Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections are the most common reason for women to visit a gynecologist. Approximately 95% of cases vaginal infections are caused by fungi, bacteria or parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.  Fungal infections of the vagina are very common: 3 out of 4 women will have at least one episode of fungal infection during their lifetime. Of them, approximately half will experience at least one more episode of yeast vulvovaginitis.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is often associated with some other stress or disease (diabetes, pregnancy, antibiotic or high doses of oral contraceptives therapy, cellular immunodeficiency). It can also exacerbate following sexual intercourse since ejaculate reduces acidity of the vagina.

Symptoms of fungal infections of the vagina are very disturbing, often disabling women in normal daily functioning: intense itching of the genitals occurs in less than half of the patients, while clinical picture is dominated by inflammation and irritation of the vagina and external genitals, discomfort while urinating and pain during sexual intercourse. The external genitals (labia and perineal area) are red and bloated, often with visible surface wounds (ulcerations). Vaginal discharge is changed, and it most often has a thick, white cottage cheese like appearance. Typically, the signs of infection intensify during the week preceding the menstruation, followed by a symptom relief once menstrual bleeding occurs.
In brief, reduced acidity of the vagina – for whatever reason – is the basis for the development of candidiasis, causing local disbalance and leading to the activation of fungi. Therefore, in fungal infections of the vagina, it is extremely important to quickly establish optimal acidity (so-called physiological pH).

 

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