Vaginal Infection
What is a vaginal infection? Information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments for vaginal infections.
Symptoms and Causes
A vaginal infection is a type of infection that affects the external part of the female reproductive system. Although it typically appears in the vagina, it can also manifest in the vulva or cervix.
There are different types of vaginal infections depending on the microorganism causing them. The most notable ones are:
- Bacterial Vaginosis: It is more common in women of reproductive age and those who are sexually active, although it is not classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
- Chlamydia: A bacterial STD that incubates between 7 and 21 days after exposure.
- Trichomoniasis: An STD whose incubation period can range from 4 to 28 days after contact.
- Vaginal Candidiasis: A fairly common infection that occurs when the vaginal flora is not balanced enough to neutralize the presence of a fungus.
Although certain women may be more prone, it is normal for a woman to develop a vaginal infection at least once in her life. For this reason, it is important to recognize the symptoms to receive the proper treatment as soon as possible and prevent complications.
Symptoms
There are some common symptoms of all vaginal infections, including:
- Vaginal irritation and itching.
- Burning when urinating.
- Abnormal discharge.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
Additionally, each type of vaginosis has specific characteristics:
- Bacterial Vaginosis: White or grayish discharge, vaginal odor.
- Chlamydia: White discharge, vaginal odor, abnormal bleeding.
- Trichomoniasis: Green or yellowish discharge, vaginal odor similar to mold.
- Vaginal Candidiasis: Swelling, thick yellow discharge, burning in the vulva.
Causes
The causes vary depending on the type of vaginal infection:
- Bacterial Vaginosis: Caused by an imbalance in the bacteria that normally inhabit the vagina, leading to a decrease in lactobacilli and an increase in anaerobic bacteria.
- Chlamydia: A bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, transmitted through sexual contact.
- Trichomoniasis: Caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, which is transmitted through sexual contact, whether oral, anal, or vaginal.
- Vaginal Candidiasis: Caused by the Candida albicans fungus, which may arise from changes in the balance of vaginal microorganisms due to antibiotic use, hormonal changes, or immune system alterations.
Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the risk of contracting a vaginal infection include:
- Being of reproductive age and sexually active.
- Poor hygiene.
- Wearing very tight underwear.
- Keeping moisture in underwear or swimwear for too long.
- Taking antibiotics for extended periods.
- Engaging in high-risk sexual activities.
Complications
Although vaginal infections usually do not present complications, if vaginosis is left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy problems, reproductive difficulties, an increased risk of contracting STDs, cervical cancer, or, if contracted during pregnancy, premature birth.
Prevention
The best way to prevent vaginal infections includes:
- Using condoms during all sexual encounters.
- Maintaining proper hygiene: always clean the outer area from back to front to reduce the risk of introducing fecal bacteria into the vagina, use neutral soaps, avoid douching.
- Regular check-ups to detect infections early.
Which doctor treats vaginal infections?
Gynecologists are the specialists who treat vaginal infections; however, family doctors can also handle these cases.
Diagnosis
To diagnose vaginosis, specialists focus primarily on:
- Anamnesis: It is essential to understand the symptoms as well as the causes that may have triggered the infection, such as previous episodes, antibiotic use, or hormonal changes.
- Pelvic Exam: To examine the affected area.
- Fresh Smear with Physiological Saline: A sample of vaginal discharge is taken, mixed with saline, and examined under a microscope to detect any microorganisms foreign to the normal vaginal flora.
- Fresh Smear with Potassium Hydroxide (KOH): The procedure is the same as above, but KOH solution is added to eliminate the normal vaginal bacteria. Only the causative agents of the infection will be visible under the microscope.
- Vaginal pH Analysis: To check if the pH is altered. Normal values range from 3.8 to 4.5.
Treatment
The most effective treatments for vaginosis typically involve topical medications such as creams or vaginal suppositories. Antibiotics are commonly used for bacterial or fungal infections, which may also be treated with antifungals. In some cases, oral medication is prescribed.
It is recommended to treat both the infected patient and their sexual partners to prevent the spread of the disease. Abstinence should be observed during treatment and for seven days afterward.
