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Vaginal infection causes?

By May 11, 2011 - 8:30am
 
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I was told by the doctor that I have been affected by vaginal infection. I got the infection only after intercourse. We maintain cleanliness during this time.

Are there any chances of males transfering the infection during intercourse??

I just had pain while sitting and walking with light itching.

What are the reasons for vaginitis? I'm so worried why did i get the infection?? :(

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I have had a few days of a slight red, itch around my vaginal area. There was a slight odor but not necessarily unpleasant. I realized it was probably a bacterial infection so I set about cooling and self treating. After all, the vagina is self cleaning and I am not keen adding foreign mixtures (drugs) there.
After another couple of days I began feeling exceptionally wet, the dripping didn't stop for 2 days - fortunately the weekend so I stayed indoors! I used a mirror to frequently inspect my vaginal area and it was generally red and looking swollen with lots of moisture. Halfway through the weekend I began to only feel comfortable when I had cotton material resting on my vaginal area (duvet, sheet, knickers). I decided I need to dry out, and the internet came up with some very odd ideas (ice cubes) and my head kept thinking baby talc is gentle enough for young new born skin so as a powder too would help absorb excess moisture. It seemed to work, although at times the powder just became a lumpy, paste so I wiped away and put more baby talc on frequently that afternoon, overnight. There were times when it was difficult to think of anything else because I was red, itchy, swollen so a little painful.
Late on Sunday morning I woke up and almost immediately on standing vertically a creamy/milky discharge actually poured out of my vagina. I was a little bit scared, but calmly knew a shower would help. I didn't use any gels, creams, washes on my body - just washed and conditioned my hair (it needed!) and was careful to rinse all of my body water flowing downward (no douching). I inspected my vaginal area in the mirror and noticed I was red and swollen, probably more so than the day before. After towel drying thoroughly, I sprinkled on baby talc and put on clean, cotton shorts and a top.
Then within a few hours of that shower I realized the uncomfortable itch and wetness had eased, as had the swelling and there was no more odor. I believe I have successfully self treated a bacterial infection with mild baby talc. As with all medical advice we are advised to continue with treatment after we think symptoms have cleared to be sure. So I continued with frequent showers 2-3 a day (morning, later afternoon, before bed), drying and using baby talc after through a towel dry and also maintaining a balanced diet.
Each time I took any towel, clothes etc I had used and washed in the machine (I did a lot of laundry this week!) realizing it was important to be clean and not spread any of the discharged discharge on other materials, avoiding any possible cross contamination. Of course mentioned to GP too.

July 15, 2012 - 9:37am

Hi empower,
Thank you for your question and for joining EmpowHER. In regard to Vaginal infections, according to the EmpowHER encyclopedia page:
"There are three main causes of vaginal infections: the fungus (yeast) Candida albicans , the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis , and the bacterial organism Gardnerella vaginalis .

Factors that can contribute to vaginal infections include antibiotics (which kill friendly bacteria, allowing yeast to grow), corticosteroids and HIV (which suppress the immune system), oral contraceptives and pregnancy (which alter the vaginal environment by changing hormone levels), and diabetes (increased sugar levels provide a friendly environment for yeast)."

Some women are more prone to vaginal infections than others. In addition to medication prescribed by your doctor to clear the infection, you may want to try taking a probiotic orally to help boost your immune system, and cultivate more friendly bacteria in your system. Evidence that taking probiotic actually helps is incomplete and inconclusive, but you can try and see if it works for you.

There are other "home remedy"-type alternate treatments to help ward off vaginal infection, but it's always best to work with your doctor to find a treatment that is right for you. Additionally, your doctor may suggest abstaining from sexual interaction until the infection is completely cleared. Men can get similar infections in their reproductive system.

Here is the full reference page for your review: Vaginal Infection Information
Good luck, and let us know how you're doing.

May 11, 2011 - 11:37am
(reply to Christine Jeffries)

Hi,

I am getting a vaginal infection quite frequently after sex. Not sure why...
Last time when I got it, I had medicines and got it cured. But why am i getting it frequently?? Should my husband also get a checkup done?? Pls advise.

November 25, 2012 - 5:10am
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