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Health and beauty lifestyle for women.

Vaginal Infections


A fungal infection that causes discharge, irritation and intense itchiness of the vagina is called vaginal infection. 
Women who are not sexually active can get infected in the vagina. It is not a sexually transmitted infection but can be spread through sexual contact. 

Causes of vagina infection 

· Weak immune system 
· Hormonal imbalance before menstrual cycle 
· Lack of sleep 
· Stress 
· Pregnancy 
· Poor eating habits. E.g. eating too much of sugary foods. 
· Candida Albicans (yeast infection) 

Vaginal infection may also be caused by; 
· gonorrhea 
· Chlamydia 
· mycoplasma 
· campylobacter 
· herpes 
· poor hygiene. 


Vaginal infection can also affect a teenage girl. A likely cause of bacteria before puberty is Streptococcus spp, bad hygiene practices can spread this bacteria from the anal area to the genitals. 

A lack of estrogen, lack of labial, fat pads and public hair can increase the risk of a teenager getting infected with vulvovaginitis. The inflammation of the vulva and vagina is known as vulvovaginitis. 

Vaginal infection can also be influenced by an allergic reaction to certain soaps, tampons, pads, douches, condoms and semen. 

Also, wearing tight pants for long hours and damp underwear can increase the risk of getting infected. 

Symptoms of vagina infection 

· Itching of the vagina 
· Swelling around vagina 
· Soreness 
· Rash 
· Redness 
· Burning sensation during urination 
· Painful sexual intercourse 
· Whitish-gray vagina discharge 
· Foul vaginal odour 

When an infection in the vagina is left untreated for a long time, it can affect how severe the symptoms will be. 

If any of these symptoms is experienced, a medical test should be carried out immediately to know the cause, and then make preparations for treatment. 

Treatment of vaginal infection 

A doctor will prescribe an antifungal cream, and tablets to be taken for a few days in the case of a simple yeast infection. 

Some very effective antifungal creams are; 
· clotrimazole, 
· Fluconazole 
· ketoconazole 
· econazole, 
· miconazole, 
· tioconazole, etc. 

For severe cases, the doctor will administer stronger drugs and even injections. 

Prevention of vaginal infection

Infection of the vagina can be prevented. If certain unhealthy habits and hygiene can cause vaginal infection then healthy habits and proper hygiene can prevent the infection. 

The following can prevent vaginal yeast infection; 
· Proper and healthy eating habits. 
· Drinking yogurt 
· Taking supplements that contain lactobacillus 
· Wearing cotton or silk pants 
· Washing of underwear in hot water 
· Replacing your underwear or feminine products frequently 
· Good hygiene 
· Using mild soaps. 
· Wiping from front to back after urination or excretion, to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina. 
· Wearing lose fitting clothing 

Avoid the following: 

· Wearing tights, leggings, tight pants for long hours. 
· Using scented pads or tampons 
· Having sex without a condom 
· Wearing damp underwear 
· Taking frequent hot baths or sitting in hot tubs. 
· Taking antibiotics only when it is necessary. 


The effects of vaginal infection can be traumatizing if not treated early and properly. Vaginal infection can cause great discomfort. Itching, irritation, a burning sensation during urination and painful sex is very uncomfortable. 

So, if you notice any of the symptoms listed above, consult your doctor.

Until then take care of yourself.

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