Infection is the effect of a foreign organism in the body. The organism uses the person’s body to sustain itself, reproduce and colonize.
These infectious organisms are known as pathogens; such as bacteria, viruses, prions, and fungi. Some are mild but others are life-threatening, and some others are resistant to treatment. For this reason, infection is referred to as a chronic disease that can be transmitted in many ways.
The immune system is a barrier that fights against infectious agents, but when pathogens grow too large as a colony, the immune becomes too weak hence causing harm.
Vaginal yeast infection
The most common type of infection affecting women is Virginia yeast infection, which is caused by yeast (a type of fungus), it is also referred to as yeast vaginitis, candidal vaginitis, and candidal vulvovaginitis. The scientific name for yeast that causes vaginitis is candida.
For infection to occur, the normal balance of yeast and bacteria is disturbed, causing yeast overgrowth. Healthy women can also be infected by Candida species.
It is estimated that up to 50% of women have yeast already present in their vagina. Note that yeast infection is not a type of STD because women who are not sexually active can also be infected. Vaginal yeast infection has spread so fast, affecting up to 75% of women at some point in their life.
Yeast infection occurs when new yeast is introduced into the vaginal area, thus the massive increase in the quantity of yeast already present in the vagina relative to the number of bacteria causes irritation of the vaginitis. It can also be as a result of injury in the inner vagina. Even, the use of vagina hygiene sprays improves the risk of yeast infection. Pregnant women can also be classified as a victim.
How do you know you already have this infection?
There are many signs and symptoms that reveal the severity of the infection. The most commonly measured ones are,
Thick vagina discharge that is whitish-grey in colour. This fact which is so common yet most neglected is a primary sign that shows there is already an inflammation in the vaginal mucosa.
Itching, irritation, and burning of the vagina and genitals.
Women with yeast vaginitis always experience pains during sexual intercourse. Which is due to the intense irritation and burning upsetting the actual pH of the vagina. This feeling also occurs during urination.
In fewer cases, it causes itching and reaction/disease on the skin.
The severity of yeast infection can also cause redness, soreness, and swellings of the vagina.
Can a woman avoid a yeast infection?
The case of infection is now a burden to so many young girls and ladies. Even elderly women suffer when they don’t take good care of their youth. I mentioned to us that bacteria are already present in the vagina. To see how obvious it is, after a nice wash, the linings of the vaginal are almost never completely clean. That’s why women should develop the habit of taking extra care themselves. Here are some tips to help improve our lifestyle.
The vagina is always moist, that’s why we should always allow fresh air to penetrate into the vagina, heat threatens and regenerates foreign yeast to cause an imbalance in the vaginal. Never wear tight jeans, workout gear, bathing suit or any clothing-related for too long.
It’s good to wear cotton underwear. It allows air to dry up moisture
Diabetes is also one cause of yeast infection therefore sugar intake must be cautioned.
Taking antibiotics for any reason could trigger the normal balance in the vaginal, which explains why a doctor’s prescription are vulnerable.
Washing the vagina with hot water once to four times a week is a better purifying agent other than deodorant and sprays for hygienic purposes.
see also he/she lacks personal hygiene, has bad breath/body odour, how can i help?
Exposing your underwear to sun rays which kills microbial organisms that could possibly be hiding waiting for a place to sustain itself. Note your underwear shouldn’t be waisted without rising twice or thrice to reduce the intensity of chemical in the soap.
Using condoms during sexual intercourse, vaginitis is not STD but men can also be infected. This is not always hundred percent safe but it is advisable anyway.
Most importantly run a check every three months to ensure you’re not a sufferer.
Note: Those with weaker immunity are at risk of getting it faster. Don’t be too lazy to try home remedies every now and then, for prevention and cure. Once you have it you just have to keep treating it.
see also Hypertension-a silent killer
