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.
Key Points
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.
