I wish you a 2015 of notable achievements and good health.
These series will be about women's health.
Symptoms of female genital infections
1. Abdominal pain
2. Vaginal discharge
3. Vaginal rash/ itch
4. Fever
5. Pain on urination (dysuria)
6. Pain during sex (dyspareaunia)
7. Irregular / abnormal menses
Most women would have experienced one or more of the above at some point in their life.
These genital infections are common in women of reproductive age group (15-49 years)
Some occur whether a lady is sexually active or not.
VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS
Also called thrush or yeast infection
It is the 2nd most common vaginal infection
About 75% of women will experience it at some point in life
What causes it?
A fungus called Candida albicans
This yeast is normally found in small amounts in the human body but certain diseases and drugs can lead to excess growth especially in warm and moist areas of the body in both sexes
It can infect the mouth and throat, skin, blood and genitals
How does one get infected?
Thrush is usually common in persons with compromised immunity as a result of malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, steroid abuse, pregnancy and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Others are
- From the adjacent anus to the vagina
- Tight fitting or synthetic underwear
- Dirty underwear
- Sexual intercourse (men could be infected and not show symptoms)
- Oral sex ( saliva could carry the fungus)
Symptoms
. Itching in the vaginal area
. Soreness and redness of the vaginal area
. Whitish creamy vaginal discharge with mild non offensive odor.
. Painful intercourse.
Treatment
Vaginal candidiasis is fairly easy to treat if the right drugs are administered in time.
Improper treatment could result in complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility and serious blood infections.
After appropriate tests are done to confirm the diagnosis Antifungal drugs are administered either as tablets or by insertion of the drug in the vagina.
Any of the routes is effective.
Sexual partners may need to be treated.
Avoid oral sex
Avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
Avoid tight fitting and synthetic underwear.
We will discuss other infections in other articles to come. Cheers!
Symptoms of female genital infections
1. Abdominal pain
2. Vaginal discharge
3. Vaginal rash/ itch
4. Fever
5. Pain on urination (dysuria)
6. Pain during sex (dyspareaunia)
7. Irregular / abnormal menses
Most women would have experienced one or more of the above at some point in their life.
These genital infections are common in women of reproductive age group (15-49 years)
Some occur whether a lady is sexually active or not.
VAGINAL CANDIDIASIS
Also called thrush or yeast infection
It is the 2nd most common vaginal infection
About 75% of women will experience it at some point in life
What causes it?
A fungus called Candida albicans
This yeast is normally found in small amounts in the human body but certain diseases and drugs can lead to excess growth especially in warm and moist areas of the body in both sexes
It can infect the mouth and throat, skin, blood and genitals
How does one get infected?
Thrush is usually common in persons with compromised immunity as a result of malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, steroid abuse, pregnancy and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Others are
- From the adjacent anus to the vagina
- Tight fitting or synthetic underwear
- Dirty underwear
- Sexual intercourse (men could be infected and not show symptoms)
- Oral sex ( saliva could carry the fungus)
Symptoms
. Itching in the vaginal area
. Soreness and redness of the vaginal area
. Whitish creamy vaginal discharge with mild non offensive odor.
. Painful intercourse.
Treatment
Vaginal candidiasis is fairly easy to treat if the right drugs are administered in time.
Improper treatment could result in complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility and serious blood infections.
After appropriate tests are done to confirm the diagnosis Antifungal drugs are administered either as tablets or by insertion of the drug in the vagina.
Any of the routes is effective.
Sexual partners may need to be treated.
Avoid oral sex
Avoid indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
Avoid tight fitting and synthetic underwear.
We will discuss other infections in other articles to come. Cheers!
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