A woman''s reproductive system is exposed to a number of causes of inflammation, microbial infections, and parasites. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, one-third of women around the world will experience symptoms of vaginitis at some point in their lives. My Lady Net, the Secretary General of the Saudi Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, and the head of the Scientific Research Committee on the Personal Care of Women for the Middle East and Central Asia, Dr. Hisham Arab, is informed of the most important causes, symptoms, and ways to prevent vaginal infections.
The vagina is characterized by an acidic environment, where the pH ranges between 3.8 and 4.2, noting that this degree of acidity helps to maintain the bacterial balance inside it. The bacteria inside the vagina are divided into:
Good bacteria: They ferment sugars and produce lactic acid, which is responsible for vaginal acidity and hydrogen peroxide.
Harmful bacteria: They can cause infection, if they multiply and increase in number excessively.
Responsible agents
There are a group of factors that lead to an imbalance in the natural balance of the vagina, the most prominent of which are: advanced age, tension, and hormonal changes such as menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and intercourse, in addition to the vaginal "shower", which overexposure leads to the elimination of the natural secretions of the reproductive system. From the "American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" about the most common causes of vaginal infections and infections, namely:
1- Bacterial infection: the beneficial vaginal bacteria are replaced by other anaerobic microorganisms, the number of which increases in a way that disrupts the natural balance.
2- Vaginal Trichomoniasis: It is caused by a single-celled parasite, called "Trichomonas vaginalis".
3- Candidiasis or "Candida": It is also known as yeast fungal vaginitis.
Here is a breakdown of each type
_ Bacterial Vaginosis: The initial symptoms of a bacterial infection of the vagina include secretions that have a foul odor, and they smell like fish, especially after sexual intercourse! The patient may also suffer a burning sensation during urination, and itching around the outside of the vagina. Statistics indicate that approximately 50% of women who show clinical signs of infection neglect to consult a doctor, which further aggravates the disease. Therefore, the specialist doctor must confirm the diagnosis by performing a test of vaginal fluid.
On the other hand, doctors show that there is a relationship between bacterial infection of the vagina and Inflammatory Pelvic Disease, which in turn can cause infertility and an ectopic pregnancy, in addition to its negative impact on pregnancy such as premature birth and the birth of low-weight children, and it increases Susceptibility to infection with other sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. It is recommended in this case treatment with the use of appropriate antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis: It is one of the common sexually transmitted diseases. According to the World Health Organization studies, the prevalence rates of vaginal trichomoniasis are close to about 15% globally and its prevalence increases in developing countries, and it is caused by a single cell parasite called Trichomoniasis vaginalis. It is worth noting that the vaginal area is the most affected place in women, while the urethra is the most affected place in men. Symptoms are usually absent, but some may be noticed within 5 to 28 days of infection in the form of heavy vaginal secretions, with a strong smell and color Yellow tends to green or gray, along with discomfort during sexual intercourse, pain during urination, irritation and itching, and pain rarely occurs in the lower abdomen. Given that men may be a cause of transmission even if they have no symptoms, it is therefore recommended to treat both spouses to eliminate the parasite.
Candidiasis (yeast yeast infection): Candida albicans is one of the most common types of yeasts that are naturally present in the vagina, but in small numbers, and symptoms appear only if the fungus overgrows, causing what is known as Candidiasis. Factors associated with increased incidence, including: pregnancy and diabetes, especially uncontrolled, vaginal "douches", perfumed sprays, disinfectants and antibacterial materials, especially those used locally, taking antibiotics, wearing tight and poorly ventilated undergarments.
The most common symptoms are: itching, vaginal irritation, and pain during urination and during sexual intercourse. Usually, vaginal secretions do not appear, and if any, they are very few and described as being thick white or gray in color, and they may differ from watery to thick. The diagnosis is made using microscopic examination of the vaginal fluid.
Anti-fungal drugs are used for treatment in the form of creams, tablets, or suppositories, and the patient should consult her own doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis, before using those chemical products.
