Gynecological infections are experienced by every woman at least once in their lifetime. Some may suffer more. These infections affect women’s reproductive system. Some may even be life-threatening. Especially women in Rural India are more prone to such infections due to lack of access to sanitation and healthcare. Some common gynecological infections are- vulvitis, cervicitis, vaginitis, STDs, and pelvic inflammatory disease. So, Nirog India has brought this article to inform women about symptoms, treatment, and dangers of gynecological infections.
Check this List of Gynecological Infections:
Vulvitis
Vulva is the opening of vagina. Vulvitis is an inflammation of vulva that is a soft tissue.
Symptoms of Vulvitis
- Redness and swelling on vulva
- Itching and irritation
- Blisters with fluid
- White sores or patches and rashes on vulva
Treatment can include-
- Avoid irritants like soap in swimming in pools
- Take Sitz baths with soothing compounds for itch control
Vaginitis
Vagina is the most commonly infected organ of female. Vaginitis is inflammation of vagina which is common in women of all age groups. One in every three woman reports having contracted vaginitis once in their lifetime. It should be taken seriously as it can cause PID and even infertility if left untreated. Noninfectious vaginitis can be even without any infection. Some common causes of such vaginitis are vaginal sprays, detergents, and spermicides. Some other reasons that cause vaginitis are genitourinary syndrome, reduced estrogen levels, menopause, and even surgical removal of your ovaries.
Symptoms of Vaginitis
- Burning and dryness of vaginal lining
- Frothy white discharge/ colorless discharge
- Redness around your vagina
- Pain during urination or sex
Types of Vaginitis
- Candidiasis
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Viral vaginitis
- Trichomoniasis vaginitis
- Noninfectious vaginitis
Treatment for Vaginitis
Consult your doctor to confirm symptoms. A Gynaecologist will keep you on antibiotics to cure the vaginitis and stop recurrent infections.
Cervicitis
Cervix is another important reproductive organ of a female which is located above vagina. Often vaginitis and vulvitis leads to cervicitis as these organs are connected. Irritation of cervix should be diagnosed and treated. It is commonly caused by organiss. Cervicitis can be acute or chronic.
Symptoms of Cervicitis
- Smelly discharge with pus
- Pelvic pain
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Burning in urinary tract
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or PID
Pelvic inflammatory disease or PID affects the entire reproductive health of a woman. It includes infection in organs like uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries. PID causes scar tissues which grow between internal organs and lead to chronic pelvic pain. PID can also cause ectopic pregnancy or a pregnancy which happens when the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. Untreated PIDs can be life-threatening and can also lead to permanent infertility. Main cause of PID is bacteria. In some cases, IUD can also cause PID.
Yeast Infections
Increase in fungal organisms in your vagina can cause yeast infections. These infections are triggered by alcohol consumptions and other certain foods. Yeast infections cause vagina itch and discharge white thick mucus.
Sexually Transmitted (STD) Gynecological Infections
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a Sexually Transmitted Disease which is caused by bacteria. If treated, it can be resolved in a few days. It can be transferred from mother to baby by pregnancy. Avoiding unprotected, anal or oral sex can keep you away from Gonorrhea. Generally, a lab test or imagining is required to ascertain the presence of disease.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is most common in young women. However, it can affect women of any age group. It is also an STD and requires imaging or lab test for confirmation. Many women don’t develop the symptoms of this disease but they can still infect others. Symptoms include genital pain, discharge, and irritation or pus in vagina.
Herpes
Herpes is a virus caused sores on genitals. This is identified by genital pain. But, a proper medical diagnosis is recommended to ascertain exact disease. Itch, tingling around genitals and painful small blisters on genitals are main symptoms of Herpes. Person can also develop flu-like symptoms.
Trichomoniasis
This is a common STD caused by parasite. Trichomoniasis vaginitis is spread during sexual intercourse with an infected person. Symptoms of Trichomoniasis include greenish, frothy discharge from vagina.
Common Causes of Gynecological Infections
Common causes of gynecological infections are lifestyle choices, allergies, irritants, sex, and other microorganisms. Here is a list of things that can be problematic for your reproductive health.
- Colored or scented toilet paper
- Soaps and detergents
- Vaginal sprays /douches
- Spermicide
- Fungal or bacterial infections
- Herpes
- Dermatitis or eczema like skin conditions
- Oral sex
- Medications like antibiotics and steroids can cause side-effects
- Damp or tight clothing
- Using an IUD for birth control
How Gynecological Infections are Diagnosed?
Some common diagnoses include checking the reproductive organ with a endoscope. A doctor can prescribe you antibiotics and medications even on physical examination. But, a detailed diagnosis is necessary when symptoms are persistent or disease has spread. Some tests for gynecological infections include cultures and microscopy.
Treatment Options for Gynecological Infections
Expert gynecologists with Nirog India prescribe antibiotics for gynecological infections and inflammations. Some creams and ointments are also prescribed to soothe the symptoms. For more serious abscesses or infections, a gynecologist can recommend IV therapy.
