The external structure of the female reproductive system is such that it is susceptible to infections. Most women come across vaginal infections at some point of their lives. While certain types of infections are harmless, others can lead to implications as serious as female infertility. Women seeking infertility treatment in Delhi usually approach clinics with this problem. It is important for the infection to be identified and treated at the earliest. Every woman needs to be aware of the various types of vaginal infections she is likely to have. This will enable her to be watchful and have the issue addressed well in time by seeking help from IVF centre in Delhi. Let us know all about common vaginal infections and their symptoms.
Yeast Infections: Vaginitis is a term synonymous with yeast infections as it happens to be the most common one. It is a fungal infection caused by a species called Candida. These organisms naturally reside in the human body, specifically in the mouth and the digestive tract, and in the vagina of women. They are considered harmless in when small in number. On the other hand, when they get warm and moist environment in the vaginal region, they thrive in number and result in infection. The infection is not sexually transmitted but caused by reasons such as pregnancy-related hormonal changes, uncontrolled diabetes, and immune disorders and as a side effect of birth control pills and certain antibiotics.
Infertility centres in Delhi warn women about the following symptoms of yeast infections:
- A thick, white vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese inconsistency. This symptom may not be seen in all patients
- Vaginal itching
- Swelling and redness of the vagina and vulva
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Another common vaginal infection that brings women infertility treatment in Delhi is Bacterial Vaginosis, this condition is attributed to the overgrowth of the vaginal bacteria. In normal circumstances, the vagina harbors friendly lactobacilli bacteria and yeast. However, a decrease in lactobacilli results in a corresponding increase in the infectious Gardnerella bacteria. This imbalance in vaginal bacterial levels results in the condition called Bacterial Vaginosis. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection. The condition is triggered by insertion of an IUD for contraception and use of perfumed feminine products such as vaginal sprays and soaps. The condition needs to be resolved in time as it can cause female infertility induced by Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It also puts a woman at high risk of miscarriage, early labor, and low birth weight of the baby.
Infertility centres in Delhi advise women to be watchful about the following warning symptoms of BV:
- Vaginal discharge which could be white and thick or clear and slippery
- A fishy odor from the vagina
- A few women may experience itching and burning
Trichomoniasis: Also referred to as Trichomonas Vaginitis, this is a sexually transmitted infection called by a parasite called Trichomonas Vaginalis. The parasite travels from an infected partner during unprotected sexual intercourse. This is one infection that requires extra care as well as timely IVF treatment in Delhi This infectious condition elevates the risk of pregnancy complications such as premature labor and delivering a baby with low birth weight.
The common symptoms of Trichomoniasis are as follows:
- A frothy, yellow-green colored foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Itching and soreness in the vagina and vulva
- Urination accompanied by a burning sensation
- Pain during intercourse
- Discomfort in the lower abdominal area
The infection may, however, be asymptomatic in some cases.
Chlamydia Vaginitis: Infertility centres in Delhi consider Chlamydia Vaginitis as a less common but more serious type of vaginal infection. A sexually transmitted infection, it can damage a woman’s reproductive organs and cause serious female infertility issues. It is more prevalent in younger women with multiple sexual partners.
Women suffering from this infectious condition manifest one or more of the following symptoms. They must immediately seek Infertility treatment in Delhi in case of any of these symptoms:
- Vaginal discharge
- Light bleeding, particularly following sexual intercourse
- Pain in the pelvic and lower abdominal area
Viral Vaginosis: Certain vaginal infections are caused by viruses, most of which are transmitted sexually. The most common amongst these viruses is herpes simplex virus and humanpapilloma virus (HPV). These infections should be taken seriously as they can have a far-reaching influence on female fertility. The latter can even cause cervical cancer if left-treated.
Infertility centers in Delhi caution about the following as the warning signs of these viral infections:
- Herpes simplex virus can cause painful sores and lesions in the genital area. They may be visible or are identified only when a specialist examines a woman. The patient may also come across vaginal discharge, painful urination and fever.
- HPV is characterized by growth of genital warts, which may be white, pink or grey in color
In addition to these common vaginal infections, women may also come across non-infectious vaginosis. It leads to sensitivity of the skin of the vaginal area and usually a reaction to cosmetic and perfumed products. The solution is simple, just to stop using products causing the reaction. Most of these non-infectious conditions can be resolved without taking Infertility treatment in Delhi.
Treatment of Vaginal Infections
The most important aspect of treatment of vaginal infections is the right diagnosis. The symptoms of most of these conditions are similar and visiting one of the Infertility centers in Delhi is necessary. Once medical examination and diagnostic tests are done, an effective treatment plan can be devised. Antibiotics are prescribed for women with BV, Trichomoniasis and Chlamydia. Yeast infections are treated with antifungal creams, pessaries and oral tablets. Genital herpes has no established cure but it can be controlled with anti-viral tablets and local anesthetic ointments for pain. HPV infection requires complex treatment with combination of creams, surgery and laser therapy to remove warts. It is important to practice good vaginal hygiene and safe sexual habits for preventing these vaginal infections.
Gaudium IVF is one of the top infertility clinics in India and is renowned for offering advanced treatment for female infertility along with various gynecological and sexual problems.
For a free second opinion from Dr Manika Khanna, the leading infertility specialist, contact today.
