TOILET INFECTIONS: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES & NATURAL TREATMENT

Toilet infections, which is often referred to as toilet disease by some people is a condition in which a female experiences discomfort such as burning, itching and unpleasant or foul odour coming right from the vagina.

The condition is named toilet infection because most ladies could swear they started experiencing the discomfort after the use of public toilet seat.

Regardless of how its viewed, toilet infections can be darned uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing as the itching tends to occur when you are out in public places.

This article takes a comprehensive look at what exactly is toilet infection, symptoms of toilet infections, causes of toilet infections and natural treatment of toilet infection.

What is Toilet infection?

Toilet infection is medically termed as vaginal infection or vaginitis . They are conditions that cause infection or inflammation of the vagina creating discharge, foul odor, irritation and itching.Toilet infection is the layman (non professional) term for vaginal infection.

There are several kinds of these infections. However the most common types are :

Ø  Baterial Vaginosis

Ø  Vaginal Yeast Infection

Ø  Trichomoniasis

Ø  Others include

Ø  Gonorrhea

Ø  Chlamydia

Ø  Non Infectious vaginitis

Ø  Viral vaginitis

As a matter of fact, knowing the exact type of toilet infection you are experiencing may be a bit difficult despite that they may have different symptoms. The reason for this is that Vaginitis has many causes and you may have more than one at the same time.

Symptoms of Toilet Infections

The common symptoms of the various kinds of toilet infection are; itching, vaginal discharge , and burning. Irrespective of how similar these symptoms look like, you should be able to point out the difference by examining the colour and the smell of the vaginal discharge.

Some amount of vaginal discharge occurs normally in women of child bearing age, the glands in the cervix produce secretion that moves downwards mixing with bacteria and dead vaginal cells which may make the discharge whitish or yellowish in colour when exposed to air. The quantity of mucus secreted depends on the amount of estrogen produced. Furthermore, Vaginal discharge may occur as a result of emotional stress or sexual excitement. The discharge in this case is often clear mucus secretion. Experiencing any kind of discharge that is different from the aforementioned type either in colour, odour, frequency, quantity and texture might be a strong indication that you have toilet infection

Pain can also be felt however, its not a frequent symptom of toilet infection.

The following are the symptoms of each kind of Toilet infection :

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Ø  Abnormal vaginal discharge with foul odour (fish like smell) often after intercourse, Discharge may be thin with white or gray colour

Ø  Itching around the vagina

Ø  Burning during urination

Ø  Some women may not have any symptoms

Vaginal Yeast Infection

Ø  Vaginal discharge is thick, whitish-gray (cottage cheese) in colour

Ø  You may not always have vaginal discharge and it can be itchy when it comes

Ø  Painful urination and painful intercourse

Ø  Intense itching around the vagina

Trichomoniasis

Ø  Frothy vaginal discharge with yellow- green or gray colour

Ø  Burning during urination

Ø  Itching or irritation of the vagina

Ø  Foul smell

Ø  Discomfort during intercourse

Ø  Symptoms occurs within 4 to 20 days after exposure since it is a sexually transmitted disease

Causes of Toilet Infections

Causes of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

This is the most common type of toilet disease. It is caused by bacteria. The vagina itself houses two sets of bacteria which are; the good bacteria and the bad bacteria.

The good bacteria helps control the growth of the bad bacteria. Bacterial vaginosis is the situation in which the good bacteria are not enough to check the bad bacteria and hence causing overgrowth of organisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis.

Although what is responsible for the change or imbalance in the bacteria is unknown, certain factors can however increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. They include;

Ø  Pregnancy

Ø  Use of Intrauterine device (IUD)

Ø  Frequent douching

Ø  Having more than one sexual partner or a new sexual partner

Ø  Smoking

It is however important to note that you do NOT get bacterial vaginosis from toilet seats, bedding, or swimming pools.

Bacterial vaginosis are usually not life threatening . But can lead to serious problems in some cases. Examples are given below.

      Having BV during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, and uterine infection after pregnancy.

      Pelvic infection is more likely to occur if you have BV and you undergo pelvic procedures such as abortion, cesarean section etc.

      Having BV makes you more vulnerable to catch sexually transmitted infection

Causes  Of Vaginal Yeast Infection.

Also known as genital candidiasis or vulvovaginal candidiasis. It is caused by a fungus usually Candida albicans . This type of fungi are normally found in small amount within the vagina and overgrowth of it leads to yeast infection. It is not clear how this fungal infection originates but it is generally believed that they are not sexually transmitted.

Infection can occur when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is affected. The following factors may increase the likelihood of imbalance.

Antibiotics: Using antibiotics may destroy the protective bacteria in the vagina causing overgrowth of yeast.

Medical Condition : Such as diabetes and weak immune system may increase the risk of yeast infection

Hormonal changes such as in pregnancy, ovulation, menopause : All of these conditions are capable of creating conducive environment for the unrestricted growth of fungus within the vagina

Birth control pills: This is capable of interfering with the estrogen content of the body promoting fungal growth in the vagina

Causes of Non-Infectious Vaginitis

Non- Infectious vaginitis is a case where the itching, burning, and vaginal discharge happen without an infection. They often occur as a result of allergic reaction to various products such as

•       Vaginal sprays
•       Pant liners
•       Detergents
•       Fabric softeners
•       Perfumed soaps
•       Spermicide

It may also occur as a result of lower levels of hormones as in the case of menopause or removal of ovaries causing the vagina to be dry causing burning and pain during intercourse

External objects such as a forgotten tampon may cause vaginal irritation

Causes of Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis . It is primarily an infection of the urinary and genital tract which is mostly affected by women although men can be infected too.

Treatment of Toilet Infections and Home Remedies

Getting the right diagnosis is the key to proper treatment of toilet infection.

You must be able to tell the symptoms and describe the color, texture, smell, and quantity of discharge you might be having.

Bacterial Vaginosis

This is treated majorly by antibiotic. Antibiotics usually work well and have few side effects. But taking them can lead to a vaginal yeast infection. Metronidazole (flagyl) is an effective drug for toilet infection.

Home remedies to encourage healing of bacterial vaginosis include

Garlic: Peel off the skin and insert this into the vagina allowing it to remain overnight. This may be done once every day until the infection goes away.

Apple cider vinegar: This is another effective natural remedy for vaginal infections. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with two cups of water and add a fresh clove of garlic. Allow the solution to stand for some time so that the nutrient in the garlic can be absorbed and then use it for douching.

Vaginal Yeast Infection

For mild cases, vaginal creams can be very effective. For severe and recurrent cases of yeast infection, vaginal clotrimazole and oral fluconazole may be administered.

Avoid douching when you have vaginal yeast infection as douching may promote the yeast infection and spread it to the cervix and into the uterus.

Home remedies for yeast infection are

Yogurt: A common home remedy for yeast infections is to immerse a tampon in yogurt and insert it into the vagina. This may be done twice on daily basis until the symptoms subside.

Garlic: Inserting garlic over night is also an effective home remedy

Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is also known for its ability to alleviate the symptoms of itching and irritation caused by a yeast infection. Pour a few drops of the oil on a tampon and place it inside the vagina.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is treated with metronidazole (flagyl). It usually is given in a single dose

Echinacea and Garlic are effective home remedies for trichomoniasis.

Prevention of Toilet Disease

Here are some preventive tips for toilet infections and disease

•       Always keep yourself clean and dry
•       Avoid using vaginal sprays or heavily perfumed soaps on the vagina.
•       Be careful not to allow the transfer of germs from the anal area while wiping
•       Avoid wearing clothes that withhold heat and moisture such as nylon underwear, tight jeans and pant hose without cotton.
•       Using condoms may help prevent transmitting infections
•       Eating yogurt with active cultures may help reduce yeast vaginal infections
•       Don’t use deodorant tampons or pads
•       Remaining in a sweaty or dirty cloth can worsen infection
•       Endeavour to get a complete gynecologic exam on yearly basis.