There is a great variety of different infections, diseases, and health issues that can easily affect a woman’s reproductive health. Due to the fact that many of these conditions can develop asymptomatically, it is important to regularly visit a gynecologist for check-ups. Moreover, certain infections may cause severe complications. For example, one of the usual diseases that most women experience is cystitis. In fact, more than half of the world’s women suffer from this condition. But in this article, we gathered four dangerous infections that can affect women’s health.
1. UTI
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. This infection is a common health issue that affects many people all over the world. A UTI occurs when bacteria (usually from the digestive tract) penetrate the opening of the urethra and start to multiply.
Women are more prone to develop urinary tract infections because their urethra is shorter and located much closer to the anus than in men. As a result, women can easily get an infection after sex. Menopausal women also have an increased risk of a UTI.
The infection can occur in the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. The most common symptoms of UTI include:
- Cloudy urine that has a strong odor
- Blood in the urine
- Fever
- Pain during urination
- Pressure in the pelvic area
- The urgency to urinate
It is important to understand that UTI requites timely and proper treatment. In most cases, antibiotics and painkillers can ease symptoms and eliminate the infection.
2. STIs
Despite the fact that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect both males and females, they can cause more severe symptoms and complications in women. It is important to know that these infections can be passed not only through vaginal sex but also during anal and oral sex. Moreover, syphilis and herpes can be transmitted through kissing. It is important to understand that untreated STI can lead to PID that is usually accompanied by infertility.
Indeed, many STIs are curable, but unfortunately, HIV, HPV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C can’t be completely treated yet. You should also know that gonorrhea may become resistant to many regular antibiotics. It is also important to understand that STIs can be present in (and spread by) people who may not experience any symptoms and have not yet been diagnosed with an STI.
3. Yeast infection
Yeast infection tends to be one of the most common infections that affect women’s reproductive health. Despite the fact that most people think that it is insignificant and not dangerous, untreated yeast infection usually has a lot of unpleasant consequences. It is an infection of the skin and/or mucous membranes caused by the common yeast species Candida.
Yeast is normally found on the skin, digestive system, and vaginal area. However, their overgrowth may cause an infection. Antibiotics, pregnancy, hormonal contraception, sex, and other factors can contribute to the development of yeast infection. Due to the fact that symptoms of Candida overgrowth (itching, abnormal discharge, and redness) are similar to the symptoms of other diseases and infections, self-treatment may aggravate your condition. Visit the doctor for the testing and a treatment plan.
4. Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when a healthy vaginal bacterial community changes if the pH balance of the vagina becomes less acidic. This change usually causes discharge and sometimes a strong odor. Periods, antibiotics, douching, an IUD, and many other factors can contribute to the development of bacterial vaginosis.
It is important to understand that bacterial vaginosis should be treated by the doctor. Despite the fact that regular antibiotics can cope with this issue, you should always consult your gynecologist before use. If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and early delivery. It also increases your risk to get STIs.
