In our previous blog on vaginal infections, we saw the causes of a few commonly caused vaginal infection. In this post, we have jotted down the symptoms of previously discussed vaginal infection and respective precautions you may take to avoid such infections. Let’s go through them one by one.
Yeast Vaginal Infection
Symptoms
Itchiness and discomfort in the vagina are the main symptoms of a yeast infection. But there are others:
- Pain or burning sensation when you pee
- Swelling, redness or soreness around the vagina
- Pain during sex
- A thick, white, odourless discharge (cottage cheese like discharge)
Prevention
To reduce the risk of getting a yeast infection, wear underwear that has a cotton crotch and does not have a tight fitting.
It might also help to avoid:
- Douching
- Wearing sanitary pads for too long. It is advisable to change sanitary pads every 5-6 hours
- Unnecessary consumption of antibiotics taken for cold or other viral infections
- Tight-fitting pantyhose
- Scented feminine products such as bubble bath gel, sanitary pads or tampons
- Staying in wet clothes such as swimsuits, or gym/work out attire for a longer duration
Bacterial Vaginosis
Symptoms
Many women do not show any symptoms at all. Although if you get it, then you may see some of these symptoms:
- A foul or a strong odour in vaginal discharge
- White, grey, or green coloured vaginal discharge
- A fishy smell that is very peculiar and gets stronger, especially after sex
- Painful or burning sensation while you pee
- Itching around your vagina or vulva
Prevention
Bacterial vaginosis may not always be prevented. Still, the risk of getting it can be reduced by practising a few simple hygienic steps.
- Practice safe sex. Condoms may restrict the transmission of such infection
- Avoid douching
- Clean your vaginal area at regular intervals with lukewarm water and wipe it from front to back
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid pants that are too tight, as the bad bacteria thrive in a moist environment
Trichomoniasis or Trichomonas
Symptoms
There are chances that you may not see any symptoms at all. Else, you may have some of these symptoms:
- Greenish yellow vaginal discharge with a frothy texture and a peculiar odour
- Itching or Irritation in and around your vagina
- Bleeding
- Painful sex
- Slight pain or discomfort during urination
- An ache in the lower abdomen
Prevention
The best way Trich can be prevented is by avoiding vaginal, oral or anal sex. Though, you may find a way to bring down your odds of getting this:
- Usage of condoms may help in restricting direct contact of two sexual organs
- Avoid using any soap or scented product down there. Usage of any scented product may disturb the healthy pH balance of your vagina
- Be with one sexual partner, who does not have any STD. You may talk about sexual histories with your partner and encourage them to get themselves checked by a doctor before getting intimate
- Peeing after sex. This might help to flush out the parasite that may have entered your vagina during sex
If you have been noticing any of these symptoms, then do not delay further to consult a doctor. As it may turn in to something fatal if it is ignored for long.
Maintaining hygiene is very important during that time of the month. Besides, poor menstrual hygiene may affect you negatively in many ways. It may increase your chances of getting reproductive tract infections. It may also raise your chances of getting an HIV infection.
If you wish to know more about how to maintain good menstrual hygiene, then please do give this blog post a read here.
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