Vaginal irritation, itching, itching and bleeding is very common in vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis or fungal infection (such as candidiasis).
In the case of candidiasis, another commonly observed symptom is the presence of whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge. The symptoms usually worsen before menstruation and improve at the beginning of the period.
Candidiasis is quite common and is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD), although the fungus that causes the disease can be spread through oral-genital contact.
The fungus causing candidiasis, candida, is naturally present in the vaginal canal, along with several other bacteria. Lactobacilli (a type of bacterium) counterbalance the proliferation of fungi inside the vagina. When there is an imbalance in the proliferation of candida, we have a picture of vaginal candidiasis.
Some of the main risk factors for candidiasis:
- Use of antibiotics;
- Pregnancy;
- Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
- Obesity;
- Use of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants;
- Wearing lycra and poorly ventilated clothes;
- Autoimmune diseases or impaired immunity;
- Use of shower or intimate daily soap.
O treatment of vaginal candidiasis may include:
- Single application or daily applications of antifungal creams, suppositories or ova;
- Use of oral antibiotics.
Another situation where there may be irritation in the vagina, similar to a rash, itching and bleeding, is in the vaginose bacterial, being the main cause of vaginal discharge in women of reproductive age.
Vaginosis is characterized by an abnormal growth of anaerobic bacteria such as Gardnerella vaginalis, Mobiluncus, among others, associated with a decrease in lactobacilli of the normal vaginal flora.
Frequent sexual intercourse, use of vaginal showers or premenstrual period favor the alteration of the vaginal bacterial flora, and may trigger vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis is also not considered an STD, although its occurrence is higher in women with a high number of sexual partners, being rare in sexually inactive women.
O treatment of bacterial vaginosis includes:
- Use of ointment or vaginal cream;
- Oral antibiotic medications.
For a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the woman should consult the gynecologist, family doctor or general practitioner.
