Last week we discussed the do’s and dont’s of cleaning your vagina. As important as hygiene is, knowing your body and is what is normal from a medical standpoint is also important. This week’s topic centers around a couple of the most common non sexually transmitted, infections that can occur. In an effort to keep this information concise and to the point once this will be a brief introduction into the basics.
Vaginitis:
Vaginitis is a swelling or inflammation of the vagina. While it is often associated with a variety of other infections, it can also be caused by non infectious means. Because vaginitis has multiple associations and a few different causes I will only mention it briefly. Some non infectious causes of vaginitis are:
- Allergic reaction
- Estrogen Deficiencies
- Exposure to irritants
- sand
- depilatories (hair removal creams)
- waxing
- shaving
Because vaginitis can also be related to a sexually transmitted or other infection you should be diagnosed by a medical provider. Symptoms can include:
- Swelling
- itching
- burning
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection):
Candidiasis is caused by what is more commonly known as yeast, hence the term yeast infection. They are extremely common among women and about 75% of women will have at least one in her lifetime. There is a wide range of things that can lead to and/or increase your risk for this type of infection such as:
- Wearing non cotton underwear (see In Defense of No Panties)
- Diabetes
- Antibiotics
- Coriticosteriods (not generally inhaled corticosteroids)
- Pregnancy
Any woman who has never had a yeast infection I strongly advise be seen by a doctor for a confirmatory diagnosis. Symptoms of yeast infection include
- thick white discharge
- itching
- burning sensation
- swelling of the vagina
- swelling of the vulva(external female genitalia)
Treatment of a yeast infection can be given orally or as a vaginal suppository. Symptoms generally improve quite rapidly with treatment. If you find that your symptoms do not resolve with treatment or get worse it is important to seek medical attention.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of the bacteria that normally reside inside of the vagina. Generally a shift in pH is all it may take to cause bacteria that are normally present in smaller numbers to grow in excess. Many things can lead to a BV infection. Some of examples are:
- Intercourse
- multiple partners increases this risk
- Menstruation
- Douching
- Excessive or improper cleansing
- Scented soaps/cleansing wipes
Many women and their partners have mistaken BV for a sexually transmitted infection. BV can be easily diagnosed by your physician in during an office visit with a simple gynecological exam. Generally they will check the pH of your vaginal discharge and also verify the diagnosis by making a slide to view with a microscope. If you are sexually active it is also advisable to have STI testing done at the same time since they are in there already.
While it is possible to be asymptomatic, the most common symptoms of BV include:
- foul or fishy odor
- increased discharge
- yellowish discharge
BV can be treated orally or with vaginal suppositories. it is important to be diagnosed by a medical provider as these medications are prescription only. It is also necessary to take all of the medication as prescribed. Because BV is treated with an antibiotic, treatment can occasionally lead to yeast infection as well.
Check back next month for more tips to keep your 