What are the causes of vaginal infections?
There are three common types of vaginal infections. Infections caused by bacteria are known as bacteria vaginosis. This infection is usually caused by a change in the normal bacterial flora, for example, microorganisms such as Gardnerella.

Another type of infection is the yeast or fungal infection. Yeast infections are caused by changes in the pH of the vagina. This causes the candida fungus to multiply excessively. Anything from oral contraceptives to stress can cause a yeast infection. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy can also cause yeast to overgrow.

Lastly, there are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as trichomonas. The trichomonas infection is caused by a parasite. The other two types of infections are not sexually transmitted.

What are the symptoms of vaginal infections?
The symptoms of yeast infections include itching, a white and curdy discharge, burning and soreness in the vaginal area, as well as swelling of the vulva.

Bacterial vaginosis causes discharge that is of a "fishy" odour. The discharge caused by trichomonas is gray-green with a "fishy" smell.

Some patients, however, may not show any symptom. A few infections can occur at the same time as well.

What are the treatment options and how effective are they?
Different types of infections require different treatments. They can come in the form of topical creams and suppositories, as well as oral capsules and tablets.

Oral capsules can usually take longer for symptom relief because they act from within the body. Topical treatments are more ideal. However, most have a problem with the medication leaking and are thus only take it at night.

Antifungal products such as Gynofort are usually prescribed for yeast infections. Patients have given good feedback on its effectiveness and ease of application. Antibiotics may be prescribed to complement antifungal treatment.

When can a woman self-treat if she has a vaginal infection? What are the possible complications, if any?
Firstly, avoid the use of tampons to stop active infection. Over-the-counter products are common but they may cause allergic reactions and may not be effective towards fungal infections. Avoid douching excessively, as it may wash out the good bacteria.

As confusion about the symptoms of the different infections is possible, misdiagnosis may happen and result in a delay in getting appropriate treatment. The infection may then spread to other reproductive organs or even to the infected person?s sex partner. Therefore it is always best to seek medical advice as soon as possible.

What are the preventive measures against vaginal infections?
It is always important to maintain good hygiene. Avoid tight fitting clothing and ensure good ventilation of the vaginal area. Avoid as well the use of harsh cleansing agents and feminine sprays. Change out of wet swimsuits as soon as possible as these provide a moist environment for yeast to thrive.

Article contributed by Dr. Suresh Nair, Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at the Gynaecology Consultants Clinic and Surgery, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre

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ABOUT GYNOFORT

Gynofort's active ingredient is the drug, butoconazole, which its manufacturer says has been found to be effective
against all common strains of candida.

The inconvenience of topical treatments and suppositories is that the medication may leak from the vagina, thus confining their use to just before bedtime. Gynofort promises to solve this problem with a patented bio-adhesion mechanism, Vagisite, which enables the cream-based medication to stick to wet living tissue. The medication can therefore be applied at any time of day without affecting one's normal activity.

Gynofort is currently available only with a doctor's prescription.