It’s normal for women during and after puberty to have vaginal secretions. In reality, vaginal mucus has an significant role in helping women to become pregnant. It also plays a role in protecting a developing fetus. The amount, colour, and texture of this mucus changes over the course of a woman’s monthly cycle.
That said, however, abnormal vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection.
Many factors can play a part in the incidence of vaginal infections and discharge.
What Causes Abnormal Vaginal Discharge and Infection?
Abnormal vaginal discharge is different from regular monthly vaginal secretions. It’s likely to be accompanied by itching or burning or both and could have a strong odor. This sort of discharge shouldn’t be ignored because it is a sign of a problem that needs to be dealt with.
Sometimes the infection may be caused by an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria. This can cause discharge and itching. A yeast infection, by way of example, is itchy and disagreeable. The disease is sexually transmitted. Gonorrhea and chlamydia, for example, are both sexually transmitted diseases caused by bacteria which result in vaginal itching and discharge.
Left untreated, STDs can lead to serious illness and even death. Most STDs can be treated with a class of antibiotics.
How to Decrease the Risk of Vaginal Infections
Practicing these simple tips significantly reduces your risk of having a vaginal disease:
- Always wear cotton panties. Cotton allows your genital area to breathe, helping to remain dry. It’s also a good idea to wear panties just through the day and not at night when you’re sleeping.
- Don’t use vaginal douches.
- Never use petroleum jelly or oils for vaginal lubrication. This can create a breeding ground for germs to grow.
- If you’re being treated for a vaginal infection, use all of the medication as directed, even if you feel you are better.
- Don’t have sexual intercourse during treatment for a vaginal infection. Wait until you’ve got no more symptoms.
- Prevent vaginal contact with products which may irritate the vagina, such as feminine hygiene products, perfumed or deodorant soaps, powders, lotions, and bubble baths.
- Prevent wearing tight-fitting clothes, such as bathing suits, exercise wear, or pantyhose, for prolonged periods of time.
- Many times, vaginal diseases cause intense itching – do not scratch! Scratching infected, inflamed regions will only make matters worse.
- If your period starts while you are using vaginal creams or suppositories, continue your regular medication schedule during your period, also do not use tampons – use pads instead.
- If you are self-treating a vaginal disease and your symptoms have not improved following treatment, see your health care provider for a vaginal exam. Do not use any vaginal goods or remedies for 48 hours before your appointment.
- Always use condoms during sexual intercourse unless you are in a long-term monogamous relationship.
- Always wipe from front to back pain or having a bowel movement. Improper wiping readily spreads bacteria to the vagina and might cause vaginal discharge and disease.
Of course, good general hygiene, getting plenty of sleep, along with a well-rounded diet with an proper fluid intake are always a fantastic idea for vaginal health, as well as for your general health and well-being.