Common Vaginal Problems

As with any other organ of the body, the vagina is prone to facing some issues that need to be taken care of with utmost care.

When one refers to the vaginum, the part they are referring to is the vulva which forms the outer part of the female genitalia. The vulva comprises a vaginal opening, labia, clitoris, and urethra.

The vagina is a canal that is soft, elastic, and muscular, essentially aiding menstruation, childbirth, and sexual intercourse. It’s a very delicate female organ and must be taken care of accordingly.

Signs that your vagina is facing problems 

Certain symptoms could give way to unhealthy or poor functioning of the vagina. Let’s see what those symptoms could be: 

•  Irregular discharge with changed colour and odour 
• Redness and itching in the vagina 
• Swelling or lump in the vagina 
• Painful sexual intercourse 
• Bleeding after sex 
• Bleeding between periods 
• Bleeding after menopause 

Common Vaginal Issues 

1. Yeast Infection 

Your vagina consists of a balanced blend of yeast and bacteria. But when one of the fungi, called Candida overgrows, it leads to a yeast infection. The imbalance can be caused by several factors, like pregnancy, a weak immune system, or a moist vagina that could cause the yeast to thrive.

Symptoms

• Painful or uncomfortable feeling during urination
• Soreness
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Thick and white vaginal discharge that feels a little like cottage cheese but doesn’t have a particularly bad odour
• Burning, redness and swelling

Treatment

• Your gynaecologist may give you some medication, generally called Diflucan 
• Antifungal cream may also work
• Suppository 
• Medication is to be applied in the vaginal area for about seven days

2. Bacterial Vaginosis

As the name suggests, BV is caused when a bacteria called Lactobacilli gets too low in number. This bacteria can be replaced by infection-causing bacteria and lead to the said condition.

Symptoms

• Thick white or grey discharge that’s foamy and has a ‘fishy smell’
• Strong odour that becomes apparent even during sexual intercourse 
• Vaginal itching 
• Burning sensation while urination 

Treatment

• Antibiotics 
• Refrain from sex until treated completely
• Gel or cream to be inserted into the vagina

3. Vaginitis

A condition which leads to vaginal inflammation and burning as a result of an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria. Some common types of Vaginitis are: Yeast vaginitis, Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomoniasis 

Symptoms

• Changes in the vaginal discharge in terms of colour, odour and thickness 
• Itching and irritation in the area 
• Pain during sexual intercourse 
• Pain during urination 
• Light bleeding or spotting 

Treatment

Depending on the type of Vaginitis you’re suffering from, your treatment will follow accordingly. But on the whole, there will be some medication either in tablet or cream form. 

How to take care of the Vagina

A woman needs to take care of her vaginal health. It’s pretty basic too if done regularly and with the utmost consideration. Let’s look at some ways: 

• Wear breathable cotton panties
• Change sanitary pads or tampons regularly during your periods
• After your bowel movement, make sure to wipe from front to back and not the other way, as the vagina is a self-cleaning organ
• Make sure to keep your vagina clean and dry
• Use enough and suitable lubricant while having sexual intercourse
• Lastly, make sure to maintain a healthy and balanced diet

Conclusion

Every woman ought to keep her vagina and vaginal health in check. If certain symptoms make you uneasy, don’t panic. More often than not, a symptom could turn out to be pretty benign and be taken care of with suitable medication.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Jayanagar. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.