The basics of reducing vaginal infections

The health of a woman’s vagina depends on several things – her overall health, what disease conditions she may have, hygiene, and her sexual health. 

One way a woman’s vagina keeps itself clean, healthy, and balanced is to produce a vaginal discharge. Sometimes women may think that secretions from the vagina are a sign of something wrong.  However, it is normal for all women from the age of puberty to adulthood to have vaginal secretions. Glands within the vagina and cervix produce small amounts of fluid that flow out of the body each day, taking with it old cells from the vagina and cervix along with cervical mucus, vaginal fluid and bacteria.   

This normal discharge not only keeps the vagina clean but also keeps it lubricated and free from infection and other germs.  When vaginal discharge occurs, it should not have a foul smell or noticeable odor.  It often will appear clear or milky white when it dries on a woman’s panties.

What causes abnormal vaginal discharge and infections?

Just as it is normal for a woman to have a vaginal discharge, there can be things that upset the natural pH balance of the vagina that could lead to a vaginal infection:

·      Vaginal douches

·      Feminine hygiene products

·      Antibiotics

·      Pregnancy

·      Diabetes

·      Overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria

·      Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia

Signs of abnormal discharge indicating a vaginal infection

In order to recognize a vaginal infection, it is necessary to know the signs indicating the possibility.  Anytime vaginal discharge has changed from what it normally looks like, this could be signaling a problem.  These signs could include the following:

·      Change in the color, consistency (sometimes similar to cottage cheese), or amount of discharge

·      Itching, burning, discomfort, or a rash

·      Vaginal burning during urination

·      The presence of blood occurring when not on a menstrual cycle

·      A foul odor accompanied by yellowish, greenish, or grayish white vaginal discharge

Any women with any of the above symptoms or signs of a vaginal infection should consult with their health care provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Tips to prevent vaginal infections

Luckily, there are simple, practical tips any woman can do to significantly reduce her risk of getting a vaginal infection:

·      When choosing panties, always buy and wear ones with a cotton crotch.  Cotton allows the genital area to breathe, helping it to stay dry. 

·      Never douche the vagina – it does not need it. Douching can cause an overgrowth of harmful bacteria which can lead to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.     

·      Never use petroleum jelly or oils for lubricating the vagina as it will only create a breeding ground for bacteria to grow.

·      Always take all medication as directed if being treated for a vaginal infection.

·      During treatment for a vaginal infection, refrain from sexual intercourse until after all symptoms are gone.

·      To prevent irritation of the vagina, avoid vaginal contact of products such as feminine hygiene products, perfumed or deodorant soaps, powders, lotions, and bubble baths.

·      Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing, such as bathing suits, exercise wear, or pantyhose for prolonged periods of time.

·      If the vaginal area itches, avoid scratching.  It is common for vaginal infections to have intense itching but refrain from doing so as scratching the infected, inflamed area will only make things worse.

·      Always wipe from front to back after urination or having a bowel movement.  Improper wiping easily spreads bacteria to the vagina and may lead to vaginal discharge and infection.

·      Keep the vaginal area dry especially after showering or bathing.

·      Avoid chemical irritants in deodorized tampons.