’s not sexually transmitted is bacterial vaginosis. This infection is yielded by an overgrowth of the bacteria that already exist in the vagina. Often there won’t be any symptoms, but the one that can occur is the appearance of unusual, white, and often foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
The overgrowth of the bacteria in the vagina can happen due to having unhealthy habits like smoking or using vaginal products like deodorants, perfumes, or douches. You can quickly treat the infection with antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is an infection that can be transmitted sexually, and a parasite causes it. Again, many people don’t have any symptoms, but it’s often yellow and foul-smelling vaginal discharge if they do. Other potential signs of trichomoniasis are itching around the vulva and pain when urinating.
It’s crucial to treat this condition as soon as it’s diagnosed, as it can cause many health problems. The most common are infertility and complications during pregnancy. Trichomoniasis is also treated with antibiotics.
How to Prevent Standard Vaginal Infections
The first step in preventing any health problem is education. You should talk to your gynecologist and ask any questions you have. There are many different types of vaginal infections, but most share one thing; they can be transmitted sexually. To reduce the risk of contracting genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, you should use a condom during intercourse. It’s also important to talk to your partner, especially if it’s a new one, and suggest you both do tests for sexually transmitted infections.
With infections like bacterial vaginosis, you can lower the risk of developing it by reducing or altogether avoiding the use of products intended for vaginal hygiene. You should avoid using vaginal gels, soaps, douches, perfumes, deodorants as they can irritate and cause a disbalance in your vagina.
Final Words
It’s essential to do regular exams, talk to your gynecologist, and discuss any symptoms you are experiencing. Even if you think the discomfort you are experiencing isn’t critical, it can be, and you should talk about it with your health care provider.
If you have any more questions about this topic, don’t hesitate to contact us and book an appointment to talk more about this topic with the best gynecologist in Jacksonville, FL. Here at Trogolo Obstetrics and Gynecology, we have a simple goal: to help women resolve any problems they have and help them stay healthy.
