Taking charge of your vaginal health

New Delhi, Sep 6 The weather's changing, it's the sweaty, itchy season with lots of humidity. With the rain comes the humidity, which can be an irritant at times. However, the changing weather conditions be it summers, rains, winters can sometimes leave you dehydrated and dry. And this holds true for your vagina and its health too.

There is a possibility that most women will notice a rise in vaginal infections during varying seasons. Dr Chandrika Kulkarni, Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist & fertility specialist; Cloudnine Group of Hospitals speaks to life about the infections which could affect your vaginal health during different seasons and how can these be avoided.

Common Infections

Fungal Infections: The most common infection during the monsoon due to the heat and increased humidity is fungal infections. Candidiasis is the most common fungal infection which can lead to severe itching of the vagina and the external genitalia. It can also lead to excoriation of the skin and swelling due to intense scratching. Candidial infection is associated with thick curdy white discharge.

Bacterial Infections: The moisture during varying seasons can increase the risk of bacterial infections like bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis which are characterised by altered foul smelling vaginal discharges. This can lead to itching and foul smell emanating from vagina which at times could lead to a loss of self-esteem. Typically cause grayish-white or yellow discharge. This discharge may have a fish-like odor that's easily noticed after sex.

Vaginal Infections & Pregnancy

Thanks to the surge in hormones that happens during pregnancy, moms-to-be are more susceptible to a host of vaginal infections. Here are the common culprits, along with how they're treated during pregnancy. Vaginal infections, ranging from common to more rare, can affect pregnant women: bacterial vaginosis

( With inputs from IANS )