Vaginal infections are usually characterized by itching, heat, pain in the vagina or around your vagina, or problems with your vaginal discharge (vaginal discharge). From the results of browsing and right-left queries, you know that these signs may indicate venereal diseases such as herpes, HPV, and gonorrhea. Which makes you more scratching your head, you have never had sex at all. How can you get vaginal infections?
Apparently, despite the symptoms of eleven-twelve, not all vaginal infections caused by sexual contact. Problems with the vagina are also not always associated with venereal diseases.
Why can you get vaginal infections when you have never had sex?
The two most common vaginal infections are bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. These two infections can usually arise without any sexual contact. Yeast infections are the overgrowth of the fungus, aka yeast, which is usually present in your body. Meanwhile, bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an imbalance between bad bacteria and good bacteria in the vagina.
Both of these infections cause whiteness that is different than usual, white as thick as milk, or gray. If there is a fishy odor accompanying it, maybe bacterial vaginosis is the culprit of your problem. But if your whiteness looks clumped like a chunk, chances are the cause is yeast infection. Both can also cause itching and burning sensation during urination.
Here are seven ways you can get vaginal infections without having sex:
1. Drink antibiotics
Antibiotics (such as amoxicillin or steroid drugs) treat infections by fighting bacteria. On the other hand, this drug can take a long time to distinguish which bad bacteria and good bacteria. So, although antibiotics work to quell bad bacteria, in the process some good bacteria may come off.
Good bacteria in the vagina have a function as a counterweight to the vaginal yeast population - called candida. Without good bacteria, the fungus will very quickly multiply its population and colonize the ecosystem in your vagina.
2. Smoking
Not only heart and lung health that will be threatened if you are a heavy smoker, but also your vagina. Women who smoke twice are more likely to develop bacterial vaginosis than non-smokers. Although it has not been determined that smoking is a direct cause of this infection, studies show that smoking is associated with a decrease in Lactobacillus spp populations in the vagina. These good bacteria are then replaced with bad bacteria, generally Gardnerella.
3. Wear clothes that do not absorb sweat
Bacteria and fungus will harvest high in warm and humid closed environments. Unfortunately, continuing to wear skinny jeans, tight pants or leggings, or even lingering over a wet bathing suit can cause your vaginal fungus to widen so as to cause a yeast infection.
The solution is simple: Let your vagina "breathe". Start wearing loose pants and better not to wear underwear while sleeping, unless you need to. In addition, choose fabric made of cotton to facilitate your skin breathing. Do not forget also to often change underwear.
4. Cleaning the vagina with douching
Unlike what the ad says, vaginal douching, aka vaginal sprays, is actually bad for your vaginal health. The douching fluid can rinse the good bacteria population and alter the balance of your vaginal pH to trigger the growth of excess bacteria, which eventually leads to bacterial vaginosis.
The solution? Stop douching. Vagina does not need fragrant flower gardens. Unless followed by other symptoms, your vaginal odor is normal, and will be different for every woman.
5. Allergy to personal hygiene products
Occasionally, itching, burning sensations, and even abnormal vaginal discharge can occur without infection. Most often, this vaginal problem occurs as an allergic or chemical irritant reaction in personal hygiene products, such as clothes detergent, fabric softening liquid, fragrant soaps, perfumed pads, or even clothing. All of this will cause skin irritation when in contact with super sensitive vaginal skin.
If you experience an itch or burning sensation down there, consider stopping some of the allergen products that might trigger your problem before rushing to the doctor.
6. You have uncontrolled diabetes
If you have diabetes, watch for signs of yeast infection, such as abnormal vaginal discharge and vaginal itching or burning. Uncontrolled blood sugar can trigger an increase in fungal growth, so if you have diabetes and are prone to yeast infections, consider contacting your doctor; diabetes treatment can be tailored to your condition.
7. Other causes
Vaginal infections that are not from sexual contact can also result from decreased hormones before menopause; Your ovaries are removed (as one method of birth control); or you are taking birth control pills that have high doses of estrogen. Bacterial vaginosis is also common among pregnant women.
Various ways of treating vaginal infections
Vaginal infections can be treated with non-prescription drugs that are widely sold in pharmacies in the form of creams, ointments, tablets, or tools inserted into your vagina. But it is always better to consult your doctor first if you have pain, itching, or other symptoms around the vagina, and as much as possible not trying to vigilante. Do not risk your health by doing carelessness. Visit a doctor or other health professional who can find out the right cause and treatment.
The key to treating vaginal infections effectively is getting the right diagnosis. Pay close attention to what symptoms you have and when your complaints begin. Prepare to describe your color, texture, smell, and whiteness. Do not douching before visiting a doctor; this will make accurate diagnosis difficult or impossible. Some doctors will ask you not to have sex for 24-48 hours before your appointment.
Do not scratch to ease the itch. You may inadvertently create a microscopic tear on the skin that allows bacteria or viruses that cause sexually transmitted diseases to enter your body more easily in the future.
