What are vaginal infections? There are three main types of vaginal infections. (a) Bacterial vaginosis This is characterised by a vaginal discharge with a foul odour. (b) Thrush. Symptoms can include: Itching and irritation in the vagina, redness, swelling, or itching of the vulva (the folds of skin outside the vagina), a thick, white discharge that can look like cottage cheese and is usually odourless, although it might smell like bread or yeast, pain or burning when urinating or during sex. (c) Trichomoniasis, which is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both women and men. Most men do not have any symptoms. Some may have an irritation inside the penis, mild discharge, or slight burning after urination or ejaculation. For women the symptoms can include a frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odour, discomfort during intercourse and urination, as well as irritation and itching. Rarely, lower abdominal pain can occur. Any woman with an unusual discharge should be tested so that serious infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can be excluded. What are the causes of vaginal infections? Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal infections. It is caused by a change in the bacteria normally found in the vagina and causes an overgrowth of organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis. Thrush is usually caused by a fungal organism called candida albicans which lives in the body but can grow out of control in the genital area. Trichomoniasis, (also called trich, pronounced "trick") is caused by a parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is primarily an infection of the urinary and genital tract. For women, the vagina is the most common site of infection. For men, the urethra is most commonly affected. How are vaginal infections diagnosed? Diagnosis of vaginal infections is usually made based on the symptoms and results of urine tests and vaginal cultures. It is now possible to test for vaginal infections with a home test kit. A panty liner called Vianalyse can distinguish between a normal discharge, a bacterial infection and a parasitic infection. Thrush can also be detected at home using a urine infection test kit. A chlamydia wand can identify a chlamydia infection in women and a urine test taken at home and sent for private analysis can identify chlamydia and gonorrhoea in both men and women. How are vaginal infections treated? Treatment of vaginal infections is based on the organism causing the infection. Depending on the cause of the infection, your doctor may prescribe vaginal suppositories or antibiotics. Treatment also varies depending on the severity of infection, duration of infection, recurrence of infection, and whether you are pregnant. What should I do if I think I have a vaginal infection? If you think you have a vaginal infection you can test yourself at home, then seek medical advice or see your doctor for tests. |
