Vaginal Problems

“I just learned that yogurt could help to prevent yeast infections. Now when I take antibiotics, I eat a yogurt in the morning to help keep clear from any problems.”
Kim P., University of Maryland

Vaginal problems include vaginal pain, discharge, abnormal bleeding, irritation, and/or infections. Infections may or may not be sexually transmitted. Common vaginal problems in college age females are listed below.

Signs, Symptoms & Causes

Bacterial Vaginosis Hydrogen peroxide infection killer & safe

This is an infection from one or more types of bacteria. With this you may have:

	Mild vaginal irritation or burning
	A watery, grayish-white, or yellow vaginal discharge with a fishy odor

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

This is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and/or ovaries. With PID, you have vaginal bleeding with 2 or more of these problems:

	Abdominal tenderness and/or bloating
	Pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen, or back. The pain can be severe enough to make you walk bent over and to take small steps.
	Pain during intercourse
	The skin on your abdomen feels sensitive.
	Vaginal discharge with abnormal color or odor
	Change in menstrual flow
	Fever, chills

Vaginal Yeast Infection

This is caused by an overgrowth of the fungus, Candida albicans, which is normally present in the vagina. Taking some brands of birth control pills and/or an antibiotic may trigger this overgrowth.

Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are:

	Itching, irritation, and redness around the vagina
	Thick, white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese and may smell like yeast
	Burning and/or pain with urinating or during sex

Vaginitis From Contact Dermatitis

This is a reaction to products that irritate the vaginal area, such as harsh detergents, scented items, douches, latex condoms, and tight-fitting clothing. With this, you have itching and redness in the outer genital area without other symptoms.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

These include genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis.

Treatment

Treatment for the vaginal problem depends on the cause. Bacterial infections and PID are treated with antibiotics. Fungal infections are treated with antifungal medicines.

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