Health: Women, What you Should Know About Your Body ((Vaginitis)

Vaginal Infection (vaginitis)

                                                    What is a vaginal Infection?

A vaginal infection is known medically as "vaginitis." The most common causes of vaginal infections are  Yeast Infections, Bacterial Vaginosis, and Trichomoniasis. Vaginal discharge may also occur if you have an infection in your cervix with gonorrhea or chlamydia. There are other causes of vaginal infections that are less common. Each type of vaginitis is caused by different type of germ or organism, so each type must be treated differently.

What are the signs/symptoms of a vaginal Infection?

If you have a vaginal infection, you may have any of the following:

*Vaginal Discharge that is different from normal

*Vaginal Odor (smell)

*Vaginal Itching

*Pain or irritation when you urinate (pee)

* Pain or burning sensation during sexual intercourse

However, it is important to note that some women may have mild or no symptoms at all.

What do I do if I have a vaginal Infection?

If you have any of the symptoms of vaginal infection, you should see your health care doctor immediately. Delay,waiting or doing self medication might damage some vital organs in the womb or could result into cancer.

Also each of these vaginal infection sometimes has different symptoms. It's hard to know exactly which type of vaginal infection you have just be your symptoms alone, since many of the signs are similar. It's also possible to have more than one type of vaginal infection at the same time. This is why it's important that your see your health doctor or preferably a professional gynecologist to find out what type of vaginitis you have and get treated fast.

It is also important to find out if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Only health care providers who are professionals in this area can find out and tell you if you definitely have a vaginal infection.

You should be completely honest about what symptoms you have when being questioned, such as odor, burning, or strange vaginal discharge, even if it's embarrassing. This way, your doctor can make a correct diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment.

What Can I do to Prevent Vaginal Infections?

The best way to prevent vaginal infections is to practice good feminine hygiene. Vaginal Infections can happen more than once. You should always follow this advice:

*Keep your vaginal area clean and dry. You should wash the outside of your vaginal area every day with luke warm water, and then rinse well . Be sure to pat the area dry with a dry towel.

* Never use perfumed soaps, perfumed bubble bath or gel, scented tampons, vaginal powders, or vaginal deodorant sprays. They can irritate your vagina and cause vaginal infections. The vaginal already has its natural cleaning lubricant/moisture. However if your vaginal area is already irritated, you should not use scented toilet papers, spermicides or soaps.

*Don't wear tight damp clothing, because they can keep moisture in and irritate your vagina. If you do have to wear tight clothing, dont wear it for a long time. Wear cotton underwear. Avoid nylon and Lycra. Cotton helps to absorb moisture and allows air get through. If you wear a pantyhose, remember to wear cotton underwear.

*Practice safe sex. You shouldn't have sex with someone with sexually transmitted infection. No matter what, you should always use latex (or polyurethane) condoms to lessen your chance of getting sexually transmitted infections.

* If you use diaphragms, cervical caps, or any medication applicators, you need to make sure you clean them with warm water regularly and dry them well before inserting.

I do hope this helps and ladies out there can ensure they care for that V-area, its sure very important...*wink

Culled: Young Womens Health