Five common types of infections of the lower genital tract

When it comes to reproductive health, many of us are guilty of not giving it the proper TLC. Most women tend to forget the importance of regular checkup, proper hygiene and the right products that won’t disturb its microbial balance. When this happens, not only will it cause pain and discomfort down there, it can also pose greater problems in the long run. Dr. Bernadette Ong-Sumo, an obstetrician-gynecologist, shares the five common vulvovaginal infections and how to avoid them.

• Candidiasis. Commonly known as vaginal yeast infection, candidiasis is recognized to affect three out of four women at least once in their lifetime. This happens when a change in the natural microflora of the body affects the number of good bacteria leading to the overgrowth of a type of fungus called

candida, which is normally found inside the human gut, throat, mouth and even vagina. Symptoms include vaginal itching or soreness (burning sensation), pain during sexual intercourse or urinating, and changes in normal vaginal discharge described as curd-like or cottage cheese-type. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, women who are pregnant, using contraceptives, have diabetes, impaired immune system or even those who are taking broad-spectrum antibiotics are much more likely to develop candidiasis.

Wearing cotton underwear and non-tight-fitting clothes might help reduce the chances of getting a yeast infection. Because taking antibiotics can lead to vaginal candidiasis, take these medicines only when prescribed and exactly as your physician tells you. Often times, a vaginal yeast infection will clear up on its own, but over-the-counter anti-fungal creams or tablets are available for treatment. “For those who choose self-treatment, please see a gynecologist if symptoms persisted,” advised Dr. Sumo.

• Vaginosis. Much like candidiasis, vaginosis is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by an upset vaginal balance — from lactobacilli-dominant to mixed flora. If you’re noticing a thin, frothy, gray-white vaginal discharge and a foul-smelling vaginal odor described as “musty” or “fishy,” make sure to get checked. Sometimes, women with this infection may experience vaginal itching or burning sensation when urinating. Smoking, multiple sexual partners and douching or the practice of washing out the vagina with a mixture of water and vinegar or baking soda increase the risk of developing this infection. “Frequent douching for hygiene is unnecessary as the vagina does an excellent job of keeping the PH balanced and of cleansing itself,” said Dr. Sumo.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Women’s risk of acquiring at least one incidence of UTI during their lifetime is 50 percent. UTI is caused by bacteria entering through the urethra and invading the bladder and kidneys. Because women have a shorter urethra than males, bacteria can easily travel to the bladder thus they are known to develop a greater risk of acquiring this infection. And anyone who had this before knows that it can feel like the worst thing in the whole world: a burning sensation when urinating, strong-smelling urine, urine that appears to be cloudy or red and pelvic pain that may linger around the center of the pelvis or around the pubic bone. Sexual activity, the use of diaphragms for birth control measure and menopause are some of the other risk factors associated with UTI.

Drinking a ton of water helps to dilute the urine and will flush away bacteria even before the infection begins. Also, always keep down there “dry and happy” — wipe from front to back after urinating or defecating. This way, bacteria from the feces or anus will not spread towards the vagina and urethra. Additionally, emptying the bladder after intercourse is also a must so you don’t introduce more bacteria.

• Folliculitis. According to Dr. Sumo, “This is becoming more common nowadays as a lot of women in this day and age are into extensive pubic hair removal — waxing or shaving.” Hair removal causes minute skin injuries, with inoculation of pathogens and subsequent spread of infection. Folliculitis happens when bacteria, normally present in the skin or vagina, get inside a cut or opening. It exhibits itself as groups of red bumps with white heads and pus or oozing blisters. “These women just need to be informed of the risks and of the safe methods and best practices for hair removal,” added Dr. Sumo.

• Bartholin’s gland abscess. A Bartholin’s abscess is caused by a fluid buildup in the Bartholin gland (responsible for secreting fluids to lubricate the vestibule and vagina) due to an obstruction caused by infection or injury. The pus often shows polymicrobial infection and contains a wide range of bacteria homogeneous to the normal flora of the vagina. Symptoms include acute vulvar pain, pain during intercourse, difficulty in walking or sitting and sometimes, fever. Safer sex practices and good hygiene habits may help to prevent infection of a cyst and the formation of an abscess.

The good news is that these five-common infection-related reproductive diseases are completely avoidable and treatable. And since these diseases should be taken seriously, Dr. Sumo advised to practice good personal hygiene. “Wear cotton underwear for better absorption of moisture and perspiration, keep yourself dry and clean, avoid scented feminine wash, pads or tampons, and tight-fitting pants and jeans,” added Dr. Sumo.

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However, remember that a regular visit to your OB-Gyn will ensure your reproductive health is in tip-top shape.

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