Contents
Vaginal yeast infections: the warning signs
What if it was vaginal candidiasis?
Candida albicans are microscopic fungi responsible for 80% of vaginal yeast infection. Three in four women will be affected during their lifetime. Without danger to health, the easily identifiable symptoms are frankly unpleasant. The loss take on an aspect whitish, lumpy, curd-like. The itching and burning vulvae are common, as are pain during intercourse, or vulvar swelling. To fight the infection and provide relief, your doctor will prescribe a local antifungal treatment in the form of eggs to be inserted into the vagina before bedtime (this prevents unpleasant discharge), as well as a vulvar cream. It should also be associated with hygiene measures, such as the use of alkaline or neutral soapss for personal hygiene. They reduce the acidity of the vagina and therefore the development of fungi. But be careful, no internal vaginal toilet. This practice risks destroying the vaginal flora!
Be aware that vaginal candidiasis can repeat in the year. This is the case for 5% of you. It is then necessary restart the treatment. This disruption of the balance of the vaginal flora can also give way to anaerobic bacteria – usually in minimal amounts in the vagina – or other microorganisms, such as Gardnerella vaginalis for the most famous. About one woman in five is affected by this bacterial vaginosis, an infection that comes second behind yeast infection.
How to recognize bacterial vaginosis?
Symptoms easy to identify
In bacterial vaginosis, vaginal secretions are grayish, runny, and foul-smelling. This bad smell is also aggravated by sexual intercourse, because of the chemical composition of the sperm. a vaginal swab will be useful to confirm the diagnosis. Fortunately, these symptoms go away fairly quickly with a antibiotic treatment. Be aware, however, that recurrences are frequent, of the order of 80% at three months! To overcome it, this time it will be necessary to combine an infectious oral agent and vaginal eggs.. And to restore and rebalance the flora, the doctor will prescribe prebiotics (anti-“bad bacteria” acidifiers) and probiotics (replacement lactobacilli).
But nothing to worry about for your spouse, vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection.
Vaginal infection: more serious cases
A transmission during unprotected sex
THEvaginal infection may be caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite transmitted during unprotected sex. The infection is then localized in the genitourinary tract, with possible consequences in both partners. For you, this can range from a simple vaginal infection to infections of the cervix or tubes, with a risk of infertility. And the problem is that one in two times this infection goes unnoticed because the symptoms, when they occur, are extremely variable: profuse vaginal discharge often smelly, foamy, yellowish or greenish, or vulvar or vaginal itching, pain during sexual intercourse or in the abdomen or urinary disorders. Faced with these signs, even isolated, it is necessary to consult quickly to avoid complications. A simple lab sample allows a diagnosis to be made, before instituting antibiotic treatment in the couple. In 85 to 95% of cases, this is sufficient for healing.
What is a Chlamydia infection? In the majority of cases, this sexually transmitted infection does not present no symptoms. And when there are warning signs, they are not very specific: vaginal discharge, burning sensations when urinating or pain in the stomach. As a result, the infection is discovered late, usually at the stage of complications: chronic pain due to inflammatory tubal lesions, which can be the cause of ectopic pregnancies, or even sterility (in 3% of cases). In addition to the use of condom, which remains the only means of prevention against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the screening remains to this day the only effective solution to detect and treat this disease with antibiotic treatment. This test consists of a local levy, urinary or vaginal, which can be carried out as part of a consultation with your doctor, at the medical analysis laboratory or in one of the anonymous and free screening centers (CDAG), accessible without an appointment. To note : It is very important that both partners are tested and treated, in order to avoid any risk of recontamination.
Vaginal flora: a fragile balance to be preserved
Normally, everything is done to protect the vagina from infections, with an armada of “good” bacteria in line of defense: lactobacilli. We count few millions in just one drop of secretion! These super bacteria make up over 80% of the vaginal flora. By maintaining a certain degree of acidity (pH) in the vagina, they prevent bad bacteria and other fungi from taking over. These lactobacilli, which attach to the mucosa, also form a protective biological film which prevents other germs from adhering to it. If necessary, they also secrete a substance that can destroy them. Their role is therefore fundamental in the fight against infections. Only, the balance of this vaginal flora is fragile. Some treatments can interfere with it, such as taking antibiotics. Same thing if you have diabetes, thyroid disorders or an impaired immune system. Other factors can also intervene from time to time and modify the acidity of the vaginal environment: fluctuations in the level of estrogen (estrogen-progestogen contraceptives, pregnancy, etc.), intimate toilet excessive or carried out with unsuitable products, just like wearing pants that are too tight or underwear made of synthetic fibers. Result: the “super-bacteria” are losing ground to make way for germs, sources of infections.
Pregnant, systematic monitoring
The bacterial vaginosis are responsible in 16 to 29% of cases of prematurity, fetal infections, spontaneous abortions or low birth weight. a 1st trimester screening is recommended for women with a history of prematurity. If positive, treatment is prescribed as soon as possible. Likewise, screening for group B streptococcus is recommended between 34 and 38 weeks of gestation.. This germ is present in 15 to 40% of expectant mothers without signs of infection. Test-positive mothers receive treatment during childbirth.