What Should I Know About Toilet Infections (Vaginal Infections)?

Toilet Infections: Is often referred to as toilet disease by some people is a condition in which a female experiences discomfort such as burning, itching and unpleasant or foul odour coming right from the vagina.

Toilet infection is the layman (non professional) term for vaginal infection.

Do you know that untreated toilet infections (vaginal infection) can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), a major culprit responsible for infertility in women?

The condition is named toilet infection because most ladies could swear they started experiencing the discomfort after the use of public toilet seat.

Regardless of how its viewed, toilet infections can be darned uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing as the itching tends to occur when you are out in public places.

What are the types of Vaginal Infections?

There are several types of these infections. However the most common types are:

Baterial Vaginosis

Vaginal Yeast infection

Trichomoniasis.

Others include:

Gonorrhea

Chlamydia

Non Infectious vaginitis

Viral vaginitis

As a matter of fact, knowing the exact type of toilet infection you are experiencing may be a bit difficult despite that they may have different symptoms. The reason for this is that Vaginitis has many causes and you may have more than one at the same time.

What causes Vaginal Infections?

Vaginal infections can have several causes. If you develop a vaginal infection, your doctor will diagnose and treat your infection based on its cause.

Common causes of vaginal infections include:

1. Bacterial infections. 

Certain bacteria are commonly found in your vagina. An overgrowth of these bacteria can cause bacterial vaginosis.

2. Yeast infections. 

Yeast infections are usually caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Many things, including antibiotics, can reduce the number of antifungal bacteria in your vagina. This reduction can lead to an overgrowth of fungi and cause an infection.

3. Trichomoniasis. 

This vaginal infection is caused by a protozoan parasite that can be contracted through sexual intercourse.

4. Vaginal atrophy. 

This condition commonly occurs after menopause. It can also develop during other times in your life when your estrogen levels decline, such as while breastfeeding. Reduced hormone levels can cause vaginal thinning and dryness. These can lead to vaginal inflammation.

5. Irritants. 

Soaps, body washes, perfumes, and vaginal contraceptives can all irritate your vagina. This can cause inflammation. 

6. Tight-fitting clothes may also cause heat rashes that irritate your vagina.

In some cases, your doctor may not be able to determine the cause of your vaginal infection. This condition is known as nonspecific vulvovaginitis. It can occur in women of any age, but it’s more common in young girls that haven’t entered puberty.

What should I look for with a vaginal infections (symptoms)?

Some vaginal infections may not produce any symptoms. If you do develop symptoms, the most common are:

vaginal itching

a change in the amount of discharge from your vagina

a change in the color of your vaginal discharge

pain or burning during urination

pain during intercourse

vaginal bleeding or spotting.

The symptoms of vaginal infections will also vary based on the cause of your infection:

Bacterial infections typically cause grayish-white or yellow discharge. This discharge may have a fish-like odor that’s easily noticed after sex.

Yeast infections typically produce itching. If discharge is present, it may be thick and white and look like cottage cheese.

Trichomoniasis is a condition that can produce vaginal itching and odor. Discharge from this infection is typically greenish-yellow and may be frothy.

Vaginal infections aren’t life-threatening conditions. However, you should make an appointment to see your doctor if you:

have never had a vaginal infection before

have had a vaginal infection but are experiencing new symptoms

have had different or new sexual partners

develop a fever

believe you may be pregnant

have symptoms that return after treatment

If you experience vaginal irritation and have been diagnosed with yeast infections in the past, you may not need to see your doctor.

Yeast infections can be treated at home with over-the-counter vaginal antifungal medications. However, if you’re not sure that you have a yeast infection, it’s always wise to check with your doctor.

How to diagnose Vaginal Infections?

To diagnose a vaginal infection, your doctor will ask you about your health history. They’ll also typically ask about your sexual health such as your current number of sexual partners and your history of past vaginal infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Your doctor may also perform a pelvic exam. During this exam, your doctor may collect a sample of vaginal discharge. They’ll send this sample to a laboratory for analysis. This can help your doctor learn what’s causing your infection.

How to treat Vaginal Infections?

Treatment for vaginal infections will depend on what is causing your infection. For example:

Oral antibiotics, cream or gel and Metronidazole may be prescribed for a bacterial infection.

Antifungal creams or suppositories may be prescribed for a yeast infection.

Metronidazole or tinidazole tablets may be prescribed for trichomoniasis.

Estrogen creams or tablets may be prescribed for vaginal atrophy.

If your infection is caused by an irritant, such as soap, your doctor will recommend a different product to reduce irritation.

How can you prevent vaginal infections?

Not all vaginal infections can be prevented. Using a condom during sexual intercourse will help prevent the spread of STIs. It will also lower your risk of contracting them.

Proper hygiene can also help prevent some vaginal infections.

Stay faithful to one sex partner who does not have Vaginal Infections.

When possible, you should wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch. This can lower your risk of developing vaginal inflammation and irritation. Some women develop inflammation and irritation from wearing less breathable fabrics.

What’s the outlook if you develop an infection?

Treatment for vaginal infections is generally very effective. Proper diagnosis will ensure that you receive the right treatment.

If you have any new or concerning symptoms, always speak to a doctor to ensure you get the right treatment.

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