Vaginal Infection

Do you get an itchy feeling down below. Perhaps your jeans are too tight. But if the itch gets itchier then be warned. There is definitely something wrong. And that something could be vaginal infection-vaginitis, yeast infection or trichomoniasis or urinary infection.

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain. The cause is usually a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. Vaginitis can also result from low estrogen levels after menopause. This disease is common in women of child bearing age and is associated with sexual activity.

When the natural balance of vaginal bacteria gets disturbed and an overgrowth of bacteria occurs, you get vaginosis causing grayish white, foul smelling discharge. This type can spread during sexual intercourse and can also occur in women with multiple partners. To control the infection your doctor may prescribe metronidazole or clindamycin as tablets or vaginal gel or creams.

A single- celled protozoan called trichomonas vaginalis causes trichomoniasis. It causes a greenish yellow frothy discharge. This is a common sexually transmitted disease and the vagina is the most common site of infection in women. In pregnant women both bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis have been associated with premature deliveries and low birth weight babies. Women infected with trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis are also at a greater risk of acquiring HIV and other sexually- transmitted diseases. Your doctor may prescribe metronidazole tablets.

A naturally occuring fungus called Candida albicans causes yeast infectio in the vagina. Medical experts have estimated that almost 75 per cent of women suffer from yeast infection in the vagina at least once in their life time. The main symptom is itching, but you may also have a white thick discharge.

The risk of yeast infection increases in women due to hormonal changes as during pregnancy , use of contraceptives, menopause, use of antibiotics and steroids and diabetes. Wearing tight poorly ventilated trusers can also lead to this infection. Anti-fungal cream helps to treat this infection.