As a Community Pharmacist, I come across
different women frequently complaining about toilet
infections with symptoms ranging from itching,
soreness of the vulva, vulva itching and vaginal
discharge with a very bad odor (rotten egg-like or
fish-like smell).
different women frequently complaining about toilet
infections with symptoms ranging from itching,
soreness of the vulva, vulva itching and vaginal
discharge with a very bad odor (rotten egg-like or
fish-like smell).
But the fact is that, the so-called toilet infections
are not infections gotten from toilets. It is medically
not true. The truth is that it was given that name by
people to make it sound well in public.
Some of these so-called toilet infections are
sexually transmitted. These infections are common
in females, roughly about 80% of ladies will have at
least a yeast infection in their lifetime. Examples
are
Candidiasis (fungal infection)
Bacterial vaginosis (bacterial infection)
Trichomoniasis ( protozoan infection)
Vaginal infection is an inflammation of the vagina
that creates discharge, odor, irritation or itching. It
might be very stressful to diagnose because it has
many causes ranging from over the counter
medications like antibiotics, hormones,
contraceptives (oral and topical) douches, vaginal
medication, sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted
infections, stress and change in sexual partners. All
these can the vaginal ecosystem which will lead to
mass increase in the number of these normal
vaginal organisms.
Now, I will briefly talk on the common toilet
infections as mentioned above.
CANDIDIASIS: Vaginal yeast infections are caused
by a fungus mainly by Candida albicans. This is
also called candidiasis, genital candidiasis, or
vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Yeast infection can
spread to other parts of the body including skin,
mucous membranes and other areas. In rare
circumstances, it can cause life-threatening
systemic infections mostly in people with weakened
immune defenses such as Pregnancy, HIV positive
patients, diabetes and people on steroids.
Candidiasis cause a thick, whitish-gray cheese” type
of vaginal discharge and may be itchy. You may
have intense itching in your genital area. Painful
urination and intercourse are common. You may not
always have a vaginal discharge. Men with genital
candidiasis may have an itchy rash on the joystick.
Most male partners of women with yeast infection
do not experience any symptoms of the infection.
Vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually
transmitted infection, but some men will develop
symptoms such as itching and penile rash following
sexual contact with an infected partner.
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of
normally growing fungi in the vagina that creates
unpleasant symptoms. The yeast are normally kept
under control by naturally occurring bacteria in the
body. If the natural balance of microorganisms is
disrupted, the yeast grow out of control.
Diabetes or pregnancy: Diabetes and pregnancy
make the vagina better suited for fungal growth.
These conditions lower the glycogen store in certain
vaginal cells. They may also raise the sugar content
and the pH of the vagina and increase the risk of
yeast infection
Birth control pills: Changes in the vaginal
environment occur with increased hormonal levels
from estrogen-containing birth control pills. This
change creates an environment for the fungus to
grow and cause symptoms
Antibiotics: Antibiotics destroy protective bacteria in
the vagina. These bacteria normally stop the
candida organisms from overgrowing. Yeast
infection may occur after taking a course of
antibiotics for another condition of bacteria origin.
TRICHOMONIASIS. This is a protozoan infection,
which is a sexually transmitted disease caused by
the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis
is primarily an infection of the urinary and genital
tract. For women, the vagina is the most common
site of infection. For men, the urethra is most
commonly affected. It causes a frothy vaginal
discharge with a rotten egg-like smell that may be
yellow-green or gray, itching and irritation of the
genitals, burning with urination, but sometimes
confused with a urinary tract infection. Discomfort
during intercourse could also be noticed.
Because trichomoniasis is a sexually-transmitted
disease, symptoms may appear within 4-20 days
after exposure. Men rarely have symptoms, but if
they do, they may have a thin, whitish discharge
from the joystick and painful or difficult urination.
If your vaginal discharge is abnormal in color such
as green, has a foul smell (rotten egg-like) changes
consistency, or is significantly increased or
decreased in amount, you may be developing a
form of trichomoniasis.
BACTERIA VAGINOSIS: Bacterial vaginosis is
common and causes a vaginal discharge, often with
a noticeable fish-like smell. Bacteria Vaginosis is
not a sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by
an overgrowth of normal bacteria flora in the vagina.
Symptoms are often mild, and it may clear without
treatment.
Other cases can be treated with antibiotic
medication. Bacteria Vaginosis can affect any
woman, including those who do not have or who
have never had sex.
However, Bacteria Vaginosis is more common
amongst sexually active women than amongst non-
sexually active women. No germ (bacterium) is
passed on between sexual partners to cause this
condition. Sexual partners of women with bacteria
vaginosis do not need any treatment. However,
some cases of bacteria vaginosis seem to be
sexually related. It may develop after a change in
sexual partner. In these cases, the infection is not
caught from anyone. But a change in sexual partner
may affect the balance of normal germs (bacteria)
in the vagina. Bacteria vaginosis is also more likely
in women in same sex relationships who have had
a change of partner.
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phone number available. Thanks for reading and
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