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Medical Video: Yeast Infection Symptoms in Men
Vaginal infections are usually characterized by itching, heat, pain in the vagina or around your vagina, or problems with your vaginal fluid (vaginal discharge). From the results of browsing and asking right-left, you know that these signs may indicate venereal diseases such as herpes, HPV, and gonorrhea. Which makes you more scratched your head, you have never had sex at all. How can you get a vaginal infection?
Apparently, even though the symptoms are eleven-twelve, not all vaginal infections are caused by sexual contact. Vaginal problems are also not always related to venereal disease.
Why can you get a vaginal infection even though you haven't had sex before?
The two most common vaginal infections are bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. These two infections can usually occur without any sexual contact. Yeast infections are the overgrowth of fungi, aka yeast, which are usually meditated in your body. Meanwhile, bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an imbalance between bad bacteria and good bacteria in the vagina.
Both of these infections cause different than usual vaginal discharge, thick white like milk, or gray. If there is a fishy odor that accompanies it, maybe bacterial vaginosis is the culprit of your problem. But if your vaginal discharge looks lumpy like a lump, most likely the cause is a yeast infection. Both can also cause itching and a burning sensation when urinating.
Here are seven ways you can get vaginal infections without having sex:
1. Take antibiotics
Antibiotics (such as amoxicillin or steroid drugs) treat infections by fighting bacteria. On the other hand, this drug can take a long time to distinguish between bad bacteria and good bacteria. So, even though antibiotics work to destroy bad bacteria, in the process some good bacteria may be turned off.
Good bacteria in the vagina have a function as a counterweight to the vaginal fungal population - called candida. Without good bacteria, the fungus will multiply very quickly and colonize the ecosystem in your vagina.
2. Smoking
Not only heart and lung health that will be threatened if you are a heavy smoker, but also your vagina. Women who smoke are twice as likely to experience bacterial vaginosis than non-smokers. Although it has not been determined that smoking is a direct cause of this infection, studies show that smoking is associated with a decrease in the population of Lactobacillus spp in the vagina. These good bacteria are then replaced with bad bacteria, generally Gardnerella.
3. Wear clothes that do not absorb sweat
Bacteria and fungi will harvest in a warm and humid environment. Unfortunately, continuing to wear skinny jeans, tights or leggings, or even lingering in a wet swimsuit can cause your vaginal fungus to expand and cause fungal infections.
The solution is simple: Let your vagina "breathe". Start wearing loose pants and it's better not to wear underwear when sleeping, unless you need to. In addition, choose fabrics made of cotton to make it easier for your skin to breathe. Don't forget to change panties frequently.
4. Clean the vagina with douching
Unlike what the advertisement said, vaginal douching, aka a vaginal sprayer, is actually bad for your vaginal health. Douching fluid can rinse the population of good bacteria clean and change the pH balance of your vagina, which triggers the growth of excess bad bacteria, which in turn causes bacterial vaginosis.
The solution? Stop douching. The vagina does not need to be fragrant in the flower garden. Unless followed by other symptoms, your vaginal odor is normal, and will be different for each woman.
5. Allergy to personal hygiene products
Sometimes, complaints of itching, burning sensation, and even abnormal vaginal discharge can occur without infection. Most often, this vaginal problem occurs as an allergic reaction or irritation from chemicals in personal hygiene products, such as laundry detergent, fabric softening liquid, scented soap, perfumed sanitary napkins, or even clothing. All of this will cause skin irritation if it comes in contact with super sensitive vaginal skin.
If you experience itching or a burning sensation down there, consider stopping some allergen products that might trigger your problem before you rush to the doctor.
6. You have uncontrolled diabetes
If you have diabetes, pay attention to signs of fungal infections, such as abnormal vaginal discharge and an itchy or burning vagina. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to increased fungal growth, so if you have diabetes and are prone to yeast infections, consider contacting a doctor; diabetes treatment can be adjusted to your condition.
7. Other reasons
Vaginal infections that are not from sexual contact can also come from a decrease in hormones before menopause; your ovary is removed (as one of the KB methods); or you use birth control pills that have high estrogen doses. Bacterial vaginosis is also common among pregnant women.
Various ways to treat vaginal infections
Vaginal infections can be treated with non-prescription drugs that are sold in pharmacies in the form of creams, ointments, tablets or devices that are inserted into your vagina. But it is always better to first consult a doctor if you have pain, itching, or other symptoms around the vagina, and as much as possible not try to vigilante. Don't risk your health by doing carelessly. Visit a doctor or other health professional who can find out the exact cause and treatment.
The key to treating vaginal infections effectively is to get the right diagnosis. Pay close attention to what symptoms you have and when complaints start. Be prepared to describe your color, texture, smell, and the amount of vaginal discharge. Don't douche before visiting a doctor; this will make accurate diagnosis difficult or impossible. Some doctors will ask you not to have sex for 24-48 hours before your appointment.
Do not scratch to relieve itching. You might accidentally make a microscopic tear on the skin that allows bacteria or viruses that cause sexually transmitted diseases to enter your body more easily in the future.
