Vaginal infections are a type of fungal infection that can cause itching and painful burning around the genital areas. Vaginal infections can affect anyone, but they are more common in women.
In fact, about 75% of women will suffer from vaginal infections at least once in their life, and they usually go away after treatment with antifungal medications, but some infections can remain despite treatment, and doctors refer to these infections as chronic.
Reasons for not healing from vaginal infections
Fungi called Candida are responsible for vaginal fungal infections, these fungi live harmlessly on the skin and mucous membranes, but some factors lead to the proliferation of these factors and out of control and cause infection, Candida lives in moist and warm environments, so the genital places are the ideal places for these infections.
Sometimes, infection in the vagina can persist despite the woman receiving treatment, and causes for this include:
- The medicine may take longer to work: The medicine may take about 7 days to get rid of fungal infections.
- A woman can suffer from a weak immune system: some disorders can cause a weakness in the immune system, which increases sensitivity to infection, some disorders that increase the possibility of infection and recurrent vaginal infections include: AIDS, severe combined immunodeficiency, and hyper IgE syndrome
- The infection can be resistant to treatment: some fungi are resistant to antifungal treatment, these resistant fungi multiply during treatment while less resistant fungi die, and this process can lead to infection resistance to treatment
- Women can have a genetic susceptibility: Familial candidiasis means an inherited tendency to get Candida infection. Women with familial candidiasis often suffer from persistent or recurrent fungal infections in early childhood.
- It may not be a yeast infection: most infections can cause itching and burning in and around the vagina. The most common type is a type of bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis, and some infections require antibiotic treatment. [1]
Other reasons for the persistence of vaginal infections
The use of antibiotics can sometimes reduce the good bacteria in the vagina, and this can allow the candida to grow and increase the chances of infection with fungal infections, and the longer the use of antibiotics, the higher the infection rate.
High blood sugar caused by uncontrolled diabetes can lead to an increased risk of fungal growth, and hormonal contraceptives, such as oral contraceptives and spermicidal creams, can alter the balance of bacteria in the vagina, allowing more Candida fungi to grow.
In addition, wearing wet clothes such as gym clothes that you do not change immediately after finishing, or wet swimwear, can create a damp environment for the growth of fungi. [3]
Reasons for recurring vaginal infections
Causes of re-infection of the vagina include:
- Not completely treated vaginitis: If the vaginitis does not respond to the first treatment, the doctor may prescribe long-term antifungal medications, which may include vaginal or oral medications for 6 months.
- Recurring vaginal infection: Some candida infections can infect other areas in the skin and mouth and can spread through skin contact, this transmission is very common between the mother and her child, and the main step for prevention is by making sure that the mother and her child are fully healed before returning to breastfeeding, and during the period Illness: Breast milk should be pumped and the baby should be breastfed until full recovery occurs.
- Sexual activity: Vaginal infections are not classified as sexually transmitted diseases, but the fungal infection can be spread between sexual partners, and putting a condom is very important for prevention, especially when you know that your wife has vaginal infections.
- Humidity: The fungus survives in warm, humid environments. Wearing damp clothes, and constant sweating can lead to the growth of fungi, and it is best to wear cotton underwear and fabrics that allow air to pass through. [2]
When do vaginal infections warrant a visit to the doctor?
A woman who suffers from the following should consult a doctor about the disorder she suffers from:
- Being exposed to a yeast infection for the first time in your life
- Symptoms are so severe that they interfere with your ability to perform daily functions
- Symptoms do not disappear completely after 7 days of adherence to home treatment
- You had a yeast infection before, but the symptoms are different this time
- The presence of symptoms that are not compatible with a fungal infection, such as pain during urination, blood in the urine, and fever.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, in which case you should consult your doctor or midwife before trying or using any medicine.
What do I do to promote recovery from vaginal infections?
The vagina and genital area naturally contain candida. When the balance occurs, candida overgrowth can occur. In some women, exposure to vaginal infections and infections can be simply inherited, or the overgrowth of fungi can result from:
- Humidity
- poor hygiene
- Use of antibiotics
Vaginal infections are more common in women who have a weakened immune system or have diabetes, and sexual activity and estrogen levels are risk factors.
Some studies have shown that chronic vaginal infections can be caused by hypersensitivity to Candida. Over-the-counter suppositories can stop vaginal infections, and after proper treatment, a recurrence of vaginal infections can be prevented by maintaining good hygiene habits and promoting a healthy bacterial balance in the body. vagina, through the following simple tips:
- Wear cotton underwear or loose clothing
- Take a shower daily
- Wash and sterilize clothes and towels that were used during the infection period. [2]
Home Remedies for Vaginal Infections
Applying an anti-itch vaginal cream can reduce pain and itching until treatment takes effect, but it will not cure the underlying infection. Some home remedies that can speed up the healing period include:
- Eating probiotics: Probiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria, and the presence of healthy bacteria can help prevent fungal overgrowth.
- Wearing appropriate underwear: This does not only apply to women but both men and women should not wear underwear that is too tight but should be replaced with wide and cotton clothes.
- Over-the-counter medications: Some oral medications include both probiotics and a pain reliever, and although they won't cure a vaginal infection, they can relieve itching and speed up the healing period. [1]
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