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| Vaginal diagram |
But first, let's define vagina infection;
Vaginal infection (commonly known as toilet infection) also known as vaginitis can be defined as the inflammation of the vagina which causes itching, irritation, discharge (apart from the whitish discharge during ovulation. The discharge is colourful i.e brown, yellow or reddish), odour (foul smell or fish like odour) and in severe cases peeling.
What are the causative agents of Vaginitis?
1. Yeast
2. Bacteria
3. Fungi
4. Virus (which is rare.)
It is possible to be a carrier of these agents and not show clinical signs and symptoms.
Major types of Vaginitis:
1. Bacterial vaginosis.
2. Vaginal candidiasis.
3. Trichomoniasis.
It is possible for one to have the combination of these three infections
Ways and how Vaginitis is contracted:
1. Using dirty toilets/sharing toilets with infected people:
Harmful organisms grow in an unhygienic environment. Always clean your toilet with disinfectants before use especially if you are sharing with other people.
2. Abuse/ overuse of antibiotics:
The abuse of antibiotics changes and destroys the flora of the vagina. The beneficial bacteria that naturally protects the vagina are killed and replaced by yeast or and other harmful organisms which are not supposed to be present.
3. During Pregnancy:
Hormonal changes can disrupt the healthy microflora of the vagina causing the good bacteria to be replaced by harmful bacteria.
4. Through your sexual partner:
You see, it's not only HIV&AIDS condom prevents, but it also prevents STD's and UTI's along with Vaginitis. Your sexual partner may be a carrier of one of the causative agents and he won't show the symptoms. That is why it is always important to have protected sex or stick to a healthy partner.
5. Diabetes:
Women who are diabetic have higher chances of developing Vaginitis than women who are not diabetic.
6. Washing the inside of the vagina with soap:
Honestly, I find it hard to believe that ladies do this. The vagina is naturally clean, the only part you need to wash to avoid odour is the outer area of the vagina, not the inside. The ingredients in the soap cause pH imbalance and may cause long time damage to the vagina aside from the infection it may cause. If you do this, please stop. If at all you want to wash the inside of your vagina, there are special soaps for that.
7. Wearing Nylon/ tight panties:
The ideal panties to wear is cotton, tight nylon panties make the vagina sweat and it encourages the growth of harmful bacteria.
8. Applying spray and perfume and using body cream on the vagina:
I have heard people do this, it is entirely wrong. It destroys good bacteria in the vagina.
9. Reaction to Condoms, sanitary pads, tampons, lubricants and semen: If you use any of these and you notice any itching, it means you are allergic to the product. Stop the use immediately.
10. Wearing dirty panties/ not wearing panties:
Seriously, some ladies go days without changing their panties. Some wear trousers without panties and wear them over and over again. This is totally wrong, it's the height of being dirty.
11. Bad menstruating hygiene:
Using a sanitary pad for too long and not washing the surface of the vagina properly encourages the growth of harmful bacteria.
Why you must treat Vaginitis:
The organism which causes the infection will continue to grow and cause discomfort. It will spread inside you and become harder to treat.
Once spreads to the reproductive area, it may cause infertility, fibroid, complications during pregnancy, abortion, infection of the foetus, pelvic inflammatory diseases and so on. Research also shows that it increases one's vulnerability to HIV infection.
Prevention of Vaginitis:
1. Wear clean cotton panties.
2. Always wash your private part with fresh water.
3. Always wipe the tissue from front to back after defecation.
4. Practice safe sex and stick with one partner.
5. Avoid drug abuse, especially antibiotics.
6. Always keep your toilet clean and wash with disinfectant. If you are sharing a toilet, clean it properly before use.
7. Don't pee on a ground particularly when urine will splash back.
8. Prevent douching (spraying or showering the vagina with water/ fluids)
9. Avoid the use of creams, soaps and perfume on the vagina.
10. Eat a balanced diet and take probiotics (Good bacteria in form of medicine).
11. Practice good menstruating hygiene, always change your sanitary pad every 6 hours or less.
Solution and Treatment
Because Vaginitis is caused by different organisms, it is advisable for you to run a medical test before you treat them. The medical test will help you know the type of organism causing the infection, therefore shedding light on which drug to use.
If you just take just any medication without a test, you may be worsening your condition. Don't allow any doctor or nurse or pharmacist treat you without conducting an analysis; it is dangerous. Avoid self-medication.
I hope this helps, stay safe.
N.B: I will be talking about home remedies, multiple resistant vaginal infections and how to treat them in my next post.
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