Did you know that the main cause of vaginal infections is usually the Candida albicans fungus? Did you know that all women have more than a 30 % chance of suffering a vaginal infection in their lifetime? Do you feel itching, burning, unusual discharge and / or pain when urinating or having sex?
You may have a vaginal infection and haven't figured it out yet.
Vaginal infections, popularly known as yeast infections, are one of the most common conditions faced by women around the world.
Generally, vaginal infections occur when there is an imbalance in the balance of bacteria and vaginal yeast, which can lead to itching, swelling or irritation in the area.
Most of the times it lasts a few days, in the most severe cases, its duration can extend up to several weeks.
It is important that you know that a vaginal infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but it is true that sexual contact can promote its appearance.
However, a vaginal infection can occur in various forms even when there is no sexual practice.
Main symptoms of a vaginal infection
Vaginal infections have symptoms that are as clear as they are varied. Some of these symptoms are as follows:
- Vaginal itching
- Swelling around the vagina
- Burning when urinating or sex
- Pain during sex
- Pain at any time
- Redness
- Eruptions
In addition to all of the above, vaginal infections are usually accompanied by a very characteristic grayish and lumpy discharge, which may be thicker or more liquid under the circumstances.
Although the Candida fungus is the most common way of contracting a vaginal infection, it can lead to an inflammation of the vagina in what is known as vaginitis. If this occurs at the same time an inflammation of the vulva then it is called vulvovaginitis.
1 in 3 women will experience a vaginal infection in their lifetime
Vaginal infection: why me?
When we talk about bacteria we think of something harmful to our body. However, in the case of vaginal infections specifically, bacteria are responsible for maintaining a balance inside the vagina that once broken can lead to a vaginal infection.
Among the most frequent causes where a vaginal infection can occur are these:
- Antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- Weakness of your immune system
- Bad eating habits
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
How do I confirm that it is really a vaginal infection?
Vaginal infections have specific symptoms that make their diagnosis very easy, so their treatment is not very complicated either.
As soon as you consider that you do indeed have a vaginal infection, going to the doctor is the first step to ending it as soon as possible.
Your doctor will review your medical history and check for past infections. You must remember if you have suffered from a sexually transmitted infection in the past or if you have recently undergone any change in your life that could be related.
You may have a pelvic exam to check the condition of your vaginal walls, cervix, and surroundings to check for any signs of infection.
Sometimes you can order a lab test to check the status of the cells. However, this does not usually happen on the first visit unless it is a repeat case or one that has not been fully treated in the past.
Treatment against vaginal infection
The doctor will give you a specific treatment for your specific case, since a solution is usually applied based on the symptoms that the patient presents.
Simple infections
This type of infection is very easy to treat, and you will only need a follow-up from your doctor to confirm that everything is going correctly. They may prescribe antifungal cream, ointments, pills, or suppositories.
If the infection recurs for two months, then you will need a new treatment from your doctor.
Severe infections
In the most severe cases, treatments usually include vaginal creams, ointments, pills or suppositories and may include medication that your doctor will prescribe for the medium-long term.
If the area is extremely red, swollen, and itchy and sores appear on your vaginal tissue, your infection is likely severe.
This can happen if you have had five or more infections in the last year, if you have suffered from the Candida fungus, if you are pregnant or if you have diabetes or HIV.
If the infection is recurrent, it is best to know if our partner could also be infected.
Natural treatments for vaginal infections
There are also some natural remedies that can be useful to treat these types of infections.
Coconut oil, tea tree oil cream, or garlic are great for fighting a vaginal infection.
Make sure to consult with your doctor before applying an alternative treatment, as it could interfere and make your medication not work as it should.
5 effective natural remedies to treat a vaginal infection
Vague terms are often used to define vaginal infections (vaginitis), but this is not entirely accurate, since vaginitis refers to an inflammation of the vagina as a result of an infection in the area. In any case, there are certain natural remedies that can help you calm the pain and discomfort that these types of infections generate in those who suffer from them.
1. Apple cider vinegar
The number 1 star natural remedy. Apple cider vinegar produces an increase in vaginal acidity, without suffering any irritation, which will serve to lower the alkaline level thanks to its acidic pH.
2. Garlic
Garlic is a quintessential remedy given its various properties. Treating a vaginal infection with garlic will reduce the attacking bacteria. The procedure is surprisingly simple: just crush a few cloves of garlic and spread it on the affected area for a few minutes.
3. Tea tree oil
Another sensational method where you only need to add a few drops in a little warm water and wash the area to combat harmful bacteria.
4. Yogurt
Yogurts are composed of a multitude of bacteria that, in most cases, benefit our body. Just eat a regular yogurt to help reduce your infection, or apply it directly to your vagina using a yogurt-soaked tampon.
Although only a doctor can prescribe an effective treatment, the reality is that these recommendations can be of great additional help to end this painful infection once and for all.
