In summer, heat, humidity, and diet changes can cause small imbalances in the vaginal flora, resulting in itching and tingling that is often unpleasant. To avoid bacterial vaginosis and vaginal yeast infection, follow the advice of the gynecologists at Turó Park Dental & Medical Center.

Vaginosis, yeast infection... What are they?

Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a generally benign vaginal infection, linked to an imbalance in the microbial flora of the vagina. It often affects menopausal women who tend to suffer from vaginal dryness. The most common bacterium involved is Gardnerella vaginalis, but other germs can also cause vaginosis: bacteroides, mobilincus, atopobium, etc.

Vaginosis is manifested by a white-grey, often abundant vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour. Itching, erythema and swelling are less common.

Vaginal Candidiasis

Vaginal yeast infection is also a common gynecological infection, but it is related to the growth of a fungus, most often Candida albicans. People with diabetes and pregnant women are more easily affected because the fungi are particularly fond of sugar and oestrogen.

The most common symptoms of this infection are

• Heavy white discharge;
• Itching and pain in the vulva;
• A burning sensation during sex or when you urinate.

How do you treat a vaginal infection?

If you suspect a vaginal infection, it is best to make an appointment with a gynecologist to have a vaginal swab taken. This will enable you to determine whether it is vaginosis or a mycosis and to choose the most suitable treatment. The symptoms of these diseases are quite similar and it is easy to confuse them.

If you have bacterial vaginosis, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic (such as metronidazole or clindamycin) either orally or in the form of an egg.

A candidasis, on the other hand, is treated with local creams and antifungal vaginal capsules of the imidazole family (such as Econazole, Lomexin).

Our advice to avoid gynecological problems this summer

Fungi love hot and humid environments. To avoid mycoses and other gynaecological problems this summer, we recommend that you :

• Avoid wearing a wet swimming costume for several hours
• Take a shower after swimming to remove sand and salt, which are very irritating to the vulva
• Opt for loose-fitting clothes, preferably made of cotton
• Avoid synthetic or silk panties
• Wash your vulva every day with a suitable product

You can also take vaginal probiotics as a preventive measure if you are prone to recurrent vaginitis.