Vaginal infections are uncomfortable,
causing itching and irritation. They are very common: Three out of four
women can get one at some point in their lives. The good news is that they
can usually be treated or prevented with a few simple steps. In addition,
the occurrence of vaginal infections can be marked by many
factors, but the practice of a few simple tips significantly help to reduce the
risk of contracting the disease.
Cause of Vaginal
Infection.
Yeast infections can develop for a variety of reasons.
Throughout life, 75% of all women are likely to have at least one candida
vaginal infection, and up to 45% have two or more. Women tend to be more likely
to have vaginal yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor
diet, lack of sleep, illness, or when they are pregnant or taking antibiotics.
Women with immunosuppressive diseases such as diabetes and HIV infection are
also at higher risk.
Common symptoms of
Vaginal Infections.
- Redness
of the vaginal.
- Discomfort
around the vaginal opening.
- Pain /
burning when urinating.
- Itching
of the vaginal.
- Pain
during sexual intercourse.
- Pelvic
pain.
- White secretion
or discharge, thick and free of smell.
- Swelling
and redness on the vulva.
Treatment for Vaginal Infections:
Treatment of Vaginal Infections will
depend on its severity and what caused it. Vaginal yeast infections can be
treated with anti-fungal medications that are inserted directly into the vagina
like tablets, creams, ointments or suppositories. Common drugs to treat the
infection are readily available at most drug stores or grocery stores. It is very
important to follow the instruction written on the packaging religiously.
How to Prevent
Vaginal Infections:
1. Keep the Area Dry: This is one of the
top tips on Preventing Vaginal Infections. Well, hot and humid
environments provide the ideal conditions for yeast growth, usually. Thus,
to keep the area dry, opt for cotton clothing that can allow the organ to
breath and allows for moisture release. In addition, it is ideal to change
wet or sweaty clothes, such as gym or bath clothes, as soon as possible.
2. Avoid Antibiotics: Antibiotics do not kill only the bad bacteria, but also the good ones, which can prevent the overgrowth of fungi. Use of antibiotics, such as for treating urinary tract infections, is one of the most common risk factors for developing a fungal infection. Taking oral steroids and birth control pills can also increase this risk. People who have these fungal infections often should see a doctor and discuss the medications.
3. After
urination, wipe the vagina in a front-to-back motion, thus preventing the
spread of yeast or bacteria from the anus to the vagina or urinary tract.
4. Control
your diabetes
Immunological diseases such as diabetes and HIV can also
increase the occurrence of fungal infections. In addition, people with diabetes
need to keep their blood sugar levels under control to prevent this type of
infection.
5. Watch what you
eat: Yeasts feed on sugar, so you should reduce the consumption of
foods that raise your blood sugar level like sugary desserts and processed flours. In
addition, seek increased intake of yogurt and other probiotics containing live
cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus,
helps maintain healthy levels of yeast.
6. Personal hygiene: This is one of the main
ways to Prevent Vaginal Infections. Well, keeping the vaginal
region clean will not only help you keep a fresh odor,
but also prevent infections caused by fungi. When bathing, be
sure to clean the inside of the vagina, or also known as the vulva, where fungi
are likely to grow.
7. Usage of Food Supplement: If you usually have
more than three fungal infections in 1 year, consider taking a daily probiotic
containing Lactobacillus bacteria. Well, studies show
that these microorganisms stimulate the production of lactic acid and other
substances that help the vagina to prevent the overgrowth of yeast.
8. Try
not to wear very tight clothing. This can cause more heat, moisture
and friction. This includes wearing a wet swimsuit for a long period of
time, especially during the summer. Choose Cotton and silk underwear because
they absorb moisture by keeping the body dry. On the other hand, those of nylon
and other synthetic fabrics do not absorb moisture there by stimulating the
development of fungi.
9. Avoid Chemical Products: Feminine hygiene
products, such as sprays, soaps and even some lubricants. Perfumes can be
irritating to the sensitive area found inside the vagina, and may increase the
risk of developing fungal infections. It is also important to avoid perfumed
sanitary napkins and colored toilet papers. These items can alter the
normal balance of organisms in the vagina.
10. Take care of your Immune System: A weakened
immune system becomes more vulnerable to infection. Be sure to consume
foods rich in Vitamin C, do activities that reduce day-to-day stress such as
walking or meditation. Usually the immune system helps us keep fungi under
control. But if we do not catch enough sleep our immune system may become
unable to work properly. So we need to keep a regular sleep schedule and avoid
caffeine, and heavy foods for up to three hours before bedtime.
