Think You Have a Vaginal Infection? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Toilet seats are haven for germs. The common germs found on toilet seats are bacteria, influenza, streptococcus, E. coli, hepatitis, staphylococcus, salmonella, shigella and norovirus.

Vaginitis are mostly due to one of or a combination of: yeast infection; bacterial vaginosisortrichomoniasis. A heavy presence of Candida albicans, a fungus, in the vagina beyond the number needed to maintain a normal flora in the vagina will lead to vaginitis. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the harmful bacteria in the vagina outnumber the protective ones. Trichomoniasis is usually through sexual intercourse. Usually, men with trichomoniasis don’t show any symptoms of infection and so they are indisputably a source of infection for their partners.

Other causes of “toilet infections” include: sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. Also, viruses such as herpes and human papilloma virus, a decrease in hormonal levels, especially during menopause or after childbirth and allergic reactions to lubricants, lotions, detergents, etc can also be the causes of “toilet infections”.

Symptoms of vaginitis or “toilet infections” include rash, blisters or bumps, itching, burning sensation, redness, swelling and dryness of the vagina or the vulva. It may also present as a discomfort felt during urination, pain during sex, and as spotting and foul smelling discharges from the vagina.

Unusual discharge is a sign of infection.
A vaginal infection can occur if anything disrupts the natural balance of organisms, or if unhealthy bacteria get into the vagina. This often leads to changes in your vaginal discharge. The discharge may change in color, texture, or smell.

Most vaginal infections are caused by a few usual suspects.
If you notice a change in your discharge, tell your ob-gyn. To figure out the cause, your ob-gyn will want to know a few key things. What does the discharge look like? Does it have a smell to it? Do you have any itching? How long has it been going on? Your ob-gyn may also do a pelvic exam and test a sample of the vaginal discharge.

You can take steps to prevent infections.

• Preventing vaginal infections comes down to preserving the delicate balance of organisms in your vagina. Here are a few tips you can try.
• 
  
• Keep your vaginal area dry. Towel-dry after every bath or shower. Change out of wet clothes promptly after swimming or working out.
• 
  
• Wash your pubic area gently with warm water. Soap is not needed on your vulva and should never be used in your vagina.
• 
  
• Wear cotton underwear. Cotton lets your vaginal area breathe more than synthetic fabrics.
• 
  
• Use condoms during sex. This can prevent new organisms from entering your vagina.
• 
  
• Clean reusable products like menstrual cups, diaphragms, cervical caps, and spermicide applicators after every use.
• 
  
• Take probiotics or eat more yogurt. These can help boost the levels of healthy bacteria in your body. Look for yogurts that contain live and active cultures.

How to treat infectious agents at home ;
Go-to antibiotics for vaginal infections include metronidazole and clindamycin. If one treatment doesn’t do the trick, there are other options you can try. (Note: Stay away from alcohol while taking metronidazole, as the combination of the two can cause severe nausea and vomiting.)