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The Different Types Of Common Vaginal Infections

By Art Gib
Jun 22, 2009
Most women experience some kind of vaginal infection from time to time between the onset of their menses and menopause and even beyond. Vaginal infections are not only painful, but like any infection they can become dangerous if they are not treated properly and in a timely manner. The symptoms of these types of infections are all pretty much the same; usually a test is required to determine the exact cause. Symptoms may include: odor, a change or increase in discharge (may be a variety of colors), redness and swelling, general pain, sexual discomfort, and pain or burning during urination.

Here's a little bit of information about the three most common types of infections.

Yeast Infections

Many women may not be aware that a low level of yeast is always present in most women's vagina's. Yeast is basically a fungus and it tends to thrives in areas where that are warm and moist, which is why it is often present in the underarm area as well. Yeast infections occur in the vaginal area primarily due to some kind of change in the vaginal environment. For example, if a woman uses antibiotics or steroids, she may inadvertently be causing the yeast to multiply to out of control levels. Other causes may include pregnancy, menstruation, or even just the presence of sperm. There are many over-the-counter medications that a woman can treat herself with at home, but if symptoms persist and fever develops, she should contact her doctor immediately or go to the hospital.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections are difficult to distinguish from others, but the symptoms are quite similar. As with yeast, there are organisms that naturally flourish and exist within the confines of the vaginal walls. These organisms are actually helpful in keeping down the level of harmful bacteria that may invade the organ; but some women, for unknown reasons, do not have appropriate levels of good organisms in their vagina's and consequently sometimes bacteria will take control and cause an infection. Treatments are by prescription, and tests and a doctor's visit are usually required in order to get well.

Parasitic Infections

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease which may be suffered by both men and women but is most common in women. It is caused by an insidious one-cell parasite that can cause vaginal symptoms to appear within just a few days. It cannot be treated at home and requires a doctor's visit and prescription medications to clear up. The bad news is that trich may cause infertility in both men and women; the good news is that with treatment the parasite will be completely killed and the sufferer is cured.

Make sure to contact a doctor when symptoms of a vaginal infection appear, and get it taken care of as soon as possible.
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