Vaginal Infection Causes

Sunday, April 5th, 2009 at 12:23 pm

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginitis, accounting for 50% of cases. BV is caused by a change in the bacteria normally found in the vagina and causes an overgrowth of organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis.

Risk factors include pregnancy, intrauterine device (IUD) use, and frequent douching. It is associated with sexual activity, possibly a new sexual partner or multiple sexual partners. Women who have never had sexual intercourse are rarely affected.

You do not get BV from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.

In the United States, as many as 16% of pregnant women have BV. This varies by race and ethnicity from 6% in Asians and 9% in whites to 16% in Hispanics and 23% in African Americans.

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. This is also called candidiasis, genital candidiasis, or vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Yeast infection can spread to other parts of the body including skin, mucous membranes, heart valves, esophagus, and other areas. It can cause life-threatening systemic infections mostly in people with weakened immune defenses (such as women who are pregnant and people who are HIV positive, have diabetes, or are taking steroids).

Nearly 75% of all adult women have had at least one genital yeast infection in their lifetime. Vaginal yeast infection is not considered a sexually transmitted disease, but 12% to 15% of men will develop symptoms such as itching and penile rash following sexual contact with an infected partner.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of normally growing fungi in the vagina that creates unpleasant symptoms. The yeast are kept under control by normally growing bacteria in the body. If the natural balance of microorganisms is disrupted, the yeast grow out of control. It is not clear how fungal infections originate, but they are not thought to be sexually transmitted. Your own natural bacteria cause this type of infection when an imbalance occurs, possibly caused by any of these events:

Antibiotics use: Antibiotics destroy protective bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria normally stop the candidal organisms from overgrowing. Yeast infection may occur after you have taken a course of antibiotics for another condition such as strep throat.

Diabetes: Both diabetes and pregnancy make the vagina better suited for fungal growth. These conditions lower the glycogen store in certain vaginal cells. They may also raise the sugar content (and the pH) of the vagina and put you at risk for yeast infection.

Excessive alcohol

Birth control pills: Changes in the vaginal environment occur with increased hormonal levels from estrogen-containing birth control pills. This change creates an environment for the candidal fungus to grow and cause symptoms.

Hormonal changes such as ovulation, menopause, or pregnancy

Steroid use

Weakened immune system: HIV/AIDS, for example

Wearing underwear that is tight or non-cotton: This can increase temperature, moisture, and local irritation.

Use of douches, perfumed feminine hygiene sprays

Scratches in the vagina (during insertion of a tampon or other objects)

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (also called trich, pronounced “trick”) caused by a parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the urinary and genital tract. For women, the vagina is the most common site of infection. For men, the urethra is most commonly affected.

Other causes of vaginal infection may be because you could be allergic to spermicides, vaginal hygiene products, and detergents and fabric softeners you use to wash your clothes. You may also have a different sexually transmitted disease. Older women may experience atrophic vaginitis (a thinning of the vaginal walls with menopause). You may have forgotten to remove a tampon, or another foreign object may be in your vagina causing irritation.