Women can be affected by various vaginal infections, which can be caught during unprotected sex or excessive sweating. A consultation with a doctor will help determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Definition: what is a vaginal infection?
There are several vaginal infections, which have different causes from each other:
► The fungal infection, called mycosis.
► Infection of germs naturally present in the vagina, such as streptococcus B, staphylococci, colibacilluswhich can cause discomfort.
Most vaginal infections are transmissible. “Infections caused by bacteria are most often sexually transmitted (these are sexually transmitted infections – STIs). Some can lead to tubal infections and have consequences on fertility“, summarizes Dr Pia de Reilhac, president of the National Federation of Colleges of Medical Gynecology and gynecologist in Nantes. STIs include gonococcus, trichomoniasis, but also chlamydia, “very common and increasing among 16-22 year olds“.
What causes a vaginal infection?
If it is an STI (sexually transmitted infections), the vaginal infection was transmitted during unprotected sex. If it is a yeast infectionit can be linked to:
► The catch antibiotics,
► A sweat excessive: in fact, fungi proliferate in warm and humid environments.
► Prolonged contact with beach sand, swimming pool water or gym equipment.
► Sexual intercourse (rare). However, it is advisable to avoid them until the mycosis is cured.
What are the symptoms of a vaginal infection?
► “The mycosis is characterized by a pruritus pronounced (itching) with more or less dysuria (difficulty urinating). THE leukorrhea (white discharge) is lumpy, like sour milk, and sticky. The vulva is dry, more or less swollen with scratching lesions. The vagina is very red“, lists Dr Pia de Reilhac.
► Trichomoniasis causes greenish, foamy, abundant and foul-smelling leucorrhoea (with a pungent odor). The vagina is red and there may be burning during sex or urination.
► Chlamydia infection presents few symptoms. Cervical mucus may appear abnormal or even “dirty”. “If there is the slightest doubt, it is necessary to carry out research, by taking a sample from the cervix or in the urine, because this infection can reach the tubes and thus cause sterility.“, warns Dr. Pia de Reilhac.
► The gonococcus is characterized by yellow-greenish and purulent leucorrhoea. Again, the vagina may be red, even bleeding on contact. “If in doubt, a urine sample or urine test should be taken. This infection can lead to damage to the endometrium and tubes. And therefore again bring sterility“, specifies Dr Pia de Reilhac.
What are the treatments for vaginal infections?
For treat a yeast infectionthe classic treatment is based on insertion of eggs into the vagina and application of anti-mycotic cream. In the case of more or less chronic mycoses, treatment can also be done orally. For treat trichomoniasisthe doctor generally prescribes a antibiotic called Metronidazole (500 mg twice daily for 10 days). For treat chlamydia infection, treatment with Zythromax (4g in a single dose) is often administered. Finally, treatment with Ceftriaxone (1 IM injection of 500 mg) is prescribed to treat gonococci. Generally speaking, during an STI, all partners must be treated, symptomatic or not. And remember that the only way to avoid contracting an STI is to use a condom (male or female). To treat normal germs (such as streptococci B, staphylococci, colibacilli, etc.), a local treatment is recommended. “But above all, it is necessary restore the balance of vaginal flora by taking probiotics“, slips Dr Pia de Reilhac. And adds “you must consult for any symptoms that seem abnormal compared to your usual state and not blame everything on a mycosis, because self-medication easily leads to an imbalance in the vaginal flora and can delay a compromising STI diagnosis. for the future if it is not treated.“
Thanks to Dr Pia de Reilhac, president of the National Federation of Colleges of Medical Gynecology and gynecologist.