Vaginal Infection: Procedure, Causes, Treatment & Risk

What is Vaginal Infection?

Inflammation of the vagina is known as vaginitis. The bacteria and yeast that typically inhabit the vagina are out of equilibrium, which is the cause.

You can detect an unusual fragrance in addition to discomfort. You might have a bacterial, yeast, or viral infection. The fragile skin and tissues in this area may be irritated by chemicals in soaps, sprays, or even clothing that comes into contact with it.

But it's not always simple to understand what's happening. To sort it all out and select the best course of action, you'll probably need your doctor's assistance.

Types and Causes of Vaginal Infection

The term "vaginitis" is used by doctors to describe a number of disorders that result in an infection or inflammation of the vagina. The most typical types are:

• Bacterial vaginosis is vaginal irritation brought on by bacterial overgrowth. Usually, it produces a pungent fishy smell.
• Overgrowth of the fungus candida, which is often present in modest levels in the vagina, is known as a candida infection or "yeast" infection.
• The most prevalent STI in women is chlamydia, which often affects those between the ages of 18 and 35 who have several sexual partners.
• Another typical infection spread through intercourse is gonorrhea. It frequently coexists with chlamydia.
• Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection brought on by a parasite. It increases your vulnerability to other STIs.
• Inflammation brought on by a sexually transmitted virus, such as the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or the human papillomavirus (HPV), is known as viral vaginitis. Genital warts or sores can cause discomfort.

Noninfectious vaginitis is a condition in which vaginal irritation, burning, and even discharge can occur without an infection. It most frequently results from an allergic reaction to or an irritant from goods like:

• Detergents
• Fabric softeners
• Douches
• Scented soaps
• Spermicides
• Vaporizer sprays

Vaginal infection might also result from having your ovaries removed or from menopause's reduced hormone levels. Atrophic vaginitis, a disorder caused by this, can cause your vagina to become dry. You might experience burning and itching in your vagina during sexual activity.

Symptoms of Vaginal Infection

The discharge from a woman's vagina is typically clear or slightly murky and does not cause any itching. It has to do with how the vagina cleans itself, in part. Throughout your monthly cycle, the amount, exact nature, and sensation of it can change. You might experience a very thin or watery discharge at one point and a thicker, more numerous discharge at a different period of the month. All of that is typical.

There may be a problem if your discharge burns, itches, or has a strong odor. You could have irritation throughout the day and mostly at night. Some symptoms can become worse after having sex.