Yeast infection-symptoms and treatment
It is one of the commonest infections women have to deal with, especially during the summer months. Such infections are not presented as a serious situation, but there are times when treating them may be demanding.
A few words on colpitis
It is a vaginal inflammation of the sensitive women’s area, caused by microorgans that cause turbulence in the vagina flora. (Fungus, bacteria, viruses).
It may appear:
- In the outer parts of the vagina (vulva)or
- innerly in the endometrium, inside the vagina or the cervix.
When the natural flora of a woman’s vagina is distorted, pathogenic microorganisms start developing, changing the area’s pH. (Normally it should be pH≥4.7). When the area’s pH is altered, symptoms appear. (It should be noted that in some rare cases, yeast infection develops but without any symptoms).
WHAT ARE ITS CLEAR SYMPTOMS?
Symptoms change depending on the cause, with most typical being:
- pain during sexual intercourse
- vaginal dryness
- a sense of burning
- itchiness
- pain during urination
- irritation of the vulva
- vaginal secretions
- unobtrusive blood stains
HOW DO I TREAT IT?
There is a variety in colpitis infection types, therefore we need to distinguish its origin before treating it.
- FUNGAL VAGINITIS
If there is a fungus, anti-fungus agents are prescribed through the mouth, as well as vaginal suppositories or ointments.
Supplementary, lactobacillus vaginal suppositories are prescribed, to assist in restoration of vaginal flora. More often than not, it is possible that the sexual partner also needs treatment.
- BACTERIA VAGINITIS
In bacteria vaginitis we usually have a multi-microbial infection.
Treatment involves antibiotic therapy through the mouth and vaginally, or using antibacteria vaginal ointment.
In some cases, special gels to fight dryness and specific products to clean the sensitive area are also recommended.
VAGINITIS PREVENTION
Prevention begins the moment we start taking proper care of the sensitive area.
Which routine contributes to the proper care of the sensitive area?
- cleaning one’s genitals daily with special products for a woman’s needs with the appropriate pH.(be especially cautious with the bacteria around the anus area).
- using condoms during sexual intercourse
- taking probiotic supplements through the mouth, especially when there is a fungus infection.
- preferably use cotton underwear and not synthetic.
- avoid tight clothes which may feel uncomfortably warm and humid around the sensitive area, especially in the summer months.
- always keep a second swimming suit when you go swimming in order to change and never let a wet swimming suit dry on your body.
- before you sit on the sand or on the sun bed, always use a towel.
- always maintain appropriate hygiene around the vaginal and anal area.
- avoid vaginal douche with antiseptics.
- avoid daily sanitary towel use
- avoid tampons
In case of any kind of infection, you should contact your gynecologist to make the proper diagnosis and receive specific advise for your own case.
- general check up (pap test-vaginal ultrasound)
- contraception
- menopause
- fertility check
- HPV -genital warts