Thanks to science, today’s women can rely on effective medications to alleviate this inconvenient condition.

In general, inflammation or infection of the vulva and the vagina is known as vulvovaginitis. This ailment is common in women of all ages and may be caused by bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses or other microorganisms.

Although some of these microbes normally occur in the genital area, protecting it from potential pathogens, sometimes there is a change in the vaginal environment, which causes them to reproduce rapidly. For example, if a woman is taking antibiotics to treat an infection in another part of the body, this could have an influence on the bacterial population in the vagina, reducing its numbers, resulting in an imbalance that leads to a vaginal infection.

Vulvovaginitis can also be caused by certain sexually transmitted diseases, by chemicals found in soaps and perfumes, and of course, by poor personal hygiene.

Vaginal infections can be recognized by their uncomfortable symptoms, which normally include:

1. Copious amounts of a thick, white vaginal discharge

2. Redness and inflammation of the vulva

3. Internal and external genital burning and itching

4. Painful urination

One of the most common causes of these infections is a type of fungus called Candida albicans, which produces candidiasis. Small quantities of this fungus normally occur in the vagina without causing infections. However, if conditions are favorable, the fungus can quickly reproduce and lead to the symptoms mentioned above.

Candida results in an infection when the fungus attacks the walls of the vagina, overcoming the natural defenses that normally protect it. In the absence of these defenses, the fungus adheres to the vaginal walls and becomes a breeding ground for infection.

During a pelvic exam performed by a gynecologist, the doctor can detect inflammation of the skin of the vulva, vagina and cervix, as well as white, dry patches on the vaginal walls and the presence of Candida populations.

If the symptoms are mild and there is no risk of sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy, candidiasis can be treated with medications that are available in vaginal creams or suppositories. You should always consult your healthcare professional first, in order to eliminate any other possibilities.

Medications that can be used to treat vaginal infections include antifungal agents, such as Fenticonazole, which prevents Candida from affecting the vaginal walls, eliminating the vagina’s natural defenses and causing an infection. In other words, these substances quash the fungus’ virulence. Other antifungal agents for the treatment of candidiasis are Clotrimazole and Isoconazole.

Another group of medications that are effective in treating these conditions work by controlling inflammation and itching, as well as attacking the fungus. For example, those which contain Dexamethasone and Nystatin have a strong anti-inflammatory and antifungal action, alleviating the uncomfortable symptoms of itching.

In every case, it is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and complete the full treatment, even if you note immediate improvement, in order to prevent a reoccurrence of the infection.

A few measures to keep in mind for maintaining good personal hygiene and preventing infections include:

• Keeping the genital area clean and dry
• Avoiding the use of feminine hygiene aerosols, perfumes or powders in the genital area and rinsing with neutral pH soap and water only
• Avoiding excessive use of douches, as these can worsen the vaginal flow by eliminating the healthy bacteria that normally line the vagina and protect it from infections
• Avoiding wearing extremely tight pants, which can cause irritation
• Removing wet bathing suits and exercise gear immediately, washing them after each use
• Using cotton underwear – silk and nylon are non-absorbent and non-breathable, causing increased genital sweating, which creates a favorable environment for fungal growth
• Keeping your blood sugar levels under control if you are diabetic

To summarize, there are certain things you can do to prevent infections caused by fungi, but if you do happen to contract vulvovaginitis, there are also various antifungal and anti-inflammatory medications available that will effectively relieve the uncomfortable symptoms. Visiting your doctor and maintaining good personal hygiene are both essential for curing these types of infections.

Vaginal infection is a serious health issue for all female. Keep the vaginal part clean and dry and never avoid the symptoms of the infection and visit the doctor immediately for proper and on time treatment.Salud Para Mujeres | Consejos de belleza para mujeres