Condition Spotlight
Vaginal infections account for nearly 7% of all visits to gynecologists.48 Hormonal vaginitis is primarily a problem of postmenopausal women, as the vaginal tissue becomes thin and susceptible to irritation. There may also be vaginal discharge. Infectious vaginitis may be sexually transmitted or may arise from a disturbance to the delicate ecology of the healthy vagina.
If you are a woman who has access to healthcare, you have probably visited a gynecologist at one point or another. However, if you have never been to a gynecologist or it has been a Read More
Cervical wellness is a crucial aspect of women’s health that plays a significant role in reproductive function and overall well-being. The cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, is vital Read More
Candida is a type of yeast or fungus, that is a part of your body’s microbiota. Candida can be found on and inside the human body. While candida plays an important role in educating the Read More
Taking care of your health is essential for any woman, but sometimes healthy habits alone aren’t enough to ensure longevity. That’s where important medical tests come in. Keep reading to discover the most important health Read More
Endometriosis can be a painful disorder in which tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus; the endometrium grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis is a health issue faced by many women and most commonly Read More
During menstruation a little pain and discomfort is normal but some women experience “excessive menstrual cramps” and real painful menstruation. For some women the period of menstruation every month can be a real inconvenient one Read More
A variety of causal factors contribute to vaginal infections. Bacterial vaginosis, for example, is caused by harmful bacteria such as Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis, while vaginal candidiasis (also called candidal vaginitis) results from an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. About 90% of vaginitis is caused by such infectious organisms, particularly bacteria, Candida, and the parasitic protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Other factors include local irritants (such as tight clothing or nylon pantyhose), hormonal changes, and emotional or psychological issues, among others.
In the past 20 years, yeast infection caused by Candida has increased 21⁄2 times due to several factors, chief among them the increased use of antibiotics. The primary symptoms of candidal vaginitis are vulvar itching, which can be quite severe, and a thick, curdy discharge. If a yeast infection is recurrent, it is important to go to a doctor to be diagnosed. Sometimes there are systemic health problems that cause it—diabetes, for instance—and more worrisome these days is that chronic yeast vaginitis is the primary presenting symptom of women who are HIV-positive. Self-care for this condition includes diet and using suppositories for vaginal itching. One should also test for food, chemical, and environmental sensitivities.
