Lately my girl friends have been complaining about experiencing lots of problems down there and it doesn't really surprise me. The warmer weather makes you more prone to vaginal infections and while some are okay to treat with over-the-counter medication, there are some that need more than that.
With the sudden weather change and trips to the beach and pool it's no surprise that we are more prone to infections during this time of the year. However the following are the ones you should be MOST wary of.
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It sucks that as women we have so much to already worry about with our health that dealing with vaginal issues is the last thing we want. But it's better to be safe than sorry and have them treated as soon as possible. Below are some infections you shouldn't ignore when you get them.
Yeast infections: Some cases might be more minor than others, but they are never comfortable to have. It's caused by overgrowth of normal yeast in the body and causes you to itch, burn and release thicker discharge. Doctors usually prescribe an anti-fungal medication or tell you to buy an over-the-counter treatment.
STDs: If you've been having unprotected sex with different partners and experience something off down there, you may want to get checked for STDs. When you contract one, you tend to experience burning, irritation, and unusual odor and discharge. The good news is if it is a bacterial infection you can get rid of it with a medical prescription.
UTIs: If you experience a constant need to pee and burning while doing so, you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Some people are more susceptible than others which is why it's important to take preventative measures and make sure you and your partner are as clean as possible when having sex. Extreme cases can cause kidney infections if not treated immediately.
Bacterial Vaginosis: This is a type of bacteria that grows in your vagina, but when your produce too much, it can start causing problems. Hence you will notice a fishy smell and your discharge will be grayish or milky. It is generally treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
Trichomoniasis: This is a type of STD that is caused by a parasite which can be confused for a yeast infection or UTI due to the itching and burning you experience. The difference is the discharge can be green or yellow-ish depending on the case. If you find yourself with this infection, the good news is it is easily treatable with antibiotics.
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