Common Vaginal Infections

Common Vaginal Infections

Ladies, are you taking care of your vaginal health? Do you know all the causes of vaginal infections and the precautions you can take to keep your vaginas healthy? We are Women4Women, the best OBGYN in Queens, and we are here to educate you so you can keep your body at its healthiest. 

Vaginal infection, also known as Vaginitis, is defined as inflammation of the vagina caused by an imbalance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. There are simple preventative actions that you can take now to lower your risk of getting these infections. Continue reading to find out the common infections, their causes, and what you can do now to begin prevention. 

The most common vaginal infections are: 

• Chlamydia: a very common sexually transmitted disease that can occur in both men and women. There is a chance of it permanently damaging a women’s reproductive system making it impossible for her to become pregnant. This is most common in those 18 to 35 years of age.
• Genital Warts: also a sexually transmitted disease caused by HPV. A small bump on the genital. 
• Gonorrhea: This is a sexually transmitted disease that often comes along with chlamydia. It can cause infection in the genitals, rectum, and throat and is most common in those 15 to 24 years of age.
• Genital Herpes: This is a sexually transmitted disease that causes pain and sores in the genitals. These sores will then become ulcers and will reoccur over the years because the infection lies dormant in the body. Topical treatment can manage outbreaks.
• Trichomoniasis: a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a parasite

All of these infections are very common, and the key is to know what you can do to prevent yourself from getting them. These infections may damage a women’s reproductive system, which can cause them to not be able to have children. Start taking care of your body with us today!

Symptoms to look out for

Most of the common vaginal infections are sexually transmitted, making it critical to know the symptoms and warning signs. Catching the issue early on will increase your chances of removing it and not have to worry about it for years to come. If you notice that your discharge is all of a sudden a different color, is a lot heavier or has an unfamiliar smell, then we recommend you come in and have one of our specialists take a look. Itching, burning, swelling, and soreness on the outside of the vagina are also signs that something is wrong. 

Lastly, if you have burning while you pee and are experiencing discomfort during sex, it is time to have things checked out. These signs are a way of your body telling you that there is something wrong. Don’t run the risk of waiting too long to address these issues.

Causes of Vaginal Infections

Many factors can contribute to a vaginal infection. The most common causes are:

• detergents
• spermicides
• fungus
• fabric softeners
• douches
• certain bacteria
• perfumed soaps
• vaginal sprays
• parasite

Most of these causes are irritants because they will cause a negative effect in your vagina, resulting in pain, itching, and ultimately infection. The fungus, bacteria, and parasites that may result in infection are usually sexually transmitted. 

Treatment and Prevention

When it comes to treatment, the first and most important part is figuring at the correct diagnosis. Once a specialist has figured out the cause, then they can select the best treatment. Whether that treatment is a topical cream, removing the probable cause, or being prescribed estrogen will depend on the specific infection. 

To avoid the need for treatment, there are prevention steps to take. Removing products such as vaginal sprays and heavily perfumed soaps will help keep your vagina healthy and not bring any unwanted irritation. Making sure to have a gynecologic exam every year and a pap smear, if recommended, will also help to catch any irregularities early on. Lastly, the most common preventative when it comes to pregnancy are condoms. They do more than reduce the risk of pregnancy, as they also help stop the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. 

Contact The Best OBGYN in Queens today!

At Women4Women, we are ready and eager to help you keep your body at its healthiest. Don’t wait another minute when it comes to your vaginal health, as any infection or issue can result in very severe outcomes. Put your health first; contact us now! Contact the Best OBGYN in Queens today.