It itches, it burns – and the discharge smells unpleasantly fishy: vaginal infections are the most common reason for a visit to the gynecologist. Five million women are affected every year. It happens after a visit to the swimming pool or sauna, due to too tight clothing, a new partner, an unhealthy diet, too much alcohol and nicotine, improper intimate hygiene – or simply because nerves are on edge: Bacteria or fungi trigger an inflammation of the vagina. “With a swab, the gynecologist can identify the cause of the inflammation – and, depending on the trigger, quickly treat the acute vaginal infection with an antibiotic or antifungal agent,” says Berlin gynecologist Prof. Dr. Erich Saling.
Discharge: normal, strong or colored – what does it mean?
Lactic acid bacteria as a natural protection of the vagina
In one in five patients, however, the vaginal infection becomes chronic – because acute treatment destroys not only the pathogens, but also lactic acid bacteria, which keep the intimate area in a healthy biological balance. “On a healthy vaginal mucosa, lactic acid bacteria predominate, breaking down sugars in the mucosa. This produces lactic acid,” explains Prof. Saling. And this acidic environment (pH below 4.4) makes the vagina strong against pathogens. Yeast fungi, bacteria and trichomonads can then only spread with difficulty.
Lactic acid bacteria act like a “natural shield” against pathogens that can trigger a vaginal infection. If they are outnumbered, it is important to replenish them. Pharmacies now sell tablets and suppositories (e.g., Vagiflor) that contain viable lactic acid bacteria, are convenient to insert and help restore the biological balance.
Vaginal infections: Risk to the intended baby
These protective bacteria also perform an important task during pregnancy. Every year in Germany, 50,000 babies are born prematurely – that is, before the 37th week of pregnancy. Bacterial infections are the most important cause of this complication, along with stress, smoking or high blood pressure. Experts estimate, “Bacterial infections are responsible for 15 percent of all preterm births.”
Because vaginal infections are initially asymptomatic, they are often detected and treated too late. “One in seven pregnant women suffering from a bacterial vaginal infection gives birth to a premature baby,” gynecologists estimate. They recommend measuring the pH of the vagina twice a week and restoring the biological balance with preparations containing lactic acid bacteria.
And this can be done very successfully, as a study at the Charité Clinic in Berlin showed: In a group of pregnant women with an elevated vaginal pH and disturbed biological balance in the vagina, 15 percent of the test subjects gave birth to a premature baby. In pregnant women whose vaginal flora had been restored with lactic acid bacteria, the preterm birth rate dropped to two percent.
Vaginal infection: what to do to avoid it?
In addition to targeted immunotherapy with lactic acid bacteria, you can do a lot yourself to prevent vaginal infection:
- Mild intimate hygiene: do not overdo it with hygiene and use mild cleansing lotions instead of aggressive soap.
- Use pads instead of tampons: Some tampons easily dry out the vagina and can cause irritation. Better to use pads.
- Natural fibers instead of synthetics: pathogens multiply quickly in a moist environment. Therefore, use briefs made of natural fibers, which can be washed at 60 degrees, and avoid very tight-fitting pants. They can trigger a buildup of moisture.
- Get out of the wet swimsuit: change your swimsuit immediately after swimming.
- Beware of hot tubs: The moist heat is an incubator for fungi and bacteria that can cause vaginal infection.
- Healthy diet: little fat, enough protein, vitamins and minerals, little sugar and sweets. Because a high-sugar diet creates favorable living conditions for harmful germs in the vaginal area. Fungi love sugar!
