Women experience various vaginal disorders during their lifetime; some are benign while others may warrant prompt medical treatment.

Professional Help

It is essential for every woman to know that no matter how insignificant, or embarrassing one feels about a particular problem, it is always best to seek professional help. This may help clear any misconceptions, allay fears or even prevent any serious complications.

Many women will experience vaginitis at some point in their life. Vaginitis refers to various conditions that can cause infection or inflammation of the vagina. This can be the result of organisms such as bacteria, yeast or viruses. Chemicals or sprays applied to the genitalia can also cause irritation and inflammation. Other organisms may be passed from one sexual partner to another during intercourse. Common symptoms of vaginitis include:

• Vaginal discharge
• Burning during  urination
• Itching around the vagina
• Pain or discomfort during intercourse.

Vaginal Infections

The common causes of vaginal infections include:

• Yeast infections: This is caused by a fungus called candida, it usually produces a thick creamy discharge and causes severe itching and redness of the vagina. Having candida does not mean one has  contracted a sexually transmitted infection. Treatment usually involves using over-the-counter creams available at most pharmacies.
• Bacterial Vaginosi: This is not an infection, but represents an overgrowth of bacteria normally present in the vagina. A person will complain of a fish-like vaginal odour. Treatment involves the prescription of an antibiotic.
• Chlamydia and Gonoccal infections are sexually transmitted infections: One can have no symptoms at times and may not even know they have a sexually transmitted infection, and at other times one can notice a thick yellow discharge. Treatment is mandatory as it can lead to infections of the womb and the fallopian tubes and result in infertility. It is also important that the sexual partner gets treated as there can be recurrence of the disease if the partner is not treated.

Protection from STIs

Women may find themselves feeling embarrassed or even ashamed to go and seek treatment for these symptoms, hoping perhaps the symptoms will go away on their own. It is important for women to be informed about the various infections and that medical treatment is available and can help in preventing any further complications. They also need to be aware of the ways of protecting themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STI).

HIV/Aids is another important sexually transmitted infection that is on the increase every day. Women need to be informed on how to protect themselves from contracting this disease, and also how to protect their partners. It is worth noting that HIV/Aids can also make one more susceptible to contracting other STIs. They also need to know that in the event of unprotected sex or rape that there is treatment that one can take to prevent the contraction of HIV.

Other Vaginal Disorders

There are other vaginal disorders, such as vaginal warts, vaginal herpes, vaginal ulcers or even vaginal lice ‘crabs’ that women may feel afraid to seek treatment for. But most need evaluation by a health professional who can give you advice on how to treat the condition.

Another condition that can cause distress or discomfort is labial hypertrophy, which is the enlargement of the labia or vaginal lips. It usually affects the inner labia called the labia minora, but it can affect the outer labia. The labia can be enlarged on one side or both sides. Most young women who have this condition have bigger than average sized labia, which they may have been born with it or it develops and enlarges during puberty.

One can be embarrassed, or emotionally distressed due to the enlarged labia. It can cause discomfort when wearing tight clothes or during certain sporting activities. Other women experience no abnormal symptoms whatsoever. Young women who have enlarged labia do not need to have surgery. If, however, one or both labia cause distress, surgery may be recommended. The surgery is known as labioplasty, which involves reshaping one or both labia so that they are smaller in size.

Vaginal Dryness

Post-menopausal women tend to experience vaginal dryness due to the decrease in the hormone level of oestrogen. They may thus complain of vaginal discomfort, burning and painful intercourse. Certain creams and lubricants can be prescribed to help alleviate some of these symptoms.

Women must be encouraged to know their bodies and be taught not to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about asking questions or seeking advice when things just do not seems right. After all, if women are well educated about their bodies, then women can begin to make informed choices about their health.