One of the many old wives’ tales from generations back say that vaginitis is a honeymoon issue because virgin brides had become irritated from too much sex. Perhaps they were jealous that the younger women were enjoying something they weren’t. In most cases vaginitis is not sexually transmitted but there are times when it is.
In a nutshell vaginitis is irritation and inflammation of the vagina. Symptoms can include itching and a discharge. It can also be painful. It is caused by the disruption of the normal good bacteria that live in the vagina. Doctors will define an infection as bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, vaginal atrophy which is the result of hormonal changes and trichomoniasis which is indeed transmitted by intercourse.
Symptoms may vary from woman to woman but none are what you might call pleasant. There can be spotting between periods, painful intercourse (maybe the basis for the old wives), painful or burning urination, and the embarrassment and odour of unusual vaginal discharge.
Yeast infections can be treated with a host of over-the-counter products. However, if you have used the product as directed and you still have problems you should see your doctor so he can confirm your self-diagnosis.
Bacterial vaginitis can by linked to having multiple sex partners but that is not the only cause. Some women who are not sexually active have developed this strain. But the stigma is there. Yeast infections can be caused by many things. This is a fungal and not a bacterial infection. Something quite simple like an oral antibiotic can cause yeast infections. Anything that will kill the good bacteria along with the bad bacterial can open the doorway for yeast to invade.
Trichomoniasis is a miscreant that is spread through unprotected sex. This is one area that proves a bit of “it’s a man’s world.” Men will have no symptoms and no unpleasantness. Women will suffer the discomfort.
None of these infections are life-threatening. However, having an infection can lower your immune system and make you more susceptible to acquiring other STDs including HIV. While not life threatening, they can make life miserable until they are eliminated.
