The most common vaginal infections suffered by women are yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, thrush or candidiasis, and chlamydia. One common symptom is the presence of vaginal discharge which usually vary in smell, color, and texture. It’s important to determine if it’s normal or not to avoid further infection which may lead to cervical cancer and other serious diseases. Be aware of the differences of bacterial vaginosis vs yeast infection vs chlamydia vs thrush with the following insights.
Bacterial Vaginosis
This is usually caused by bacteria overgrowth in the vagina. However, this isn’t an infection, but rather a condition where good and bad bacteria are imbalanced. The problem here is most of the time, you won’t notice any symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. The best way to keep your vagina clean is to perform basic hygiene. Some of the usual signs are fishy smell, white or gray vaginal discharge, vaginal itching, and burning.
Yeast Infection
Small amount of yeast is normally present in the female reproductive part, but once it’s too much, yeast infection takes place. Yeast overgrowth in the vagina usually causes vaginal discharge that is thick and yellowish in color and texture. Other symptoms may include itching, burning, and inflammation. You can take antifungal medications but using natural cures is better in terms of balancing the normal bacteria in your vagina.
Chlamydia
One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases is chlamydia. This involves brown or yellowish vaginal discharge. Women with this condition don’t usually experience noticeable changes in their discharges. However, common symptoms may include unpleasant smell, burning, and itching. It’s important to immediately seek treatment once chlamydia is suspected. When this condition is left untreated, it may lead to infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Thrush
This is also called candidiasis which means candida overgrowth in the body, specifically in the digestive tract, mouth, and vagina. This yeast-like fungus is perfectly normal in small amounts. But when imbalance occurs, it can create uncomfortable symptoms like burning while urinating, painful sexual intercourse, redness and itchiness of the vagina, and creamy white vaginal discharge. You can develop thrush from steroid, oral contraceptives, and antibiotics.
Essential Reminders to Maintain Healthy Vagina
The vagina is quite sensitive and it needs careful treatment when it comes to douching and personal hygiene. Do not use scented soaps, cream, douches, and lotions since your vagina is highly sensitive to these elements. Truth is, you don’t have to “clean” your vagina with these chemicals and unnatural cleansers because it has self-cleaning capacity. A clean water is enough to wash your sensitive part.
You can always visit your doctor to know more about bacterial vaginosis vs yeast infection vs chlamydia vs thrush. If there are unusual signs you notice from your delicate part, do not take chances. Immediately have yourself checked up to prevent further problems such as pelvic inflammation and cervical diseases. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Most women are likely clueless whether they have vaginal infections since the symptoms are almost normal. The best way to keep yourself from potential problems is to be attentive in what’s happening deep down there.
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