3 subtle signs of common infections that raise the risk of sexually transmitted infections

Your vagina may be trying to tell you something – but are you listening?

A British doctor is issuing an alarm warning that too many women lack little-known signs of vaginal disease that, if left untreated, could lead to serious health problems.

“Bacterial vaginosis is common, but women often mistake it for a yeast infection or a sexually transmitted infection similar to similar symptoms, such as hairy disease,” ASDA Online Doctor Crystal Wyllie, Ph.D., told the Daily Mail. “It is important that women have to detect signs of BV to ensure they are treated correctly, whether it is antibiotics or internally applied.”

The exact cause of BV is not fully understood, but it often affects sexually active individuals, a result of an imbalance between healthy and harmful bacteria found naturally in the vagina.

Wyllie said the signs of Telltale are strong fishy smells, off-white emissions or irritation in the genital area. However, studies have shown that up to 84% of women with BV show no symptoms, highlighting the importance of routine gynecological examinations.

There are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of BV – first throw away the scented shower gel and skip the next time you shower.

“With the feeling and smelling fresh, your vagina is already a self-cleaning professional,” Wyllie said. “Rinse and use flavor soap can actually keep everything harmonious by rinsing good bacteria, thus To worsen BV.”

She also recommends paying attention to your choice of underwear and hygiene habits.

“Tight and synthetic lingerie captures moisture, providing the ideal conditions for BV to flourish,” Wyllie explains. “Choose breathable materials for cotton lingerie, if you’re sweating in the pool or hot tub, or dipping sauce , please change it from the wet clothes as soon as possible.”

And, of course, don’t forget about security. Wyllie advises: “Using condoms can help protect your vaginal flora, and if you share sex toys, make sure to clean them thoroughly between uses.”

Even with these precautions, some people are still at risk of recurring BV due to the natural lack of lactic acid bacteria, which is crucial to maintaining a healthy vaginal microbiome.

For these people, it is often recommended to use probiotics to help restore the natural balance of the vagina. This promotes good bacterial growth while preventing harmful bacteria from taking over.

Studies have shown that probiotics can reduce the chance of relapse by nearly half after treatment of initial BV. This effect may last for a month or more.

You can find probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt and pickles, or use them as a supplement.

Anyone with a vagina can suffer from bacterial vaginosis, although the most common in the reproductive year is that hormone fluctuations make bacteria more likely to grow.

In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BV is the most common vaginal problem among women aged 15 to 44.

Although often considered a relatively mild disease, BV can easily treat antibiotics in the form of tablets, gels, or creams. However, since BV does not always show symptoms, it may sometimes cause attention and untreated.

In about 30% of cases, the infection may resolve itself. However, BV can cause serious health complications if not examined by tissue.

For example, BV destroys the vagina’s natural microbiome, making transmission of sexual transmission like herpes, chlamydia and gonorrhea easier. One theory of why this happens is that BV lowers the acidity of the vagina, thereby weakening its natural defense against infection.

The disease is also associated with inflammatory pelvic disease, which can lead to chronic pain, reproductive system damage, ectopic pregnancy and infertility.

If you are pregnant, untreated BV can increase the risk of adverse consequences such as premature birth, low birth weight, and even miscarriage.