Contents:
- Medical Video: Vaginal Diseases - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
- What causes vaginal discharge?
- 1. Bacterial vaginosis infection
- 2. Trichomoniasis
- 3. Fungal infections
- 4. Gonorrhea and chlamydia
- 5. Pelvic inflammatory disease
- 6. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) or cervical cancer
- What causes vaginal itching?
- 1. Irritation
- 2. Skin disease
- 3. Menopause
- 4. Stress
- How to deal with vaginal discharge and itching?
Medical Video: Vaginal Diseases - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Vaginal discharge and itching are the most common problems in the vagina. Fluid discharge known as vaginal discharge is normal. However, you need to be careful because there are some leucorrhoea which are characteristics of the infection. Abnormal vaginal discharge will be yellow or green, thick texture does not runny, and has an unpleasant odor, this is caused by infection and fungi. Even with itching in the vagina, it is usually a symptom of infection, menopause, and irritation of certain substances (such as vaginal cleansing soap). Itching can also be indicated as a skin disorder or even a sexually transmitted disease. When the itching is felt heavy and hot, you should immediately consult a doctor.
What causes vaginal discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge functions as a protector and vaginal cleanser. It is normal if you experience vaginal discharge due to exercise, sexual arousal, ovulation, using contraceptive drugs, and stress. But abnormal vaginal discharge may result from the following:
1. Bacterial vaginosis infection
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina caused by anaerobic bacteria that is not balanced. The vagina has two bacteria, good bacteria called lactobacilli, bad bacteria called anaerobes. When bacterial vaginosis occurs, anaerobic bacteria increases. This causes vaginal discharge to be thick, pungent and fishy, although sometimes this infection does not show some symptoms. Women who have oral sex and have sex with multiple partners can be at high risk of developing this disease.
2. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis infection is caused by protozoa (single-celled organisms) and causes yellow, green, and pungent vaginal discharge. In addition, inflammation and itching are common symptoms, although some people who are infected may not experience these symptoms. Transmission of this infection can be caused by sexual contact and alternately used towels.
3. Fungal infections
This infection is a fungal infection that results in white vaginal discharge, like soft cheese, while it also causes itching, heat and burning sensations. The presence of fungi in the vagina is normal, but when the fungus develops uncontrollably it is not normal. Some things that can cause this infection are:
- Stressful
- Diabetes
- Use of contraceptive drugs
- Pregnancy
- Antibiotics
4. Gonorrhea and chlamydia
Both are including sexually transmitted diseases. One of the symptoms caused by the disease is yellow, greenish and thick.
5. Pelvic inflammatory disease
This infection is transmitted through sexual contact. Bacteria spread inside the vagina to the reproductive organs, resulting in heavy vaginal discharge and foul smelling.
6. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) or cervical cancer
This disease is also caused by infection, usually also spread through sexual contact, which triggers uterine cancer. The symptoms can be brown and have a bad smell, sometimes accompanied by bleeding.
What causes vaginal itching?
The following are some of the factors that cause vaginal itching:
1. Irritation
Itchy vagina can trigger an allergic reaction so that itching also appears throughout the body, including the vagina. Irritation can also be caused by some beauty products such as soap, bubble baths, spray area of femininity, cream, detergent, ointment, softener, fragrant toilet paper.
2. Skin disease
Some skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis can cause itching and redness in the genital area. Eczema is a rash that appears in people with asthma and allergies. The rash is itchy, reddish and scaly. These skin problems can spread to the vagina. While psoriasis is a skin problem that causes scaly, itchy skin, and reddish spots that form along the skin of the head and joints, sometimes found also in the vagina.
3. Menopause
Women who will go through menopause usually also experience vaginal itching. Itching is caused by a decrease in estrogen levels, which triggers mucosal thinning which causes dryness in the vagina. This dryness causes itching and irritation, if you don't immediately take care.
4. Stress
Physical and emotional stress can also cause vaginal itching and irritation. Stress can weaken your immune system so it is prone to infections that cause itching.
You should see a doctor if itching occurs more than a week and symptoms occur, such as:
- Boils and abrasions on the vulva
- Pain and pain in the genital area
- Genital swelling and redness
- Difficulty urinating
- Abnormal discharge of vaginal discharge
- Uncomfortable during sexual intercourse
How to deal with vaginal discharge and itching?
The following are some tips for preventing abnormal vaginal discharge and itching:
- Maintaining vaginal hygiene regularly wash it, using mild soap and warm water.
- Don't use fragrant soap and feminine products or femininity. Also avoid feminine spray and foam baths.
- After urinating, always clean from front to back to avoid bacteria entering the vagina.
- Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight pants or clothing.
- Change clothes in damp or wet after exercise.
- Eating yogurt can reduce the risk of developing a fungal infection.
- Use condoms when having sex.
