Vaginal infections are a common health issue among women, with different types having different causes and symptoms. Here are the 5 most common types of vaginal infections, along with tips on how to treat them.
- Trichomoniasis
This STI is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis. It jumps sexually from an infected partner or through sharing contaminated beddings and facilities such as the bathroom.
Usually, it presents itself with many signs. You may feel itchy down there or notice changes in your discharge. Its quantity may increase, while the color and consistency may also depart from the norm.
But you could experience pain while passing urine. These signs start appearing after a week.
In some cases though, these symptoms are absent. More than 70% of women infected with this disease don’t show any signs.
It’s hard to tell about sexually transmitted infections. The best way to confirm that you have Trichomoniasis is by seeking medical intervention.
Tests may confirm the situation. In this case, your physician prescribes antibiotics to help clear this parasite from your system. Metronidazole and Tinidazole are popular medications for this disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were approximately 2.6 million trichomoniasis infections in the United States in 2018. Trichomoniasis can heighten the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV, and pregnant women with this infection are more susceptible to giving birth prematurely (preterm delivery) and delivering babies with a low birth weight.
- Yeast infection
Fungi can infest your vagina, although your petals harbor all types of fungi and bacteria.
It’s this delicate ecosystem that allows for the proper functioning of the vagina. Lactobacillus – a bacteria, regulates the growth of yeast.
But to maintain this balance, you must not use harsh chemicals in your vagina. Some soaps kill useful bacteria, leading to an explosion of the fungus.
And when the bacteria population in your cavity reduces, it results in a rapid explosion of yeast, causing yeast problems.
One such fungus that causes yeast infections in the vagina is Candida albicans. Excessive vaginal infestation of this fungus causes Candida.
Candida Signs include irritation, itching, and burning in the vagina. It may cause swelling and flushing around the vulvar.
These symptoms become more acute just before the menstrual period. Luckily, treatment is simple.
Antifungal medications wipe out all yeast problems. The treatment could be done orally or through topical application.
- Bacterial infection
Just as excess fungi cause yeast problems, excessive bacteria also results in bacterial infections in your vagina. Different types of bacteria cause various bacterial issues.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) occurs when bacteria overgrow. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms of this disease are many.
There is a change in the volume and smell of the discharge. The regular white consistent discharge, turn watery and grayish.
The smell is what confirms the presence of this bacterial infection. The discharge emits a strong fishy smell. Besides, you also feel a burning sensation while urinating.
You could also experience painful sex and itchiness. In some cases, the symptoms disappear. A 2020 study mentions that up to a third of all infected usually don’t need any medication.
As per the Cleveland Clinic, bacterial vaginosis is the predominant vaginal issue among women and individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB) aged 15 to 44. It is a prevalent condition, affecting approximately 10% to 30% of women in developed countries, and about 35% of individuals with a vagina will experience BV. The occurrence is higher among individuals of Black ethnicity.
But for most of the other patients, Clindamycin and other antibiotics work well. But if you experience recurrent infections get a supplementary prescription that takes longer.
- Hepatitis infection
A virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) can result in viral inflammation of the vagina. It causes genital herpes.
Warts are sexually transmitted disease that develops when you come into skin contact with an infected person via sex or touch. It’s spread through vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
Herpes takes a few days to gestate. Irritating ulcers, genital soreness, and painful urination are some of the key indicators of this disease.
Once you contract hepatitis, you could have swollen lymph nodes, while feeling feverish and headaches.
You need to visit your general physician to treat the infection. Unfortunately, a cure is impossible once you get infected. That’s why reproductive health expert advocates for the Hepatitis B vaccine for women.
Still, you should seek medical attention. Doctors usually prescribe antiviral medication after testing to establish causes. Medicines help to manage the disease and camouflage herpes signs three weeks after you begin treatment.
According to a recent report by Direct Science, it is estimated that around 65 million women in the reproductive age group worldwide are affected by the hepatitis B virus. Shockingly, 9 out of 10 mothers who are infected with hepatitis B pass the disease on to their newborns during childbirth. The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection is even more alarming, affecting approximately 257 million individuals globally, with 2.7 million of them co-infected with human papillomavirus.
- Vaginitis
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that may be accompanied by discharge, itch, or pain. Though some are highly contagious, other forms may be non-infectious.
The non-infectious vaginitis is caused by allergies and non-tolerance to products and fluids that come into contact with the vagina.
These could include latex, sperm fluids, spermicides, and sanitary pads. Using detergents, soaps and other personal care also irritates the vagina, resulting in vaginitis.
Tight and damp clothing may irritate the soft region around the groin. Similarly, douching incorrectly also results in a similar outcome.
So what are the signs that you have non-infectious vaginitis? There are plenty, the first being the swelling and irritability of the vagina.
You may feel pain, or stinging sensation as well as flushing on your vulvar. The effects may be mild or severe.
But whatever the case, you still need to treat this condition. Treatment is as easy as avoiding harsh body products and wearing loose and comfortable clothes.
Finally, it can be said that vaginal infections are common and can be treated easily at home through natural methods or medications. We hope the types, their common causes, and the treatment we discussed can help you learn more about vaginal infections.
Green Vaginal Discharge: What Is It And What Causes The Symptoms
Introduction
Vaginal discharge is a normal and common occurrence in women. It is a mixture of fluid and cells that are regularly shed from the vagina, keeping it clean and preventing infections. The color, consistency, and smell of vaginal discharge can vary depending on the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, and other factors. However, when the discharge changes in color and becomes green, it can be a cause for concern. In this paper, we will discuss green vaginal discharge, its causes, and symptoms.
What is Green Vaginal Discharge?
Green vaginal discharge is a type of vaginal discharge that appears green in color. It is usually thicker and has a distinct odor compared to normal discharge. This type of discharge can be a sign of an underlying health condition or infection and should be treated promptly.
Causes of Green Vaginal Discharge
1. Trichomoniasis – This is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It can cause green or yellow frothy discharge with a foul odor. Other symptoms may include itching, burning sensation during urination, and discomfort during sex.
2. Bacterial vaginosis – This is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It can cause a thin, greyish-green discharge with a strong fishy odor. Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection, but it can increase the risk of getting one.
3. Gonorrhea – This is a bacterial infection that can cause greenish-yellow discharge with a strong odor. It can also cause pain or burning sensation during urination and bleeding between periods.
4. Chlamydia – This is a common STI caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It can cause greenish-yellow discharge, along with other symptoms such as pelvic pain, pain during sex, and bleeding between periods.
5. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) – This is a serious infection of the female reproductive organs caused by bacteria. It can cause green discharge with a foul odor, as well as other symptoms such as pelvic pain, fever, and pain during sex.
6. Yeast infection – Although not as common, a yeast infection can also cause green discharge. It is usually accompanied by a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, along with itching and burning in the vagina.
Symptoms of Green Vaginal Discharge
Apart from the change in color, green vaginal discharge can also be accompanied by other symptoms. These include:
1. Foul odor – Discharge with a strong, unpleasant odor is a common symptom of green vaginal discharge. This odor can be different from the usual odor of vaginal discharge.
2. Itching and irritation – Some women may experience itching, redness, and irritation in the vaginal area along with green discharge. This can be a sign of an infection or an allergic reaction.
3. Pain during sex – Infections that cause green discharge can also cause pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse. This is due to inflammation and irritation of the vagina.
4. Pain or burning during urination – Certain infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia, can cause pain or burning sensation while urinating. This is a common symptom of green vaginal discharge.
5. Pelvic pain – In some cases, green discharge can be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice any changes in your vaginal discharge, it is important to consult a doctor. Green discharge, along with other symptoms, can indicate an underlying health condition that needs to be treated. It is especially important to seek medical care if you are experiencing any discomfort or pain.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To determine the cause of green vaginal discharge, your doctor will perform a pelvic examination and may also take a sample of the discharge for testing. This can help identify the underlying infection or condition. Treatment will depend on the cause of the discharge and may include antibiotics, antifungal medication, or other medications.
Prevention
Some tips for preventing green vaginal discharge include:
1. Practice safe sex by using condoms to reduce the risk of STIs.
2. Avoid douching, as it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.
3. Maintain good personal hygiene by regularly washing the vaginal area with warm water and mild soap.
4. Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing, as it can create a warm and moist environment that promotes bacterial growth.
Conclusion
Green vaginal discharge can be a sign of an underlying health condition or infection. It is important to pay attention to any changes in the color, consistency, or smell of your vaginal discharge and seek medical care if necessary. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, most causes of green vaginal discharge can be effectively treated. Maintaining good personal hygiene and practicing safe sex can also help prevent infections and maintain a healthy vaginal environment.
