Vaginal itching, changes in the color or amount of discharge, and/or pain during urination are common symptoms of a vaginal infection. However, you can also have an infection and not experience any symptoms.
Vaginal infections are common and have a variety of causes. Such infections can occur at any age, but are most likely to happen during a woman's reproductive years.
Drs. Michele Hakimian, Kate Nash,and Matthew King, and their team at Progressive Care for Women in Downtown Chicago, Illinois, are experts in diagnosing and treating vaginal infections.
In this month’s blog, they discuss the different types of vaginal infections, their symptoms, and the course of treatment for each.
Also referred to as vaginitis, a vaginal infection results from various forms of bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other sources that irritate and inflame your vagina. Examples of vaginal infections include:
A common type, where your vaginal microbiome shifts out of balance and you develop an overgrowth that causes symptoms.
Similar to bacterial vaginitis and almost as common, this results from an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida, which, in smaller amounts, is perfectly safe.
Caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-celled parasite and a form of sexually transmitted infection, or STI.
Irritation stemming from an allergic reaction to scented sprays, soaps, spermicides, and douches.
A vaginal infection that happens after menopause, when your body has much lower hormone levels, causing thinning and dryness.
Common signs of a vaginal infection include:
Symptoms vary with the individual condition, but seeing any of these signs means you should schedule an appointment.
We can help you regardless of the cause of your infection. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites all require different treatment approaches. After diagnosing and confirming your illness, antibiotics, antifungals, and other medications can reduce symptoms and treat the problem.
To lower your future risk of vaginitis, avoid:
Also, be sure to thoroughly wash sex toys and wipe front to back when going to the bathroom.
Vaginal infections can be uncomfortable to discuss, but if you're having symptoms, please contact Drs. Hakimian, Nash, Assefa, King, and the Progressive Care for Women team today.
