Vaginal Infection Causes

vaginal infection causes 

Vaginal infection, or vaginitis, is a medical terminology that means infection and/or inflammation of the vagina. There are many causes of vaginal infection, such as bacteria, yeast, viral, and also local irritations caused by clothing, creams, and so on. 

The most common vaginal infection causes are bacterial, yeast, and trichomoniasis. The origin of them are different but the symptoms are generally similar as described below.

1. Bacterial vaginosis. It is the most common cause of vaginal infection. Gardnerella vaginalis is the name of organism causes bacterial vaginosis. It happens when there is an imbalance in the types of the bacteria normally found in the vulva and vagina. Here are some risk factors that cause them:
• Multiple sexual partner
• Frequent douching habit
• Pregnancy
• Intrauterine device (IUD) use 
• Swimming pools and toilet seats CAN'T spread the bacteria.
2. Vaginal yeast infection. It is mainly caused by fungus named Candida albicans, so it is called candidiasis. The overgrowth of yeast in vagina is possibly caused by any of these events:
• Use of steroid
• Immunocompromized condition (HIV/AIDS)
• Use of antibiotics. Vaginal yeast infection may happen after taking antibiotics therapy for another condition in the body such as strep throat. Antibiotics kill protective bacteria and make the fungus overgrow.
• Pregnancy and diabetes mellitus. In these two conditions, there is a low glycogen store in certain vaginal cells. This causes increasing in vaginal pH that is suitable for fungal growth.
• Menopause.
• Use of birth control pills. Estrogen in birth control pills can change the normal vaginal environment.
• Wearing tight underwear can cause irritation that tends to candidal overgrowth.
3. Trichomonas vaginalis. It is a kind of sexually transmitted disease (STDs) that mostly affects the urinary tract.
4. Viral vaginal infection. It is caused by non specific viruses.

Vaginal infection symptoms

General symptoms of vaginal infection are:

• Itching around the vagina
• Abnormal vaginal discharge with bad odor
• Burning in urinating
• Pain on sexual intercourse.

Vaginal infection treatment

Before taking treatment, we have to confirm the diagnosis. Diagnosis can be based on symptoms and also other diagnostic tests such as: urine tests and vaginal cultures/sensitivity test. The proper treatment is actually based on the cause. If bacterial, take antibiotics as recommended in the sensitivity test. Vaginal yeast infection may be treated by vaginal suppositories and/or antifungal pills.