Health Archives

Miscarriage

Miscarriage

A pregnancy which ends before Twenty four weeks is called a
miscarriage, before 24 weeks is too early for a developing baby to survive
outside the mothers womb.

Having a miscarriage is common in about one in five pregnancies, the vast majority occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Having had three or more miscarriages is classed as recurrent miscarriages, which affects one in a hundred pregnant women, this does not mean to say that you will not go on, to have other successful pregnancies.

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Types of miscarriage

Threatened miscarriage is when you have bleeding early in your pregnancy and the cervix is firmly closed, your pregnancy is likely to continue, if a scan shows a normal heartbeat of your developing baby.

Inevitable miscarriage is when a miscarriage has started with bleeding and your cervix is open, which means your pregnancy will be lost.

Incomplete miscarriage is when a miscarriage begins but your womb still has tissue left.

Complete miscarriage means that your pregnancy has been lost, your womb has emptied and cervix has closed.

Missed miscarriage means that your developing baby has died, but you have not experienced any bleeding and didn’t lose any tissue straight away.

Symptoms of miscarriage

The most common symptoms of miscarriage is bleeding from the vagina, this varies from light spotting to bleeding really heavily, heavier than a period in full flow. You may also see blood clots or a brownie discharge, also cramping may occur and pains in the stomach (abdomen), pelvis and back ache.

Some women may not have any symptoms and the pregnancy may only be discovered via a routine scan.

If you are pregnant and have any type of bleeding from mild to severe you must always get this checked out with your GP, hospital or midwife immediately.

Causes of miscarriage

Around half of all early miscarriages occur because of chromosome problems combined with your egg and partners sperm during fertilisation. Other factors of miscarriage which are more likely include:

Smoking whilst pregnant

Problems with your immune system

Your age – half of all pregnancies in women over the age of
42 end in miscarriage

Drinking alcohol while you’re pregnant

Having an infection, such as listeria or malaria

A physical problem with your reproductive system

Health problems such as; poorly controlled diabetes, kidney
disease or polycystic ovarian syndrome

Miscarriage diagnosis

You’re doctor will ask you a number of questions about any symptoms you have had and then he/she will examine you. And may ask about your medical history, you may even be referred to see a gynaecologist to have some test carried out. Such as these below:

An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to produce an image of the inside of your womb.

Blood and urine tests can measure hormones associated with pregnancy called beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin and progesterone.

A pelvic examination may be done to check the source of any bleeding.

Prevention of miscarriage

In every pregnancy there is at risk of miscarriage; however, if you drink alcohol or smoke, your risk of having a miscarriage is higher. You can help to reduce your risk of pregnancy
problems by eating a well balanced diet, losing excess weight and not drinking too much or smoking.

Yeast Infection

Yeast Infection

A vaginal yeast infection is an irritation of the vagina and the area around the vulva. Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast fungus called Candida albicans. Tiny amounts of yeast are in the vagina to begin with, but when too much yeast grows in the vagina, this is how the fungal infection occurs.

Yeast infections are extremely common in women. 75 percent of women have this fungal infection during their lifetime.

Symptoms of yeast infection

The most common signs of a yeast infection are extreme itchiness of the vagina.

Other symptoms include:

  • Burning, redness, and swelling of the vagina and the vulva
  • Pain when passing urine
  • Pain during sex
  • Soreness
  • A thick white discharge that does not have a bad smell
  • A rash on the vagina

Only some of these symptoms may occur and may be mild or severe.

If you suspect you have a vaginal yeast infection, you need to see your doctor to check out if you have a yeast infection and to get treatment to cure the infection. The signs of a yeast infection are much like those of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Chlamydia and gonorrhoea. So get checked.

Yeast infections are very common. About 75 percent of women have one during their lives. And almost half of women have two or more vaginal yeast infections.

How is vaginal yeast infection diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a pelvic exam to look for swelling and discharge. Your doctor may also use a swab to take a fluid sample from your vagina. A lab test will show if yeast is causing the problem and a doctor can then prescribe the best treatment for you.

Many things can raise your chances of a vaginal yeast infection, such as:

  • stress
  • illness
  • poor eating habits, including eating extreme amounts of sugary foods
  • pregnancy
  • taking certain medicines, including birth control pills, antibiotics, and steroids
  • diseases such as poorly controlled diabetes and HIV/AIDS
  • hormonal changes during your periods

Can I get a yeast infection from having sex?

Yes, but it is rare. Most often, women don’t get yeast infections from sex. The most common cause is a weak immune system.

How is yeast infection treated?

Vaginal Yeast infections can be cured with antifungal medicines that come as:

  • creams
  • tablets
  • ointments or suppositories that are inserted into the vagina

These products can be bought over the counter at the drug store or grocery store. But can be very expensive.

Are over-the-counter medicines safe to use for yeast infections?

Yes, but always see a doctor for advice before treating yourself for a vaginal yeast infection if you:

  • are pregnant
  • have never been diagnosed with a yeast infection
  • keep getting yeast infections

Using these medicines the wrong way may lead to a hard-to-treat infection. Plus, treating yourself for a yeast infection when you really have something else may worsen the problem. Certain STIs that go untreated can cause cancer, infertility, pregnancy problems, and other health problems. So be sure what you have before you treat the problem.

If you choose to use these over-the-counter medicines, always read the directions carefully. Some creams and inserts may weaken condoms and diaphragms.

Does my sexual partner need to be treated if I have vaginal yeast infection?

Yeast infections are not STIs, but if your partner gets a rash or itchiness of his genital area, he should see a doctor.

How to avoid getting recurring yeast infections?

To help prevent vaginal yeast infections, you can:

  • avoid douches
  • avoid scented hygiene products like bubble bath, sprays, pads, and tampons
  • change tampons and pads often during your period
  • avoid tight underwear or clothes made of synthetic fibres
  • wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch
  • change out of wet swimsuits and exercise clothes as soon as you can
  • avoid hot tubs and very hot baths

Talk to your doctor if you are getting persistent recurring yeast infections.

Becoming A New Mum

Becoming A New Mum

Becoming a mum is an exciting but scary experience for first time mums, you will want answers to lot’s of questions from your midwife and health visitor and lots of support during the first few weeks. One of the first decisions you will have to make will be naming your new baby.

When your reality check sets in and the delivery of baby will be a distant memory. you will have lot’s of new stuff to learn about  You will also be getting used to  feeding and changing baby whether that is breastfeeding or formula. Getting used to the differing cries from your baby, from an uncomfortable cry because a nappy/diaper needs changing, to a cry where you know baby is unwell and not their usual selves. Your confidence will increase in time as you and baby get to know the ins and outs of each other.

Newborn baby’s will sleep through out the majority of their first few weeks and will eventually establish a sleeping routine with your help. The best way to get baby into a routine is to make sure baby knows when it is bedtime such as lights down low at night, not to much stimulation, and a relaxing bath before being put down in their cot.

The most important part of parenting is that a your baby or child feels lots of love, and secure and confident, but we all know that there’s times when we need a help to deal with the some of the more challenging times. There will be a whole heap of different issues that you will face over the years to come, (yes I said years). Becoming a parent is a life long commitment to your child and along the way you as parents will have lots of questions to ask on all kinds of parenting issues and concerns. Safety is often top of the agenda so make sure you are clued up with child safety within the home and outdoors, and car seat safety guidelines.

No matter how worried or concerned you are about anything to do with your child, always ask for advice from a doctor, midwife or, health visitor, they are there to help in any way possible. Never be afraid to ask for help from family and friends either, if you feel down or are having difficulties coping with your new baby see a Gp and get the help offered to you if you think you may have postnatal depression or baby blues.

Meningitis & septicaemia

Meningitis & septicaemia

These infections can kill within hours.

Meningitis is inflammation of the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Septicaemia is blood poisoning.

The two forms of the disease have dissimilar symptoms. People who recover from meningitis and septicaemia can be left with a variety of after effects that can change their lives.

Meningitis is usually bacterial or viral and occasionally is due to a fungal infection.

Viral meningitis can be extremely unpleasant, but it is almost never a life threatening illness, and most people quickly make a full recovery.
Bacterial meningitis is more dangerous and can be caused by a range of different bacteria.

Meningococcal bacteria can cause meningitis, septicaemia or both. Most people who get the disease have some symptoms of both infections; together these two forms of the disease are known as meningococcal disease.
Septicaemia is the more life threatening of the two illnesses and is more dangerous when there are no meningitis symptoms.

Other major forms of bacterial meningitis are:

• Pneumococcal
• Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib)

Bacterial forms that mostly affect newborn babies are:

• Group B Strepococcal
• E.Coli
• Listeria

There are immunisations available against some types of meningitis and septicaemia.

However; many other deadly forms of the diseases are not preventable with a vaccine.

People who have meningitis and septicaemia symptoms have to act fast to save a life. The sooner you receive medical help the better.

Meningitis and septicaemia can be hard to recognise, the symptoms can appear in any order, but usually the first symptoms are fever, vomiting, headache, and a general feeling of illness

The symptoms of septicaemia often appear earlier than meningitis symptoms such as; neck stiffness and dislike of bright lighting.

Septicaemia Symptoms:

• Fever and vomiting
• Muscle and joint pain
• Coldness of hands and feet
• Shivering
• Mottled pale skin
• Fast breathing or breathlessness
• Rash
• Difficult to wake/Sleepy
• Delirious

Meningitis Symptoms:

• Vomiting/Fever
• Headache/migraine
• Stiff neck (Less common in young children)
• Dislike of bright lights (Less common in young children)
• Difficult to wake/ sleepy
• Confused
• Seizures/fits
• Rash (not present in all cases)

Not everyone gets all these symptoms and Septicaemia can occur with or without meningitis.

Never take a chance when it comes to your baby’s health, if in doubt get baby checked out.

Special Needs

Special Needs

Finding out your child has special needs, disability or illness can be a heartbreaking time for both parents and families concerned. First thing to do is to gather all the information possible about your child’s special needs, and find out about the problem and what it is likely to mean for your child and for you.

Ask as many questions as you need to, ask your GP, specialist, and health visitor, take any support given. Whatever stage in your child’s life you receive a diagnosis of special needs or disability, you’ll have difficulty coping with the diagnosis. You will have lots of hard decisions to make and it will take time to come to terms with your child’s illness.

There are lots of help at child development centres, which will help you and your child not just to cope, but it, will give you support also. There is specialist help for you and your child too, such as; physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, home learning schemes and special needs play groups which are adapted for all your child’s needs and you can then also get to meet other parents with children who have special needs.

If you are finding the news particularly difficult to deal with then seek help. There is always somebody who can help and guide you through the good and bad times. Always remember you are not alone and lots of parents have to deal with these problems also.

Disabled children and young people with special needs have the same needs as any other child.

If you and your partner have a child or (are having a child) who is seriously ill or disabled there are a whole range of additional pressures on your relationship. You and your partner may feel isolated, struggling to take on board the news of your child having an illness.

Things you should do:

• Make time together as a family
• Make time for each other as a couple
• Talk through any concerns you may have
• Stay strong
• Ask medical staff any questions you have

Single parents

• Accept all the help you can from family members and specialists
• Make time for yourself
• Ask medical staff any questions you have

Even though a child has special need disabilities does not mean they are any less intelligent than any other children, they may just take a little longer to learn certain subjects. Some special need children can go on to live great lives and be very successful in life,

Life may seem tough in the beginning with a special needs child, but with time and a stable routine, you and your child can get through the ups and the downs with strength and determination. Love and hope.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is usually found in women aged between 25 and 49.  It is usually very rare in women under 20. This condition is most common on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissues that hold your womb in place. You can also get endometriosis on or around other organs in your pelvis and abdomen (Belly), such as your bladder or bowel. Rarely, endometriosis can occur around your lungs or heart also.

Endometriosis can cause cysts (endometrioma) to form on the ovaries. These cysts may not cause you any pain. You may only find out about having cysts during an internal examination. In some women, endometriosis can get better without treatment, but for the majority, it gets worse without treatment from a doctor.

Symptoms

The symptoms of endometriosis can vary depending upon the person. Some women have no symptoms at all, others have severe pain. The most common symptom is pelvic pain that feels like period cramps.

Other symptoms include those listed below.

  • Chronic pelvic pain that lasts a long time,
  • Pain during sex.
  • Changes to your periods, such as;small amounts of blood loss before the period is due (spotting),
  • Irregular bleeding or heavy periods.
  • Painful bowel movements.
  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Endometriosis on the bowel may cause swelling of your lower abdomen, pain when you have a bowel movement or blood in your faeces during a period.
  • Endometriosis on the bladder can cause pain when you urinate or blood in your urine during a period.
  • Endometriosis generally disappears after the menopause sets in.
  • Complications

    Complications of endometriosis include those listed below.

  • The bleeding can form scar tissue (adhesions) that can attach to the organs in your pelvis and abdomen.
  • Reduced fertility that may have no obvious cause or may be caused by adhesions forming on or near to your ovaries or fallopian tubes.
  • An increased risk of miscarriage or giving birth prematurely.
  • Cysts can bleed or rupture, causing extreme pain.
  • Endometriosis of the intestine can cause your bowel to become blocked up or twisted.
  • An increased risk of certain types of cancer, particularly ovarian cancer.
  • Causes

    There are no specific reasons on what causes endometriosis. Endometriosis can affect any woman of childbearing age.

  • You’re more likely to develop endometriosis if you:
  • Have a close female relative who has endometriosis such as; mother or sister.
  • Have fertility problems.
  • Start your period at an early age.
  • Begin menopause at a late age.
  • Have frequent or heavy painful periods.
  • Diagnosis

    Your GP will ask you about any symptoms you may have, and examine you. He/she may also ask about your medical history. Your doctor may wish to perform an internal vaginal examination. If he/she thinks you may have endometriosis, he/she will refer you to a gynaecologist (a doctor specialising in women’s reproductive health).

    The only way to be sure that you have endometriosis is to have a laparoscopy. A laparoscopy allows your surgeon to look inside your abdomen. The procedure involves passing a narrow, flexible, tube with a camera (a laparoscope) into your abdomen through a small cut. Your surgeon will examine the organs in your pelvis by looking at pictures on a monitor.

    The procedure takes about 30 minutes and is usually done under general anaesthetic. Typically you must not eat or drink for about six hours before a general anaesthetic.

    Treatment

    There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but treatments are available for managing the symptoms.

  • relieve pain and heavy bleeding.
  • shrink or slow down the growth of the endometrial tissue on other organs.
  • improve your fertility.
  • Medicines used to treat endometriosis do not improve fertility, but surgery can help if the endometriosis is interfering with your womb and ovaries. Some women with endometriosis who want to have children may need fertility treatment.

    The type of treatment you have will depend on your age, and the severity of your symptoms and whether or not you want to have a child.

    Cot Death

    Cot Death

    Cot death is also known as SIDS, which is short for sudden infant death syndrome. Cot death is a diagnosis when a normally healthy baby dies without warning. When a post mortem is conducted on a baby and all other facts have been taken into consideration and nothing is found wrong with the child, this is when a post mortem results in cot death.

    A cot death may be shortened as SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), or simply cot death.

    Sadly, there are around 340 cot deaths in the UK  each year.

    Cot death why does it happen?

    No one knows why babies die like this. Doctors believe that there may be a mixture of reasons involved. Some suggested that certain babies have complications with the part of the brain that controls breathing and waking, so they don’t respond to a breathing problem like their blankets being over their faces and covering nose and mouth.

    When does cot death happen?

    Cot death happens often during sleep but this is not always the case. This could be whilst asleep in the cot at night or it could be during a nap in the daytime, in a pushchair or even in a person’s arms.

    Babies most at risk

    Cot death is uncommon in babies less than a month old. It is most common during the second month and nearly 90 per cent of cot deaths occur in babies under six months old. The risk reduces as the baby grows older and very few cot deaths occur once a child reaches one and over.

    Cot death can happen to any family, Babies said to be more at risk are these:

    • being a boy – cot death is slightly more common in boys: almost 60 per cent of cot deaths are in boys

    • being born prematurely (before 37 weeks)

    • being born with a low birth weight (less than 2.5kg/5lb 8oz)

    Reduce your baby’s risk of cot death

    Sadly there’s nothing anybody can do to prevent cot death. However, you can do a number of things to lower your baby’s risk. The Department of Health recommends the following steps:

    Always ensure you put baby to sleep on his/her back and in your room, this will prevent a healthy baby from choking Putting your baby on their side is not as safe as placing them on their back.

    At around five or six months, babies start to roll over and the risk of cot death reduces and it’s safe to let your baby find their own sleeping position But you should still put your baby down to sleep on their back to begin with. If throughout the night you see your baby has rolled onto their stomach or side, then gently roll them back. But you do not have to sit up all night and watch them to make sure don’t rollover.

    Don’t smoke during pregnancy or allow anyone to smoke around you or your baby,

    if you smoke cigarettes during or after pregnancy, your baby’s risk of cot death will be increased. One study predicted that up to 40 per cent of cot deaths could be prevented if pregnant mothers did not smoke.

    Don’t smoke during pregnancy and don’t allow smoking around your baby. The risk to your baby is increased if anyone in the house smokes, even if it is in another room, with a window open or with a fan or ioniser. Ask visitors to smoke outside, and always keep the air around your baby smoke-free.

    Overheating your baby is linked to an increased risk of cot death. Keep the room your baby sleeps in at a comfortable temperature (between 16 and 20 degrees C/61 and 68 degrees F, ideally 18 degrees C/64 degrees F).Don’t put babies cot next to a radiator or heater and don’t use a hot water bottle or an electric blanket.

    Lay your baby with their feet at the foot of the cot so they can’t wriggle down under the bedding. Keep their head uncovered by tucking their bedding in no higher than her shoulders.

    A Moses basket, carrycot or travel cot is a good way to keep her nearby while you get on with what you want to do.

    Signs that your baby may be overheated include sweating, damp hair, a heat rash rapid shallow breathing, and a fever. If your baby does feel hot adjust the blankets. Don’t feel the hands or feet to see if baby is warm enough; it is normal for them to feel cold anyway.

    Remove any extra layers of clothing as soon as you come indoors after being outside,

    Never sleep with your baby in your bed or on a sofa or armchair, make sure after a cuddle or a feed put baby back in their cot.

    For babies bedding you should use a sheet and cellular blankets rather than a duvet, or a well-fitted lightweight baby sleeping bag. Sleeping bags should not be big enough for your baby to slip down inside.

    If your baby’s too hot, remove a blanket; if he’s cold, add one (remember, one blanket folded in half is two layers). Do not use duvets, quilts, bedding rolls or pillows.

    Breastfeeding your baby reduces the risk of cot death in babies.

    Always take baby for regular check up’s and immunisations which will keep baby well and help prevent any unwanted illnesses.
    Some mums find breastfeeding easier if their baby shares their bed but the safest thing to do is to put the baby back in his cot to sleep.

    Do not share a bed with your baby if anybody

    • is a smoker (even if you never smoke near your baby)

    • has been drinking alcohol

    • is taking any medication or drugs what so ever

    • is very tired

    Always remember to put your baby and their health first before any other priorities. Your babies are the most precious beings and need to be handled with care to a degree, especially whilst at a very young and vulnerable age and protected against cot death.

    Eye Infection

    Eye Infection

    Eye infection is caused from bacteria; the eye drains a yellow mucus discharge. This condition is also called bacterial conjunctivitis or runny eyes. Your child may have symptoms such as:

    Yellow discharge along the eyelids

    Eyelids stuck together with pus, after sleeping

    Redness and soreness of the eyes

    Puffy eyelids

    Try not to confuse the mucus discharge in the eye for general sleep in the eye, which we get in the mornings after we have slept.

    Cause of eye infection

    Eye infections with a discharge are caused by bacteria and can be a symptom of a cold. Pink eyes without a yellow discharge are common and are due to a virus.

    With prescription treatment from a doctor should help and clear the problem within 3 days.

    Eye infections may be spread through contact with the eye drainage, which contains the virus or

    bacteria that caused the infection. Touching an infected eye leaves drainage on your hand. If you touch your other eye or an object when you have drainage on your hand, the virus or bacteria can be spread. Here are some ways to prevent the spread of eye infections:

    • Wash your hands before and after touching your eyes or face and before.
    • Do not share eye makeup.
    • Throw away your old makeup and buy new products.
    • Do not share contact lens equipment, containers, or solutions.
    • Do not wear contact lenses until the infection is cured.
    • Do not share eye medicine.
    • Do not share towels, linens, pillows, or handkerchiefs. Use clean linens, towels, and cloths daily.
    • Wear eye protection when in the wind, heat, or cold to prevent eye irritation.

    Treatment for eye infection

    When a child has bacterial eye infection ensure you clean the eye with luke warm and a cotton wool ball before applying prescribed ointment.

    Antibiotics are generally prescribed for eye infections, in the form of a cream, lotion or drops, depending on the age of a child they may prescribe eye drops for older children.

    Things to remember before treating eye infection

    Ensure always to wash hands before cleaning the eye and applying the antibiotics, in case the infection spreads due to bad bacteria on the hands and in nails. And wash hands afterwards so you do not rub anywhere and become infected yourself.

    Always use a separate facecloth and towel than any person with an infection, and watch where your child is touching so they don’t create a worse infection and remember to wash their hands too.
    Once the sore area has been cleaned and treated, if the eye looks worse or the redness does not improve in the 3 days treatment consult a doctor immediately.

    Head Lice

    Head Lice

    Head lice are common in children who are at school age, and they are some times called nits, their about 2-3 mm in length and have pincer like legs which they will use to grip the hair tightly.

    And they are also very hard to see, especially in children with darker hair. As the most common of all human parasites, head lice can affect anyone of any age, and it does not matter about how clean you and your hair are.

    head lice can only walk from one head to another on pieces of hair. This is why they are so well known amongst school children. The close proximity of children in a classroom will make head lice infestations a lot more likely and annoyingly recurring problem for some parents and children.

    Signs  of head lice

    Itching and scratching of the scalp is the most obvious sign that your child has head lice/nits, but not everyone has symptoms so it is worth checking the hair regularly, especially if you know of anybody close who has a head lice infestation.

    The best way to catch an infestation early is to check your child’s hair on a weekly basis. The hair should be checked with a head lice detection

    comb while the hair is wet or damp, allowing a plenty of time to spare to do a thorough look through especially with thick hair. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the water and then wet the hair with it, If you lean the child over a light coloured cloth and comb their hair in small sections from root to tip you’ll soon see any lice and eggs drop off.

    If you find your child has an infestation, all members of the household should be checked for lice too.

    To avoid head lice repeating check and treat all the family at the same time.

    Treating head lice

    There are plenty of lotions and shampoo’s and nit combs available at your pharmacy. I find all these products highly priced, especially if you and your children have repeated episodes of head lice infestation.

    I use just normally hair conditioner, but lots and lots of it and leave on for 5 minutes and then get a fine toothed nit comb or general fine toothed comb and check the hair a section at a time. Always double check the hair after the first check. Don’t just give up if you can not see or find anymore, because eggs could be hiding also as well as more head lice.

    The sooner you treat and get rid of a head lice infestation the easier it will be, because the longer you have head lice, the more they create and lay new eggs and then they hatch and then they create further eggs and they hatch, and so on and so fourth.

    Vaginal Infections

    Vaginal Infections

    Certain bacteria live inside the vagina, which is healthy bacteria that is supposed to be there, to help assist in keeping the vaginal area clean and healthy. This healthy bacteria helps to ward off other nasty bacteria’s, as well as viruses and fungus that causes many vaginal infections. Anything that lowers the acidity of the vagina can cause itchy horrible infections.

    It’s normal for women of childbearing age to have a vaginal discharge. The amount and colour of the discharge can change during your menstrual cycle, sexual excitement and pregnancy.

    Symptoms of a vaginal infection include:

    • unusual vaginal discharge which may be unusual in colour and smell unpleasant
    • irritation and soreness of the vulva (the skin around the outside of the vagina)
    • vaginal itching   
    • pain during sex   
    • bleeding after sex   
    • abdominal pains   
    • redness, swelling, lumps, blisters, or ulceration of the vulva or anus pain when passing urine   

    It’s important that you see your GP if you have any of these symptoms.

    Causes of vaginal infections

    Certain types of bacteria live inside the vagina naturally. Many situations such as hormonal changes, stress, or using scented soap to clean the genital area can unbalance the levels of acid in the vagina. This can cause healthy bacteria living naturally inside the vagina to grow faster than usual, and cause a vaginal infection.

    A forgotten tampon, can also encourage bacteria to grow and cause an infection. Rarely, it can also produce a life-threatening complication known as ‘toxic shock syndrome’.

    Vaginal infections can also be caused through unprotected sexual intercourse or skin-to-skin contact. Which are known as sexually transmitted infections (STI’s).

    Diagnosis of common vaginal infections: 

    If you have any symptoms, visit your GP, your local GUM (genito-urinary medicine) or sexual health clinic. Your GP may refer you to a sexual health clinic for specialist treatment.

    Always’ s get tested by a swab and urine test, to diagnose any vaginal infection. By a professional Gp or nurse.

    Common vaginal infections are:

    • Thrush
    • Bacterial vaginosis
    • Trichomoniasis
    • Chlamydia
    • Gonorrhoea
    • Genital herpes
    • Genital warts

    All the common vaginal infections above, all have some kind of difference within  the symptoms. So always get advice from you’re practitioner. Get tested for all infections, including STI’s and be on the safe side. Because as the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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