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The vagina normally contains large numbers of organisms (germs) called lactobacillus (or acidophilus). Vaginal infections occur when other organisms grow and change the normal balance of organisms in the vagina.
You may have a vaginal infection if the colour of your vaginal discharge changes, becomes heavier or smells different or if you notice itching, burning, swelling or redness around the vagina.
Normal vaginal discharge
A normal discharge usually does not smell bad and is not accompanied by local irritation, redness, swelling or itching of the vaginal area. Most vaginal discharges are normal, and you may notice a vaginal discharge on your panties at some stage during your menstrual cycle. This discharge may be most noticeable mid-cycle, which is the time close to ovulation. But some women have a discharge almost throughout the month forcing them use sanitary pads. This is not normal
Common causes of vaginal infections
The most common form of vaginal infection is called bacterial vaginosis. Women with this infection have a large number of organisms called gardnerella vaginalis, as well as many other organisms, in their vagina.
If you have this infection, you may notice a different smell that is strongest after sexual intercourse and perhaps an increased amount of thin vaginal discharge, which may be white or discoloured.
A fungal infection or candida vaginitis is another common type of vaginal infection. If you have this kind of infection, you may notice larger amounts of thick, white discharge, or no discharge at all. Other common symptoms include itching, swelling irritation or redness around the vaginal area.
Trichomonas vaginitis
Also known as "trick", this is the third most frequent vaginal infection. Like bacterial vaginitis, this infection often causes an increased amount of discharge, which may be discoloured. Sometimes the discharge smells different. Itching may be present but is less likely than with a yeast infection
How to determine the cause
It is very hard to know the cause of vaginal symptoms unless your doctor tells you. So don't draw any conclusions. Examination of the vaginal discharge can provide a fairly accurate diagnosis and the right treatment can be started. If the cause of the symptoms is still unclear, to find out the right medicine to treat the infection, a sample of the vaginal discharge can be sent to a laboratory for testing.
Treatment
The treatment for vaginal symptoms depends on the cause. Bacterial vaginosis is often treated with a prescription medicine called metranidazole (Metrogyl, tini, fasigyn). Sometimes it may cause an upset stomach or nausea. Alcohol should not be taken while you are on this medicine as it may cause nausea and vomiting.
There are other medicines that may be taken orally for this infection, such as clindamycin and there are also vaginal creams or gels.
A fungal infection is usually treated with creams or suppositories that are placed in the vagina. The length of treatment may vary from one to seven days. If the infection doesn't get better or comes back soon, you should see your doctor to make sure of the diagnosis and treatment. When the infections are frequent or when it is difficult to cure, your doctor may prescribe some tablets or capsules.
Some of these medicines are now available without prescription, such as miconazole (monistat) and clotrimazole and you may use them when you know you have a fungal infection.
Trichomonas vaginitis is also treated with metranidazole, which is taken orally. However, this infection is often passed between sexual partners. The organism being dormant i.e. without symptoms, in the male, both partners should be treated simultaneously, to ensure proper cure and eradication of the infection.
N.B: You should always consult your doctor before taking any medicine /
undergoing treatment.
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