Hey guys, im trying again here so dnt bite,some of u might have read this but for those who havn't here is something to help get us through the day............hope u'll enjoy reading and replying!!!! Guys/Men are also invited.
Lowdown on vaginal infection
Most women get a vaginal infection at least once a month but are too embarrassed to talk about it. In addition to sexually transmitted infections women should also look out for other vaginal infections.
What is vaginal infection?
Certain types of bacteria live naturally inside the vagina. They produce acid, which helps to fight off other bacteria, as well as viruses and fungi that don’t normally live in the vagina. Anything that lowers the acidity of the vagina can cause a vaginal infection.
A researcher at the Medical University of South Africa says: “Vaginal infections are common. For example, half to three-quarters of women will have thrush in their lives and nine to 28% will experience bacterial vaginosis.”
Common vaginal infections
The main type of common vaginal infection is thrush or Candida albicans which can also live elsewhere in or on the body.
It’s usually kept at a harmless level by the body’s immune system and, in the vagina, by healthy vaginal bacteria. But if it grows too quickly, it can cause vaginal thrush (vulvovaginal candidiasis).
Vaginal thrush can re-occur and this is known as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Some women don’t have any symptoms, so they might not realise that they have vaginal thrush.
Symptoms
An unpleasant fishy smell, pain during sex, bleeding after sex, abdominal pains and redness, swelling, lumps, blisters or ulceration of the vulva (the area around the vagina) or anus, itching, soreness and irritation, a discharge which is usually odourless, white and thick, pain while passing urine or inflamation of the vulva.
Causes
Anything that disrupts the normal pH (acidity level) of the vagina such as tampons, spermicidal cream and gels, intra-uterine devices, douches, stray faeces or even sex.
Antibiotics are common culprits, because, while they are combating bacterial infection elsewhere in the body, they tend to kill off the beneficial microbes that keep the vaginal environment healthy.
A foreign body, such as a forgotten tampon, can also cause infection and an unpleasant discharge from the vagina.
Rarely, it can produce a life-threatening complication known as “toxic shock syndrome”. Other causes include pregnancy, poorly managed diabetes and a weakened immune system.
you are more likely to develop vaginal thrush if you: wear tight-fitting clothes, have sex with someone who has thrush, use products that might irritate the vagina, have a heavy sugar intake, are having postmenopausal hormonal changes or hormone replacement therapy, suffer from diabetes, are pregnant or take oral contraceptives.
“Stress can increase your chances of developing thrush,” she adds.
Treatment of thrush
Your GP might prescribe a course of antifungal medication which can be taken orally or a cream or tablets for insertion into the vagina.
Prevention of thrush
Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing, use unperfumed soap or bath cream and don’t use products that irritate the vulval area, including antiseptics or disinfectants.
Make sure you wipe from front to back after going to the toilet.
Beat vaginal thrush
How to deal with infection at home:
Flavour foods with garlic – garlic contains natural anti-yeast agent that can easily get rid of your yeast infections. Use garlic powder to also boost your immunity. Use garlic clove as suppository. Take a garlic clove, wrap it in gauze and insert it into the vagina before going to bed. Believe it or not, this treatment can give you relief within three to four days because of the powerful anti-fungal properties of garlic.
Yoghurt – is an effective natural home remedy that contains some of the most powerful anti-yeast agents. Every night before going to bed apply some plain yoghurt on the vagina. You’ll get great relief within a week if you do this regularly. You can just eat the yoghurt but twice a day.
Apple cider vinegar – you can use apple cider vinegar with either garlic or yoghurt for the best results. Apply a small quantity of apple cider vinegar to a garlic clove or a yoghurt and then place it into the vagina. This makes the treatment more powerful and you may get cured within a day or two.
Gentian violet – this is a common method used as a vaginal-yeast-infection treatment. You can get gentian violet or crystal violet from a pharmacy.
Just thought i would share this with my beautiful blogger,since nithanda umdavazo to take care of urselves ladies...lol
Guys please share more stuff if you know of any, u'll never know when u'll need all this info