What you need to know about vaginal Infections

Anastasia Cunningham, Health Coordinator

The recent outrage about certain brands of toilet tissue possibly causing vaginal infections has raised serious concerns about the quality of the products being used.

A few weeks ago, a leading local gynaecologist raised an alarm about the quality of toilet tissue being sold in Jamaica, after she noticed an increase in vaginal infections in her patients.

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica subsequently carried out an investigation and microbiological tests conducted found that the bacterial count of at least four brands of toilet tissue and paper towels was 30 times higher than the acceptable level.

Amid public outcry, the brands were recalled. Since then, there have been increased queries about vaginal infections.

A vaginal infection is an inflammation of the vagina that creates abnormal discharge, foul odour, irritation, itching and sometimes pain and discomfort.

Causes

Vaginal infections can be caused by organisms such as bacteria, yeast or viruses, as well as by irritations from chemicals in creams, sprays, perfumed products, contaminated products, or even clothing that come in contact with this area.

In some cases, vaginitis (the medical term used to describe various conditions that cause infection or inflammation of the vagina) results from organisms that are passed between sexual partners. Using antibiotics, birth-control pills and steroids, as well as medical conditions such as diabetes, hormonal changes and weakened immune system can also cause an infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a vaginal infection will vary, depending on the cause. Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour
• Irritation of the vagina area
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Itching around the external vagina area
• Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse

Common types of vaginal infections

• Candida or yeast infection
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Trichomoniasis vaginitis
• Chlamydia vaginitis
• Viral vaginitis
• Non-infectious vaginitis

Treatment

At the first sign of a vaginal infection, visit your gynaecologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Explain to your doctor as best as you can exactly what you are experiencing, such as type of sensation, abnormal discharge, frequency, colour, odour, amount, itching, burning, pain, swelling, etc.

It is highly recommended that you do not douche and abstain from sexual intercourse at least 24 hours before your visit to the doctor.

For non-infectious vaginitis, check to see if you recently used a new product that would come in contact with your vaginal region and stop using it. These may include soap, body wash, laundry detergent, fabric softener, spray, perfume, douche, tissue, wipes, sanitary napkin, tampon, new underwear, cream or lubricant.

Prevention

You can take certain precautions to reduce the risk of vaginal infections. These include: practising good hygiene, keep your vagina area clean; ensure hands and items are clean before coming in contact with vagina; wear clean underwear, preferably cotton; do not have multiple sexual partners; practise safe sex at all times; avoid wearing tight jeans and clothing that may hold in heat and moisture; when convenient, go without underwear to allow vaginal area to be cool and reduce moisture; avoid using perfumed products in the vaginal region; wipe yourself from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement; douching is not recommended, and may, in fact, be harmful by removing healthy bacteria that helps to keep the vagina clean.

If you are approaching menopause, speak to your doctor about the use of oestrogen to help keep your vagina healthy.

Visit your gynaecologist regularly, and ensure that you do your annual pap smear as well as screening for sexually transmitted diseases.

yourhealth@gleanerjm.com