Poor hygiene, unprotected sex and more can cause vaginal infections: Know 10 culprits

Have you ever felt discomfort or irritation there and wondered what’s causing it? Vaginal infections are more common than many people realize, and can affect women of all ages. From itching and burning to unusual discharge, vaginal infections can compromise your intimate health and make you feel anxious. You may also experience redness and swelling around the vagina and vulva, a burning sensation when urinating, and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Although often treatable, it’s important to understand the underlying causes that make you more susceptible to vaginal infections.

Symptoms of vaginal infection

Common symptoms of vaginal infections to look out for are:

• Itching or burning sensation in the vagina or vulva (often worse at night)
• vaginal pain or discomfort
• thick white discharge
• Changes in the color or smell of vaginal discharge
• Redness and swelling of the vagina and vulva
• Burning sensation when urinating
• discomfort during sex
• pelvic pain
• chills and fever
• light vaginal bleeding or spotting

If any of these symptoms occur and do not improve within a few days or worsen, it is important to consult a health care professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

10 common causes of vaginal infections

Here are some of the most common causes of vaginal infections that you should know about.

1. Poor hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene is essential for vaginal health. Obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Kayshreen Khan suggests, “Wearing sweaty or unclean underwear, washing your clothes infrequently, using harsh soaps and cleaning products, and products high in chemicals can disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria and make women more susceptible to infections.” Poor hygiene is one of the most common causes of vaginal infections, but it’s also important to avoid over-washing as it can cause irritation and imbalance.

2. Excess moisture

Warm, moist environments encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi, leading to infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Excess moisture is one of the causes of vaginal infections. Tight-fitting clothing, synthetic underwear, and prolonged exposure to wet conditions (such as wearing wet swimsuits or sweaty gym clothes) can also cause infections. Be sure to keep the area dry and change into fresh, breathable clothing to prevent excessive moisture build-up.

3. Overwashing or overwashing

According to the Mayo Clinic, poor hygiene can lead to infections, but over-washing with strong antibacterial soaps or washing frequently can remove healthy bacteria. “This can disrupt the vaginal flora, which is one of the main causes of vaginal infections,” says Dr. Khan. The vagina is self-cleaning, and over-cleansing can remove the bacteria it needs to protect itself. All your vagina needs is a gentle wash with warm water.

4. Unprotected sex

Unprotected sex increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are a significant cause of vaginal infections. It can cause symptoms such as inflammation, abnormal discharge, and pain. Some infections, such as herpes and HPV, can be transmitted without any visible symptoms. Therefore, it is important to practice safe sex by using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners.

5. Say no to harsh chemicals

Unfortunately, the various facial cleansers, scented soaps, sprays, showers, etc. we use in our intimate areas are full of chemicals that can disrupt the natural pH balance of our intimate areas and cause infections. Your vagina is sensitive, so you need products that are mild and don’t contain artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals.

6. Weak immunity

Stress, poor diet, and underlying medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases can weaken your body’s ability to fight infections. A weak immune system makes it harder to defend against harmful bacteria and fungi, leading to vaginal infections.

7. Sharing personal hygiene products

Using someone else’s towels, razors, and underwear can transmit bacteria and fungi, increasing your risk of infections such as yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is one of the causes of vaginal infections. Always use your own hygiene products to stay healthy and prevent the transmission of infectious diseases.

8. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels

“Women with diabetes or insulin resistance are at higher risk for vaginal infections because they have higher glucose levels in their urine and secretions, which provide food for bacteria,” explains Dr. Khan. Keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range helps minimize the risk of infection, and regular monitoring and management of diabetes helps maintain overall health.

9. Swimming pool and hot tub exposure

Chlorine and other chemicals used in pools and hot tubs can disrupt the natural pH balance of your vaginal flora and cause infections. Prolonged exposure to chlorinated water is one of the causes of vaginal infections. The vaginal area becomes dry and prone to inflammation and infection. To protect your vaginal health, rinse thoroughly after swimming and avoid long soaks in pools or hot tubs.

10. Hormone imbalance

According to Dr. Khan, “hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can lead to vaginal infections due to fluctuations in estrogen levels.” These hormonal changes alter the vaginal environment, making it more susceptible to yeast infections and bacterial imbalances. Manage your hormonal health through proper nutrition, hydration, and regular check-ups.

Now that you know what causes vaginal infections, let’s understand how to prevent them.

How can I prevent vaginal infections?

Here are some tips to prevent vaginal infections and maintain intimate health.

• Wash your intimate areas with water and avoid using harsh soaps and chemicals that can disturb the natural balance.
• Do not rub too hard as this is a delicate and sensitive area.
• Always wipe from front to back to avoid transferring bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
• Avoid using chemical products such as scented soaps and sprays as they can irritate the skin.
• Wearing cotton underwear allows the area to breathe and prevents moisture build-up.
• Loose clothing promotes air circulation and reduces the risk of infection.
• Always change wet or sweaty gym clothes as soon as possible to prevent the growth of bacteria and yeast.
• Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and bacterial infections.
• For best care, use physician-recommended products with balanced pH levels.
• Limit the use of panty liners as they can trap moisture.
• Shaving and waxing should be done carefully to avoid micro-tears, as the area may be more susceptible to infection.
• To reduce irritation, use clean tools and avoid frequent hair removal.
• Finally, eat a nutritious diet, stay properly hydrated, and exercise regularly to support your immune system and vaginal health.

You can reduce your risk of vaginal infections by understanding common causes of vaginal infections and taking precautions.