“You may simply be much annoyed with the offensive odor, discharge, irritation and itching on your vagina” maybe the lament of many women that are affected with bacterial vaginitis or infection in the vagina that is generally difficult to diagnose can be due to a number of causes, with it being quite common for women to go in for over the counter remedies.

It is important to note that the vagina generally creates a right balance between the bacteria found there and the hormonal changes that go in a woman’s body, with this balance being affected with certain medications, douches, vaginal medication, sexual intercourse, hormones, contraceptive preparations, stress, and sexually transmitted diseases. However certain infections could be of a more serious nature. 

It is important to know that one of the vaginal infections, namely bacterial vaginosis that is caused by the imbalance of bacteria in the vagina could be the main cause that is caused by the increase of organisms like Gardnerella vaginalis. It is found that in a single country like the United States of America about 16 out of 100 pregnant women have this vagina infection, with every 6, 9, 16 and 23 out of 100 pregnant Asians, Whites, Hispanics and African Americans being affected.

The risk factors for this type of infection include the use the intrauterine devices, frequent douching and pregnancy, with this being more associated with sexual activity and a virgin would rarely be affected with bacterial vaginosis. However toilet seats and swimming pools could be risk factors for this infection.

Some vaginal infections find their origin in yeast infections that are caused by the fungus, Candida albicans. Also known as genital candidiasis, candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis, this yeast infection could prove to be life threatening, and spread to other parts of the body like the skin, heart valves, esophagus, and mucous membrane and could prove to be dangerous when it attacks those with a weak immune system, especially those that are pregnant, are HIV positive or are taking steroids.

Vagina infection that is caused by yeast can be really unpleasant and they are kept in control by growing other organisms that helps to stop their growth. The third most important type of vagina infection, namely trichomoniasis is a sexual transmitted disease caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite that affects the vagina of women and urethra of men most commonly. 

Besides the other most common vagina inflammations and infection result from allergies to spermicidal, certain detergents, fabric softeners, and vaginal hygiene products and sanitary items like a tampon or some other foreign products. It would be useful at this stage to recognize the symptoms of vagina infection so a prompt action can be taken in the form of treatment.

Symptoms of vagina infection

Vaginitis means that you would find symptoms like a discharge from the vagina that is followed by itching and a burning sensation. It is significant that each type of vagina infection could present itself in a different way, with discharge from the vagina taking place even during sexual excitement and emotional stress.

But is important to know that the discharge would be clear and mucus like. So it would be useful if you noted the smell and color of the discharge to distinguish it from others. It is again significant to note that you would notice a vaginal discharge in most women that are having their monthly periods.

As a normal function the glands in the cervix produces a clear mucus secretion that drains down and mixes with the bacteria, Batholin gland  secretions and discarded cells in the vagina and bring out a whitish colored  discharge that turns yellow when it is exposed to air. It is however a discharge that looks green and has a foul smell and increases and decreases in amount each time that calls for attention; it could be an infection in the vagina.

Having known the 3 important types of infection in the vagina it is significant to note that bacterial vaginosis causes an abnormal vaginal discharge that is either white or gray in color. It is still more significant to note that the odor of the discharge could be very unpleasant and offensive and smell more like fish. This is most often noticed after sexual intercourse. In addition you would find that most women would experience great pain, itching and a burning sensation in and around the vagina.

Next infections in the vagina that is caused by infections with yeast show up symptoms like intense itching in the vagina region that is also characterized with a thick, whitish-gray discharge that resembles cottage cheese. It is also significant to find that urination and sexual activity could be painful, with men also being affected at times with an itchy rash on the penis.

Trichomoniasis, the next of the common infections in the vagina shows symptoms of vagina infection in the form of a discharge from the vagina that is frothy and unpleasant to smell and is of yellow-green or gray color. The infection causes not just irritation and itching of the genitals but also burning on urination and pain during intercourse.

This infection of the vagina takes about 4 to 20 days to show up. In addition you could also have a condition that is known as vulvodynia that would make you experience a stinging, rawness and burning in the genital region, but this is not an infection of vagina symptom and only a professional could help you.

Lastly, knowing the symptoms of vagina infection would help you seek prompt medical attention and cure.