What is a Vaginal Infection?

Inflammation in the vagina is called Vaginal Infection. Inflammation of both vagina and vulva (the external part of the vagina) is known as vulvovaginitis. 

What are the symptoms of Vaginal Infection?

The most common symptoms are:

• Vaginal itching
• The amount of vaginal discharge changed
• Change in the color of the vaginal discharge
• Burning or pain during urination
• Severe pain during intercourse
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding

The symptoms of the vaginal infection vary on the type of the infection such as:

• Bacterial infections - grayish-white or yellow discharge with a fish-like odor.
• Yeast infections - itching, white and thick discharge.
• Trichomoniasis - vaginal itching with odor. Greenish-yellow and frothy discharge. 

What are the causes of Vaginal Infection?

There are several causes of vaginal infections, few of the common causes include:

• Bacterial infection - certain bacteria are commonly found in the vagina and overgrowth of these can result in bacterial vaginosis
• Yeast infections - Candida Albicans are mostly responsible for yeast fungal infection in the vagina.
• Trichomoniasis - This infection is caused due to protozoan parasites and can spread through sexual intercourseVaginal.
• Atrophy - this occurs mostly after menopause.
• Irritants - soaps, perfumes, body washes, vaginal contraceptives all these factors can cause irritation to the vagina and lead to inflammation. Tight clothes may cause heat rash and irritates the vagina causing infection. 

How are Vaginal Infections diagnosed?

The doctor typically asks about the sexual history of an individual and also the history of sexual partners and/or vaginal infections or STDs history. A pelvic exam can also be performed by the doctor and the vaginal discharge can be collected for lab tests. 

How can Vaginal Infections be prevented?

All the vaginal infections cannot be prevented; however, few tips are:

• Use of condom during sexual intercourse as it will reduce the chance of contracting with the infection and can prevent STDs.
• Proper hygiene is very important.
• Should wear cotton panties and pantyhose with cotton crotch patches as this can lower the risk of developing vaginal inflammation and irritation.