Genital infections can occur in both men and women due to various factors. A genital infection is a significant issue that involves the presence of multiple microorganisms, which can threaten reproductive function and cause tissue damage. It is most commonly seen in women. Factors such as childbirth, miscarriage, pregnancy, the use of antibiotics, synthetic underwear, and hygiene can lead to the formation of genital infections.
There are various types of genital infections, one of which is warts. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)-related warts can be seen in women on the vulva and vagina. Some types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer. Treatment options may include creams, cauterization, freezing, or surgical removal. There is also a possibility of recurrence. Warts are largely sexually transmitted, but a small percentage can be transmitted through shared objects such as epilation devices. Condom use does not protect against warts on the external genital area.
Vulvitis: The external genital area of the human body is called the vulva. Vulvitis usually accompanies vaginal infections. Factors that cause vulvar infections include tight clothing, synthetic underwear, detergents, hair removal creams, and vaginal sprays.
Another common genital infection is genital herpes. The herpes simplex virus can cause painful sores known as genital herpes. The first infection is called a primary infection and is more severe. Genital herpes is transmitted through direct contact; there are no other routes of transmission. Individuals diagnosed with genital herpes should be tested for other sexually transmitted infections to prevent potential risks. Some people remain carriers of the virus for years after initial infection without showing symptoms. There is no definitive cure for genital herpes, but treatment aims to speed up recovery. In pregnant women, primary genital herpes infections are especially important, and those with genital herpes should inform their doctors.
Candida (Yeast Infection): Yeast infections are commonly seen during antibiotic use, pregnancy, in people with diabetes, and among those who frequently use vaginal douches. They cause itchy, cottage cheese-like discharge. The treatment involves antifungal medications, suppositories, or creams. Partner treatment is not required, and it is not contagious. Parasitic infections are sexually transmitted and can cause foul-smelling, dark green discharge and burning during urination. Treatment typically requires oral medications, and partners should also be treated.
Syphilis is a serious genital infection transmitted sexually. It causes painless, soft bumps on the genital area. Both partners must be treated simultaneously. Vaginal infections are usually caused by bacteria or parasites, so antibiotics are commonly used for treatment. Antibiotics may be taken orally in tablet or capsule form, or locally applied. In cases of viral infections, antiviral medications are used.
Vaginal Infection Symptoms
Vaginal infections are the most common and frequently encountered type of infection in women. In general, the symptoms of vaginal infections include swelling in the genital area and vagina, redness, itching and sensitivity in the vagina, burning or discomfort while urinating, vaginal discharge (fishy or unpleasant odor, green, yellow, gray, or white, thick discharge), vaginal pain, and pain during sexual intercourse. Menstrual delay is not caused by vaginal infections. Menstrual irregularity is a gynecological condition, and both vaginal infections and menstrual irregularity can occur simultaneously. Vaginal infections negatively impact women's quality of life.
Infections can be caused by fungi, bacteria, and parasites. Fungal infections are more common during pregnancy, in people who use antibiotics regularly, and in those using birth control pills. They are also frequently encountered in people with diabetes.
To Get Rid of and Protect Against Vaginal Infections: Do not wear synthetic underwear and tight clothing. Prefer cotton and comfortable underwear. Change your underwear every day. Wash underwear with soap, not detergent, and iron them with a hot iron. Do not use regular soap or scented cosmetic products for genital cleaning. You can clean the area with soaps specially designed for this purpose. In the summer, to keep the genital area dry after swimming, do not sit in wet swimsuits or bikinis. Always take a shower after swimming to remove chlorine.
Can Vaginal Infections Persist?
Vaginal infections can sometimes be persistent. They may not go away despite medication or may go away and recur. The important thing here is to pay attention to hygiene in the following period. Vaginal infections can be caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses, as well as inadequate hygiene practices in the vaginal area. If you have frequent recurring vaginal infections, it may be due to misdiagnosis or improper treatment methods. It can also be due to neglecting genital hygiene. Therefore, it is necessary to follow all the recommendations from specialists and continue following these recommendations in the future. To get rid of vaginal infections, avoid vaginal douching and do not interfere with the vagina's natural chemistry. Do not use perfumed shower gels, foams, or tampons for the vagina and genital area, as they disrupt the vaginal chemistry. The genital area should not stay wet. After swimming in a pool or sea, do not forget to change your swimsuit.
Use a condom during sexual intercourse. Change your pad or tampon frequently during menstruation. Wear cotton underwear. If vaginal infections continue to recur after using antibiotics, inform your doctor. When cleaning the genital area, do so from front to back, as this will contribute to the hygiene of the area.
What Causes Vaginal Infections?
Vaginal infections seen in children are usually caused by bacteria from the anus. Girls, especially those between 2 and 6 years old, can transfer these bacteria to the vagina if they do not clean the genital area properly when wiping from back to front or after bowel movements. Therefore, children should be well-educated about self-care and helped until they can manage it themselves. Especially if girls do not wash their hands after using the bathroom, touching the genital area can transfer these bacteria to the vagina, so hygiene is very important here.
Causes of Vaginal Infections in Adults: Bacterial inflammations, fungi, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, genital warts, genital herpes, inflammation).
Additional causes include: Cleaning products used during douching, birth control methods (oral pills, IUD), unprotected sexual intercourse, alcohol or smoking habits, a weakened immune system, bubble baths, vaginal creams, use of local soaps or detergents, scented toilet paper, chemical products such as fabric softeners, entering menopause, allergy to sperm, rubbing toilet paper too harshly.
For more detailed questions and support regarding genital infections, please contact our clinic.
