Yes, virgins get vaginal infections too!

GYNOISSUES

Monday, June 20, 2011

THERE'S a common misconception that once a woman or young girl presents with symptoms such as burning, itching or foul discharge, that she's sexually active. But in fact, many women who have never had sex help to make up the infection percentages, as some infections, though oftentimes sex linked, are not confined to this activity.

And so it is important that mothers of teens, especially, know this, in order to seek the correct treatment for their daughters.

Gynaecologist Dr Keisha Buchanan said there are three main vaginal infections that virgins can get -- yeast, bacterial infections like bacterial vaginosis, and infections caused by poor hygiene, example from wiping incorrectly after passing stool.

She said virgins who use tampons also run the risk of developing infections if the tampons are kept in over eight hours.

"Most of the times these infections are treated orally," she told All Woman. "But they can also be treated with inserts if the patient is comfortable with these."

So if you or your daughter notice an increase or change in vaginal discharge, including grey, green, or yellow discharge; vaginal redness, swelling, itching, or pain; vaginal odour or burning with urination, then it is time to visit a gynaecologist.

Here are the infections explained:

Yeast

Yeast is a fungus scientifically referred to as candida. Yeast is commonly present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. It is estimated that between 20 to 50 per cent of healthy women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area. Symptoms of yeast infection include intense itching, burning with urination and a yeasty (baked bread) odour.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal condition that can produce vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. Women with this infection may have abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant, fishy odour. Discharge, if present, is usually white or grey and thin. Women with bacterial vaginosis may also have burning during urination or itching around the outside of the vagina, or both.

Infection through contamination

After using the toilet women should wipe from front to back (vagina to anus). If women wipe from anus to vagina this can transfer faeces into the vagina resulting in an infection.

— Donna Hussey-Whyte