KissMeGoodnight
eLearning Series:
Your Sexual Health
Girls:
Abnormal Vaginal Behavior and Secretions
Vaginal
secretions are a normal part of being a woman. These secretions will vary in consistency and thickness
throughout the woman’s life. Vaginal discharges normally do
not have an odor or color to them, except being a whitish-yellowish
color. If you detect a foul odor, as vaginal secretions do
have an odor but that is normal, or a change in color then
this would be cause for concern. This would be the time to
contact your doctor. If you have experienced itching, or a
burning feeling or you might notice a rash this may be an indication
of abnormal vaginal behavior. This article lists some symptoms
to watch for.
Bacterial
Vaginosis (BV): is a very common cause of vaginitis,
which is the inflammation of the vagina. Bacterial Vaginosis
has a change in the growth of bacteria in the vagina. A change
in sexual partners, using an IUD (intrauterine device), and
cleansing with douche products can all affect the bacteria
ratio in the vagina.
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis - has a foul-smelling vaginal
discharge. It has been described by some women as a fishy odor
and is more pronounced after having sex. Besides the odor,
other symptoms may include a change in color from whitish to
more of a grayish color, possible pain during urinating, and
itching in the vaginal area.
The basic treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis is the use of antibiotics.
Generally, male sex partners do not need treatment.
Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted disease.
The parasite Trichomonas vaginitis is the reason for this disease.
The parasite causes an infection of the urogenital tract. In
women, the vagina is the most common place for infection. The
urethra is the most common place for infection in men.
Symptoms of Trichomoniasis – often does not present with noticeable
symptoms. The majority of men affected do not have symptoms.
The symptoms women experience usually appear during the first
five to twenty-eight days of exposure, they can include a change
in the color of the discharge, which can change from whitish
to a yellow-green color, pain or discomfort during intercourse,
a change in the vaginal odor, along with painful urination.
Many times they may experience itching and irritation in the
genital region. On very rare occasions, they may experience
lower abdominal pain. The men usually experience a very thin
whitish discharge from the penis and painful urination and/or
ejaculation.
Treatments for this disease - Most medical professionals want
to treat both sex partners because men can transmit the disease
even if they are not displaying any symptoms. A high single
dose of metronidazole is usually efficient to treat this disease.
It is possible to contract this disease again after you have
been treated for it.
Vaginal
Yeast Infection – is very common among women. This
is a fungal infection and occurs when the balance of fungus
in off. This is not a sexually transmitted disease and approximately
fifteen percent of men can develop symptoms after intercourse
with an infected partner. The vagina has yeast present in small
amounts all the time. Most women will experience a yeast infection
at least once during their lifetime. Several factors are associated
with increased yeast infection in women:
- Being pregnant
- Uncontrollable diabetes mellitus
- Oral contraceptives
- Antibiotics
- Perfumed feminine hygiene products
- Douches
- Topical antibiotics
- Steroid medications
If you wear, tight clothing that does not allow for air circulation
this can also contribute to a yeast infection. If you think,
you may have a yeast infection contact your health care provider.
The most frequent symptoms of yeast infection in women are
itching, burning, and irritation of the vagina. Painful urination
and painful intercourse also are common. There may not always
be vaginal discharge and if there is, it may be a small amount.
The discharge is usually described, as “cottage-cheese” like,
although the discharge varies from woman to woman. There are an assortment of antifungal creams and medications
available to treat yeast infections. They can be purchased
over the counter although it is wise to consult with your doctor
first because the symptoms of a yeast infection, BV, and Trichomoniasis
are difficult to distinguish your doctor will be able to tell
you what is the best treatment plan. Women who are infected
with HIV may experience severe yeast infections that may not
respond to treatment.
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KissMeGoodnight.com
: 2006
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