What is a vaginal infection?
A vaginal infection is known medically as "vaginitis." The 3
most common causes of vaginal infections are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. Vaginal discharge
may also occur if you have an infection in your cervix with gonorrhea or chlamydia. There are other
causes of vaginal infections that are less common. Each type of vaginitis is
caused by a different type of germ or organism, so each type must be treated
differently.
What are the signs/symptoms of a vaginal
infection?
If you have a vaginal infection, you may have any of the following:
Vaginal discharge that is
different from normal
Vaginal odor (smell)
Vaginal itching
Pain or irritation when you
urinate (pee)
Pain and/or burning with sexual
intercourseIf you have any of the symptoms of a vaginal infection, you should see your health care provider right away. Each kind of vaginal infection has different symptoms. It's hard to know exactly which type of vaginal infection you have just by your symptoms alone, since many of the signs are similar. It's also possible to have more than one type of vaginal infection at the same time. This is why it's important to see your health care and find out what type of vaginitis you have and get treated. It's also important to find out if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Only health care providers can find out if you definitely have a vaginal infection. You should be completely honest with your health care provider about what symptoms you have, such as odor, burning, or strange vaginal discharge, even if it is embarrassing. This way, your health care provider can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment.
What can I do to prevent vaginal infections?
The best way to prevent vaginal infections
is to practice good feminine hygiene. Vaginal infections
can happen more than once. You should always follow this advice:
Keep your vaginal area clean and
dry. You should wash the outside of your vaginal area every day with mild soap
and warm water, and then rinse well. Be sure to pat the area dry with a dry
towel.
Don't use perfumed soaps,
perfumed bubble bath or gel, scented tampons, vaginal powders, or vaginal
deodorant sprays. They can irritate your vagina and cause a vaginal infection.
If your vaginal area is already irritated, you should not use scented toilet
paper, spermicides, or harsh soaps.
Don't wear tight or damp
clothing, because they can keep moisture in and irritate your vagina. If you do
have to wear tight clothing, don't wear it for a long time. Wear white cotton
underwear. Avoid nylon and lycra. Cotton helps to absorb moisture and allows
air to get through. If you wear pantyhose, remember to wear cotton underwear.
Practice safe sex. You shouldn't
have sex with someone with a sexually transmitted infection. No matter what,
you should always use latex (or polyurethane) condoms to lessen your chance of
getting sexually transmitted infections.
If you use diaphragms, cervical
caps, or any medication applicators, you need to make sure you clean them with
warm water and soap and dry them well.