Infection of Vagina

Vaginitis as the name suggests is the name given to any inflammation or infection of the vagina.

Cause

Bacteria, yeast or virus can cause this condition. Certain chemicals present in the perfumes and deodorants, if used on the vagina can also lead to it.

Mostly whenever there is an infection in the vagina women think that it is due to yeast infection but reasons are endless. It can be due any hormonal changes, allergies or irritations. Sometimes the infection can be transmitted sexually from the partner too.

Some medications can also cause inflammation or infection in the vagina. Wearing tight and synthetic panties cause irritation leading to the infection.

Symptoms

Vaginitis can be of different forms. The common symptoms of vaginitis are itching, burning and vaginal discharge. The condition becomes worst after the intercourse and also there is problem in urination.

When it is caused by yeast, there is thick white vaginal discharge. It can be sometimes watery and is mainly odourless. It may be caused by intake of some antibiotics for urinary tract infection.

If a bacterium causes the infection then the discharge is watery with fishy odour. Another type of infection is that caused by virus. It is spread by intercourse. The main symptom is pain followed by sores on the vagina and is visible to the doctor during the physical examination.

Chlamydia is other sexually transmitted disease. It has no symptom and only some women have discharge. There is slight bleeding after intercourse and it occurs in women below the age of 30 who have multiple sex partners.

Management

You can do some efforts to keep the infections at bay. Keeping the vagina clean and dry can do this effectively. Try not to use harsh soaps, perfumes and deodorants over the genitals. Wear cotton panties so that enough air is passed in between. If the infection still persists then see your gynecologist who would suggest some antibiotics as per the symptoms. Do not forget to eat curd with antibiotics.