Many women experience vaginal infections and this is a result of disruption of the balance of vaginal microorganisms. Sometimes there can be an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast. There are some signs you can watch for that indicates the early stages of a vaginal infection. And this will help you obtain treatment quickly.
While vaginal discharge is normal, there are different consistencies.
Generally, normal discharge tends to be clear or white in colour without an odour. But you will see changes in vaginal discharge when you have an infection. There can be changes in the odour, colour or consistency. Something you will notice if you have a yeast infection is a thick white discharge in the consistency of cottage cheese. Bacterial vaginosis is another common infection and this is signified by a thin grey discharge. The discharge tends to have a fishy odour when you have this. If you see anything out of the ordinary, you can let your primary healthcare provider know so that they can work with you to come to a treatment plan. Also, you can undergo a vaginal infection test to identify any imbalancesin your vaginal microbiome or any other irregularities.
Generally vaginal discharge doesn’t have an odour.
As mentioned above, when you have bacterial vaginosis, it is common for a fishy odour to be present. You will notice this more during menstruation o sexual intercourse. If you notice this, it is best to seek medical attention so that you can be diagnosed properly. If your vagina is irritated and you are experiencing itchiness, this can indicate a vaginal infection. Sometimes there can be redness in the area. You need to note whether the itching gets worse after sexual intercourse or at night. When you have persistent itching, you have to avoid scratching the area as it can cause further irritation. There is the possibility that a secondary infection can occur as a result of the scratching. It is not normal to experience pain or discomfort when you are urinating. This is a symptom you will display when there is a urinary tract infection or inflamed vaginal tissues. If you are experiencing burning or stinging when urinating, you have to consult a healthcare professional so that you can get the right treatment quickly.
Some women
Tend to experience painful intercourse and one reason that this can happen is when you have a vaginal infection. Your vaginal tissues will be more sensitive when there is an infection and this can make intercourse quite painful. This can be experienced as a burning sensation or a sense of rawness during sexual activity. You may also notice this after intercourse. If you notice soreness or swelling in the vaginal area, this can be due to an STI, yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis etc. The vulva will be tender to the touch and it can look red and swollen. Sometimes your urinary habits can be affected by vaginal infections. If you notice that you are urinating more than usual, this may be because a vaginal infection has spread to the urethra. Sometimes infection can cause irritation to the tissues surrounding the urethra. Check whether the colour of your urine has changed. For example, it can be cloudy or tinged with blood. You need to have an evaluation by a healthcare professional if you notice this.
