Have you wondered why some women scratch their
virgina ceaselessly? Experts say it is a sign of infection. Every woman
at one time or the other must have virginal discharge. But while some
are normal, others are signs of infection. Vaginal infections occur when
bacteria, fungi or viruses grow in and around the vaginal area.Certain
types of bacteria live naturally inside the vagina. They produce acid,
which helps to fight off other bacteria, as well as viruses and fungi
that don’t normally live in the vagina. Anything that lowers the acidity
of the vagina can cause a vaginal infection.
Dr. Nathaniel Adewole
Consultant Gyneacologist at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital
says “It is normal and healthy for a woman of childbearing age to have a
vaginal discharge. But some of the symptoms of a vaginal infection
include unusual vaginal discharge (may be unusual in colour and smell
unpleasant), irritation and soreness of the vulva (the skin around the
outside of the vagina) vaginal itching.”
Vaginal infections can also be caused through unprotected sexual
intercourse or skin-to-skin contact. These are known as sexually
transmitted infections (STIs).
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most
common cause of vaginitis (vaginal infection), accounting for 50 per
cent of cases. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a change or imbalance in
the types of the bacteria normally found in the vagina and causes an
overgrowth of organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis.
Risk factors
include pregnancy, intrauterine device (IUD) use, and frequent douching.
It is associated with sexual activity, and possibly a new sexual
partner or multiple sexual partners. Women who have never had sexual
intercourse are rarely affected. You do not get bacterial vaginosis from
toilet seats, beddings, etc, health experts say.
Again, vaginal
yeast infections are caused by a fungus, mainly by Candida albicans.
This is also called candidiasis. Yeast infection can spread to other
parts of the body including skin, mucous membranes and other areas.
Yeast
infections are caused by an overgrowth of normally growing fungi in the
vagina that creates unpleasant symptoms. The yeast is kept under
control by normally growing bacteria in the body. If the natural balance
of microorganisms is disrupted, the yeast grows out of control. It is
not clear how fungal infections originate, but they are not thought to
be sexually transmitted. Your own natural bacteria allow this type of
infection when an imbalance occurs, possibly caused by any of these
events.
Dr. Adewole says chlamydia is the most common STI in the
world. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which
destroys the cells of the lining of the cervix and other tissues.
Many
people have chlamydia without knowing it. In women, chlamydia infection
can spread to the womb (uterus), ovaries and fallopian tubes and cause
pelvic inflammatory disease PID. Between one and four women in 10 with
untreated chlamydia will get PID. PID can damage the fallopian tubes and
can increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy and infertility.
Gonorrhoea is caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is passed on during unprotected sexual intercourse.
Symptoms
of gonorrhoea usually appear within two weeks of infection, and may
include vaginal discharge, pain passing urine, bleeding between periods
and pelvic or abdominal pain
However, half of women with gonorrhoea
don’t have any symptoms. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis are
transmitted by skin-to-skin contact, such as during unprotected sexual
intercourse. All sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are
preventable.
Experts say you can reduce your risk of having
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) by wearing cotton pants and changing them
daily; not using perfumed soaps; and not using vaginal douches - they
disturb the natural protective acidity of the vagina.
Dr. Adewole
says diagnosis is usually made based on symptoms and results of urine
tests and vaginal cultures (samples checked in the lab). “Treatment is
based on the organism causing the infection. Depending on the cause of
the infection, the gynaecologist will prescribe vaginal antifungal
pills, or antibiotics (as pills or an injection). Treatment varies
depending on which form of virginities you have, the severity of
infection, duration of infection, recurrence of infection, and whether
you are pregnant.”
One of the medications that can be given to a
woman with vaginal infection Adewole states is antibiotic. But again, it
must be recommended by the doctor. And too much of antibiotics could
also cause another form of infection.
