Vaginal Issues

Vaginal issues can cause several problems besides discomfort. These can affect a woman's ability to conceive, sexual life, and well-being. Every woman may experience minor vaginal issues at some stage of life. Problems with the vagina may affect have a relation to ageing, pregnancy, menstruation, and bacterial or yeast infections.  

What are different vaginal issues?

Several conditions may affect vaginal health, such as irritation, vaginal discharge, discomfort, and bleeding. These are common types of vaginal problems:

• Inflammation of the vagina: Vaginitis is a common vaginal issue resulting in pain, foul-smelling discharge, and itching. It occurs because of fungal or bacterial infection involving alteration in the normal vaginal flora. 
• Sexually transmitted diseases: STDs like syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia can be responsible for sores in the vagina and vaginal discharge. These spread through sexual contact and may cause infertility without timely treatment. 
• Sexual issues: Vaginismus is a condition leading to a sudden spasm of muscles lining the vagina. It can cause painful intercourse. Post-menopausal vaginal problems may include dryness in the vagina that can make intercourse a painful experience.
• Prolapsed vagina: Weakening of muscles holding the uterus and vaginal wall is common in pelvic floor relaxation. It results in bulging of the vagina and more frequent urination or leakage.  

What are the symptoms of vaginal issues?

Symptoms of vaginal problems can differ in severity. The signs help gynecologists determine the nature and treatment case by case. Most vaginal issues have common symptoms such as: 

• Bleeding
• Itching
• Dryness
• Bulging
• Pain during or after intercourse
• Vaginal warts
• Burning and irritation 

What are the causes of vaginal issues?

The vagina is a muscular organ with an opening that extends to the uterus. There are several causes of vaginal problems:

• Fluctuations in hormone levels: Changes in hormone status may cause thinning of the vaginal lining in older age. Fall in the production of estrogen hormone in pregnancy and during breastfeeding can also cause thinning of the lining. 
• Pregnancy: Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common. The procedure of episiotomy to facilitate childbirth results in a vaginal tear. Reduction of the vaginal muscle tone is also possible after vaginal delivery. 
• Psychological problems: Painful intercourse may result from depression or anxiety. A history of sexual abuse or mental trauma is also responsible for pain before, during, or after the sexual act. 
• Powders, sprays, douches: Vaginal itching or irritation is possible after using vaginal wash, birth control products, or diaphragms. Deodorant sprays or talc powders are common causes of vaginal issues, like irritation if the woman is allergic to the products. 
• Health disorders: Sexually transmitted diseases and fungal and bacterial infections cause multiple vaginal problems with itching, irritation, painful sex, and scarring. Fungal infections are common in women with diabetes. 

When to see a doctor for vaginal issues?

Vaginal issues result in several symptoms with varying severity and duration.

• Bleeding during pregnancy
• Post-menopausal bleeding
• Injury to vagina
• Bleeding after sex
• Vaginal discharge with fever and irritation
• Painful intercourse
• Prolapsed vagina
• Blisters or rashes 

Consult a gynecologist if symptoms are severe and persistent.

What are treatments for vaginal issues?

The treatment options for vaginal issues are as diverse as the causes. The following are standard treatments for common vaginal problems:

• Trichomoniasis: It is a common sexually transmitted infection. Most women with trichomoniasis may not report any symptoms. An early diagnosis of trichomoniasis is essential for the successful treatment and prevention of the further spread of infection. Treatment involves using antibiotics with specific action against the causative bacteria. 
• Vaginal yeast infections: Women are prone to get yeast infections because of the warm and moist vaginal conditions. These infections are more common in women with weak immunity and diabetes. The treatment includes the use of an anti-fungal pill. 
• White discharge: A white or greyish discharge having a fishy odour is a common symptom of bacterial vaginosis. It is treatable by using anti-bacterial medication. 

Most vaginal issues have multiple treatment options that provide a positive outcome by reducing the possibility of complications. Consult a gynecologist for early treatment of vaginal problems if you notice any persistent and severe symptoms.

Conclusion

The structure of the vagina makes it prone to diverse infections and issues. Impairment of vaginal health can affect sexual life, causing severe complications like infertility. Vaginal issues can result from hormonal imbalance, disturbed vaginal flora, childbirth, and infections. Most vaginal problems are easy to diagnose and are treatable.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Amritsar - Abadi Court Road. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.