Vaginal infections represent some of the most common gynecologic problems in women. Just one of these infections, bacterial vaginosis, affects 29% of all women, with cases going as high as 61% in women with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Safieh Javid, ARNP, and the experienced team at All Female Health Care encourage you to get prompt treatment at the first sign of a vaginal infection. Untreated infections make you more vulnerable to STIs and pregnancy-related complications. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Sunrise, Florida, or use the online booking feature today.
You can have a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic vaginal infection. The most common types include:
Bacterial vaginosis is often referred to as vaginitis. Both develop when the bad bacteria in your vagina increase and overrun the good bacteria. However, vaginitis also refers to a general inflammation caused by an infection.
You can also develop viral vaginosis, usually from the herpes simplex virus. This condition, called genital herpes, is sexually transmitted. By comparison, bacterial vaginosis is caused by antibiotics, hormone changes, douching, and spermicides.
Vaginal yeast infections are fungal infections caused by Candida albicans. You normally have yeast living in your vagina, and they only cause an infection when the yeast grows more rapidly than normal.
Taking antibiotics often causes a yeast infection. You also have a higher risk of a yeast infection if you're pregnant or you have diabetes or a weak immune system.
Trichomoniasis (trich) is an infection caused by tiny parasite that's transmitted between partners during sexual intercourse. You have a higher risk of developing trich if you have multiple partners, sex without a condom, or a history of STIs.
The symptoms vary depending on the type of infection:
The primary symptom of bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal discharge that's white or gray and has a strong fishy odor. You may also experience burning when urinating, itching outside your vagina, and vaginal irritation. A viral infection causes sores in your vagina and on your genitals.
The top symptom of a yeast infection is extreme itchiness in and around your vagina. You may also have a thick, white discharge and burning, redness, and swelling outside your vagina.
Trich may not cause symptoms or they may be delayed, appearing 5-28 days after the infection takes hold. If symptoms appear, you may have a clear, white, yellowish, or greenish discharge with an unusual or fishy odor. Many women also have itching and irritation outside their vaginas.
Your treatment includes antibiotics or antifungals, depending on the type of infection. If you're treated for a trich infection, your sex partner may also need medication to ensure you don't keep passing it back and forth.
If you have itchiness or a vaginal discharge, call All Female Health Care, or book an appointment online today.