How do I know if I have a vaginal infection?

Causes of a vaginal infection

As we have indicated, vaginal infections are an irritation that appears in the vagina and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain and itching. But how do you contract this condition? A vaginal infection can appear due to the following causes:

• Bacterial vaginosis: This type of vaginitis is contracted when there is an alteration in the balance of bacteria that are normally found inside the vagina.
• Vaginal yeast infection: occurs when yeast, usually C andida albicans , grows excessively inside the vagina.
• Trichomoniasis: is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis , which is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse.

In addition to these causes, there are also other factors that increase the risk of suffering from a vaginal infection, such as hormonal changes, having an STD, medications such as antibiotics and steroids, use of intimate hygiene products such as deodorants and douches, among others. .

Vaginal infection symptoms

Many women suspect that they are suffering from an infection in the intimate area when they begin to notice itching or irritation in this area. However, in addition to these discomforts, there are also other symptoms of a vaginal infection. Next, we detail them:

• Alterations in vaginal discharge (either in quantity, smell, and/or color)
• Vaginal itching and irritation
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Spotting or light vaginal bleeding
• Sharp pain when urinating

Changes in vaginal discharge could also tell us what type of infection we are suffering from. For example, if the discharge is grayish-white in color and smells bad, it may indicate bacterial vaginosis. However, if the discharge is thicker, acquiring a texture similar to cottage cheese, it could point to a vaginal yeast infection.

Treatment of a vaginal infection

Depending on what type of vaginal infection we are suffering from, the treatment may vary. In the case of bacterial vaginosis, your doctor will prescribe medications to rebalance the bacteria. If what you suffer from is a vaginal yeast infection, the gynecologist will treat this infection with antifungal medications to eliminate the presence of fungus. 

How to prevent vaginal infections

Although it is important that we treat a vaginal infection on time to avoid more serious problems, it is also important to apply some measures in our day to day to prevent them from reappearing. Next, we give you a series of recommendations to avoid contracting a vaginal infection:

• Avoid the use of some intimate hygiene products: to avoid alterations in our vaginal pH, it is advisable to reduce the use of tampons or pads for many hours, trying to replace them within the period suggested by the manufacturer. It is also advisable to limit the use of scented soap, vaginal deodorants, etc.
• Always use intimate hygiene soaps with a special neutral pH for this area. The Durex Íntima Protect range of intimate hygiene is made up of two products for intimate hygiene, the Refreshing Intimate Gel and the Soothing Intimate Gel, which help to balance the vaginal pH and soothe discomfort and bad odor caused by loss of balance. 

• Do not do vaginal washings: as in the previous case, if we constantly do this type of cleaning, we could cause an imbalance between the bacteria found in the vaginal area.
• Use a condom in your sexual relations: this contraceptive method is the only one that can help you reduce the risk of contracting an STD, such as trichomoniasis. In our article How to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, we explain what you need to know about this topic.