Wait a minute with the pill for urinary tract infections , it may not be what will help you at all. There are some common vaginal infections that we sometimes think will go away if we take a pill and our urine stops burning, but the truth is that it may only get worse. There is nothing to stress about, we are here to give you basic and important knowledge.
Why do vaginal and vulva infections occur?
The source of all the problems in the world is bacteria. Not all problems, but the common infections that many women suffer from are. The vaginal bacterial population (the flora, as it is professionally called) is made up of a delicate balance between different types of bacteria, and when this balance is disrupted, the problems begin. But before we get to know them up close, it's worth knowing how these bacteria actually get out of balance. Many times these are factors related to our lifestyle: we wear clothes that are too tight that suffocate the skin, we don't follow proper vaginal hygiene (hint: you don't need these and other douches), we suffer from too much stress (actually, who doesn't?) and we don't take care to protect our vagina from all sorts of other foreign factors. Ultimately, all of these things damage the good bacteria in the vagina and they fail to protect against the bad ones.
What does it look and feel like in practice?
In a big way, it's unpleasant. And now in a small way:
There are all kinds of symptoms associated with vaginal and vulva infections, such as changes in the amount of discharge, its color, and its texture. Pain, burning, internal and external itching - these may also indicate an infection. In some cases, a different smell can also be a good sign that something has changed in the flora and created a problem.
Like everything else, these symptoms are personal and vary from one woman to another, and we can only recognize them if we know how to notice changes. Therefore, it is recommended to develop a healthy awareness of the cycle, discharge, smell and general feeling of the vagina, even in our daily lives. Many times we immediately think that it is a urinary tract infection, but when we get to know the common infections in more depth, we discover that each of them requires different treatment, which is why it is very important to recognize them.
What common types of infections might you encounter?
The three most common cases of vaginal infections are "bacterial vaginosis," "candida," and "trichomoniasis," with the former being the most common. Note that while they are defined as different conditions, it is not impossible for a woman to suffer from more than one of them. Vaginosis is usually caused by an imbalance in the vaginal flora, candida is a fungus that is normally present in the body but can take over, and trichomoniasis is an infection caused by a parasite that is transmitted through sexual contact.
How can you take care of them (you)?
Each of these conditions has slightly different causes (and hence different solutions), but very similar symptoms. Therefore, the first thing you should do to treat them is to diagnose what it is. Such a diagnosis is usually made by testing urine, feces, or vaginal mucus, and of course by a laboratory and a doctor's referral. Vaginosis will usually be treated with antibiotics and candida will be treated with antifungal or steroid preparations. The importance of treatment stems not only from improving quality of life but also because such infections increase the chance of contracting various sexually transmitted diseases.
How can you prevent them in the first place?
Three basic rules for preventing infections and inflammations in the vulva and vagina:
- Have safe sex.
- A proper and balanced diet that contains probiotic products in sufficient quantities, for example various fermented foods and yogurts.
- Choosing delicate lingerie made from breathable, high-quality fabrics such as organic cotton.
* The article is not a substitute for consulting a doctor.
