Toilet (vaginal) infections in women: Causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention
Toilet infection as many people call it, is preferably called vagina infections. The term "toilet infection" is not a medical term but someone who complains of having a toilet toilet may be suffering from one or both of the medically recognized infections which are Sexually Transmitted Infections and Vaginal infections.
Sexually Transmitted infections as the name implies are infections transmitted through sexual intercourse. It is impossible to contract an STI from the toilet and this is because the viruses cannot survive outside the human body.
Vaginal infections are infections that affect the vagina. They are usually caused by the bacteria in the vagina and becomes an infection when it grows out of proportion. The likely cause of this may be due to carelessness or poor personal hygiene. There are 3 types of vaginal infections:
1. Bacteria Vaginosis: This is an infection of the vagina caused by bacteria and is the most common infection in women of child bearing age. The vagina has some good and bad bacteria in it and the good bacteria helps to control the bad types. Bacteria Vaginosis results when there is an imbalance in the proportion of the good and bad bacteria. Simply put, the bad bacteria out-numbers the good bacteria.
2. Yeast infection: Also known as candidiasis, is another common infection found in women and is caused by the fungus candidas. It is possible for a woman with a yeast infection to transmit it to her male partner through unprotected sexual intercourse but still may not be considered as an STI because it can occur in women who are not sexually active.
3. Trichomoniasis: caused by a protozoan organism, Trichomonas vaginalis, and is passed from partner to partner during unprotected sexual intercourse. Of the three most common vagina infections, this is the only one that is a true sexually transmitted infection.
General symptoms of Vagina infections
Most vaginal infections can show from mild to severe symptoms and often require medical attention. Vaginal discharge is the most common of these symptoms and could come in different colours, quantity, textures and odor depending on the type of infection. Other symptoms are itching, burning, irritation and redness and in some cases lower abdominal pain during urination. Some women with vaginal infections may not have itching or smelly discharge symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention and do some medical tests if you notice one or all of these symptoms.
What you should do if you suspect an infection
Good knowledge of your body is very important as it helps you identify changes that may occur in your body. Also you must realize that not all vagina discharge are symptoms of an infection. The vagina produces some discharge at different periods and the amount and consistency of the discharge varies. A normal vagina discharge is clear or slightly cloudy, non-irritating and odor free.
If you notice that your discharge has a foul smell and itches, then that is a symptom of an infection. You should see a gynecologist immediately. Although some of these infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications, the only way you can be sure of what you are treating is by running laboratory tests which of course would be prescribed by a gynecologist.
What next after treatment?
One very important aspect most women neglect is the possibility of a re-infection after treatment. Most times an infection recurs when our hygiene are taken for granted. You should ensure that you take care of your body and adhere to some "hygiene" rules in order to stay healthy. For example:
- Always disinfect toilets and/or toilet seats before using them
- Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilets
- Abstain from sex if you can or practice safe sex
- Eat healthy and balanced meals.
- Wear clean and dry under wears always.
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