Women are most prone to vaginal infections during childbearing, during pregnancy and more rarely during the menopause period

If not treated in time and in a specific way, these infections can lead to even serious consequences, as the infection often spreads to areas adjacent to the vagina.

Vaginal infections: what are the causes?

The onset of a vaginal infection is often the consequence of a qualitative-quantitative alteration of the normal bacterial microflora present both in the vagina and in the intestines, which, as is well known, constitute a natural and effective defence against the attack of various pathogenic microorganisms.

Infections can be of fungal, bacterial or viral origin

Infections can be caused by fungi (such as candida albicans), bacteria (gardnerella, gonococcus, staphylococcus, streptococcus), intracellular parasites (chlamydia), viruses (genital herpes) and protozoa (trichomonas).

Infections can be due to a variety of conditions, such as:

• chronic constipation (fungal or bacterial infection);
• a diet excessively rich in sugar, cheese, leavened bakery products and fermented drinks such as beer and alcohol in general (fungal or bacterial infection);
• intake of medications (such as antibiotics and immunosuppressants) that alter the vaginal flora and lower the body’s natural defences (fungal or bacterial infection)
• hormonal changes that make the vaginal environment more susceptible to infection. (fungal or bacterial infection);
• frequenting public baths and swimming pools (fungal or bacterial infection); sweating (fungal or bacterial infection);
• unprotected sexual intercourse (viral or Chlamydya infections); inappropriate intimate hygiene (fungal or bacterial infection);
• excessive wearing of tight-fitting clothes, often made of synthetic materials, especially during hot periods (fungal or bacterial infection).

Vaginal infections in fertile age: symptoms

The main symptoms of vaginal infections are:

• burning;
• severe itching;
• foul-smelling vaginal discharge of a different consistency from physiological discharge;
• sensation of swelling;
• small lacerations;
• in some cases, bleeding.

In the presence of symptoms, it is a good idea to undergo a gynaecological examination: the specialist can assess the clinical situation and, if necessary, request a cervical-vaginal swab, which will confirm or exclude the presence of infection by identifying the pathogen responsible so as to offer the patient the most appropriate targeted therapy.

How are vaginal infections treated?

Once a vaginal infection has been confirmed, topical (creams, candles or ovules) or systemic (tablets) treatment with antibiotics or antimycotics is administered, depending on the infection, sometimes with the partner being treated as a precaution.

It is important to know that all infections, if neglected, could spread and involve the internal genital organs such as the uterus and salpinga.

In the most severe forms, it can even affect a woman’s fertility.

In some cases, relapsing forms may appear, i.e. infections that recur monthly, sometimes with a definite correlation with the cycle.

The disease will be more complicated to treat, as common therapies are no longer sufficient due to the fact that resistant strains have been selected, and the gynaecologist will have to activate a specific one.

Those who frequently suffer from vaginal infections when taking antibiotics for other reasons must take milk enzymes to counteract the normal and consequent lowering of vaginal defences.

Vaginal infections during pregnancy

During pregnancy, women are more prone to vaginal infections, particularly vulvovaginitis, due to the hormonal changes characteristic of this period.

These infections should absolutely not be neglected, but treated promptly, as they can cause contractions and consequently premature birth.

Symptoms are:

• thicker discharge;
• itching;
• burning;
• more marked oedema.

Monthly check-ups during pregnancy make it possible to detect the onset of an infection at an early stage, to carry out investigations – such as a tampon and/or urine culture – and to start the appropriate treatment immediately.

Vaginal infections during the menopause

During the menopause, due to the lack of oestrogen, the vaginal flora changes completely and the vaginal walls become thinner.

For these reasons, although more rarely, infections can sometimes appear.

In the menopause, the appearance of symptoms such as itching should always be investigated as it can be an expression of vaginal infections, but also of excessive dryness or other more important pathologies.

How to prevent vaginal infections?

To prevent vaginal irritation and infections, it can help to

• wear cotton underwear;
• avoid excessive use of panty liners, as the hot, humid climate encourages the stagnation of vaginal secretions and the proliferation of pathogens;
• eat a varied and balanced diet, favouring whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruit and limiting the consumption of complex carbohydrates;
• adopt proper intimate hygiene, washing from the vagina towards the anus to prevent bacteria from passing from the anal to the vaginal area;
• rinsing the intimate area with fresh water after a swim in the sea or in a swimming pool and avoiding sitting on the edge of the pool;
• protection in sexual relations that are considered ‘at risk’ through the correct use of barrier methods such as condoms;
• prompt recourse to the gynaecologist’s specialised advice if a vaginal infection is suspected, avoiding do-it-yourself therapies on the advice of a friend or self-prescription.

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Source:

Humanitas