Vaginal infections are vaginitis caused by inflammation or infection of the vagina. Vaginal infection can affect both the vagina and the vulva. Vaginal infections can develop due to exposure to the vaginal microflora of pathogens, fungi or viral diseases. In addition, the vagina can become inflamed due to an allergy to certain compounds and substances that are part of intimate hygiene products, or, for example, a lubricant for condoms. In some fairly small cases, vaginal infections are transmitted through sexual contact.
Signs of a vaginal infection
Signs of a vaginal infection are due to where the inflammation came from. In some cases, vaginal infections can develop without revealing themselves. The most common signs of vaginal infection are:
– abnormal discharge from the genitals, characterized by a sharp foul odor;
– burning and pain during urination;
– itching and scabies of the external genitalia and the area around the anus;
– pain during sexual intercourse;
Vaginal discharge and infection
Normally, the female genital organs secrete a mucus-like fluid daily, which is pale in color, does not irritate the external genitalia, and does not have a pungent odor. With the correct and regular menstrual cycle, the color, profusion and density of vaginal discharge is different. Sometimes a woman may notice vaginal discharge in the form of a small amount of a clear, odorless liquid. In the same cycle, quite abundant and dense discharge can be observed. But all these processes are part of the norm.
Vaginal infections, characterized by the presence of a concomitant pungent odor, or those to which the body reacts with allergic reactions, are usually considered pathological. Itching and irritation of the vagina can be considered an allergic reaction. Itching may not give rest during the day, but usually becomes much stronger at night. As a rule, itching becomes even stronger after sexual contact. If a woman notes that the shade, smell, profusion or density of vaginal discharge has changed in quality, she needs to contact a gynecologist.
Vaginal infections are divided into several types according to the type of pathogen. The most common are:
– fungal infections of the vagina: candidiasis (thrush);
– bacterial infections of the vagina;
– Trichomonas infections of the vagina;
– chlamydial infections of the vagina;
– vaginal infections that occur due to a viral disease;
– non-viral infections of the vagina.
Each vaginal infection can have its own clinical manifestations. Not every woman without professional help can independently determine what kind of infection is present in her. Moreover, even an experienced and qualified gynecologist can not immediately establish a variety of a particular vaginal infection. Moreover, one woman can suffer from vaginal infections of several varieties at once.
If we consider vaginitis in a broad sense, then we can say that they are fungal lesions of the female genitalia. The causative agent of this infection is the fungi of the Candida family. These bacteria are always present in a healthy body, localized in the oral cavity, genitals and gastrointestinal tract.
Vaginal infections of fungal origin are characterized by thick, pale discharge. Meanwhile, this symptom may not always be present. In the process of infection of the genitalia with fungi, redness appears on the mucous membrane of the genital organs.