Guest Author - Sharon Bejin

Many women experience vaginal infections or vaginitis. It does not matter when the infections strike, they are uncomfortable and unbearable to say the least. The symptoms of itchiness and excessive vaginal discharge are one of the main reasons why women go to their doctor, hoping to seek relief of the irritating vaginal infections. A simple urine test taken at the doctor’s office can tell whether or not a vaginal infection has set in.

Yeast infections begin with an overgrowth of a fungus in the vaginal area. Factors that contribute to bacterial yeast infections are excessive moisture from sweating or when fecal materials come into contact with the vaginal area. This is likely to happen when wiping from the back to the front bringing fecal material towards the vaginal area. Sexual activity can also lead to vaginal infections. Symptoms include severe itching, swelling in the vaginal area, and a thick white discharge.

It is normal for women to have vaginal discharge, but the amount and type of discharge increase when an infection crops up. Any discharge is considered abnormal when it causes vaginal irritation, burning, or has a smelly odor. Women who are postmenopausal have less discharge than women in their child-bearing years. Women who are postmenopausal may suffer from a type of vaginitis called Atrophic. Low levels of estrogen can lead to vaginal discharge and irritation. Treatment consists of estrogen therapy which can be inserted vaginally.

Whether women have a bacterial or atrophic vaginal infection it needs to be treated. Any type of vaginal infection can be agonizing, although relief is a doctor’s visit away. Vaginal infections can definitely disrupt your daily life and with the help of treatment the infections can be eliminated. A simple urine test can let doctors know if a yeast infection is the cause of experienced symptoms.

Treatment includes either oral or vaginal anti-fungal therapy which may include oral antibiotics. Some vaginal anti-fungal items are available over-the-counter. Women are also encouraged to drink plenty of fluids and cranberry juice to help them get rid of vaginal infections. Some studies have shown that cranberry juice has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.