7 Causes of vaginal infection if you have never had sex & bull; hello healthy

Vaginal infections are usually characterized by itching, burning, pain in your vagina or around your vagina, or problems with your vaginal discharge (vaginal discharge). From the results of browsing and asking left and right, you know that these signs may indicate venereal diseases such as herpes, HPV, and gonorrhea. Which makes you even more scratching your head, you have never had sex at all. How do you get vaginal infections?

It turns out, even though the symptoms are eleven to twelve, not all vaginal infections are caused by sexual contact. Vaginal problems are not always related to venereal disease.

Why can you get a vaginal infection even though you have never had sex?

The two most common vaginal infections are bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection. These two infections can usually occur without any sexual contact. A yeast infection is an overgrowth of yeast, aka yeast, that normally resides in your body. Meanwhile, bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an imbalance between bad bacteria and good bacteria in the vagina.

Both of these infections cause vaginal discharge that is different from normal, thick white like milk, or gray. If there is a fishy smell that accompanies it, maybe bacterial vaginosis is the culprit of your problem. But if your vaginal discharge looks lumpy like a lump, it is most likely a yeast infection. Both can also cause itching and a burning sensation when urinating.

Here are seven ways you can get vaginal infections without having sex:

1. Take antibiotics

Antibiotics (such as amoxicillin or steroid drugs) treat infections by fighting bacteria. On the other hand, it can take a long time to differentiate between bad bacteria and good bacteria. So, while antibiotics work to eradicate bad bacteria, in the process some of the good bacteria may be killed as well.

The good bacteria in the vagina have a function as a counterweight to the vaginal yeast population - called candida. Without the good bacteria, the fungus will very quickly multiply its population and colonize the ecosystem in your vagina.

2. Smoking

Not only heart and lung health will be threatened if you are a heavy smoker, but also your vagina. Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop bacterial vaginosis than non-smokers. Although it has not been determined that smoking is a direct cause of this infection, studies have shown that smoking is associated with a decrease in the vaginal population of Lactobacillus spp. These good bacteria are then replaced by bad bacteria, generally Gardnerella.

3. Wear clothes that do not absorb sweat

Bacteria and fungi will thrive in a warm, humid closed environment. Unfortunately, continuing to wear skinny jeans, tights or leggings, or even lingering in a wet bathing suit can cause your vaginal yeast to swell, leading to a yeast infection.

The solution is simple: Let your vagina "breathe". Start wearing loose pants and it is better not to wear underwear while sleeping, unless you need to. Also, choose fabrics that are made of cotton to make it easier for your skin to breathe. Don't forget to change your underwear frequently.

4. Cleaning the vagina with douching

Unlike what the adverts say, vaginal douching, aka vaginal spraying, is actually bad for your vaginal health. Douching fluids can flush out the good bacteria population and change the pH balance of your vagina, triggering the growth of more bad bacteria, which in turn causes bacterial vaginosis.

The solution? Stop douching. The vagina does not need to smell as good as a flower garden. Unless followed by other symptoms, your vaginal odor is normal, and will be different for every woman.

5. Allergy to personal hygiene products

Sometimes, complaints of itching, burning sensation, and even abnormal vaginal discharge can occur without infection. Most often, these vaginal problems occur as an allergic reaction or irritation to chemicals in personal hygiene products, such as laundry detergents, fabric softeners, scented soaps, scented pads, or even clothing fabrics. All of these will cause skin irritation if in contact with super sensitive vaginal skin.

If you experience itching or a burning sensation down there, consider stopping some of the allergen products that might be triggering your problem before rushing to see a doctor.

6. You have uncontrolled diabetes

If you have diabetes, watch for signs of a yeast infection, such as abnormal vaginal discharge and a vaginal itching or burning. Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to increased yeast growth, so if you have diabetes and are prone to yeast infections, consider calling your doctor. diabetes treatment can be tailored to your condition.

7. Other causes

Vaginal infections that are not from sexual contact can also result from decreased hormones prior to menopause; have your ovaries removed (as a method of birth control); or you are taking birth control pills that have a high dose of estrogen. Bacterial vaginosis is also common among pregnant women.

Various ways to treat vaginal infections

Vaginal infections can be treated with non-prescription drugs that are sold in pharmacies in the form of creams, ointments, tablets, or devices that are inserted into your vagina. But it is always better to consult a doctor first if you have pain, itching, or other symptoms around the vagina, and as much as possible do not try to take the law into your own hands. Don't risk your health by being careless. Visit a doctor or other health care professional who can find out the cause and the right treatment.

The key to treating vaginal infections effectively is getting the right diagnosis. Pay close attention to what symptoms you have and when the complaints start. Be ready to describe your color, texture, smell, and the amount of vaginal discharge. Don't douch before visiting the doctor; this would make an accurate diagnosis difficult or impossible. Some doctors will ask you not to have sex for 24-48 hours before your appointment.

Don't scratch to relieve itching. You may accidentally create microscopic tears in your skin that allow bacteria or viruses that cause sexually transmitted diseases to enter your body more easily in the future.