You may occasionally experience itching and burning in the intimate area, both at the entrance to and inside the vagina itself. Most of the time it is not caused by disease, but by an imbalance in your bacterial flora – typically caused by either bacteria or yeast.
Both occur naturally in the vagina, but are kept in check by a healthy pH value of 3.8–4.2. When the pH value rises, e.g. due to the use of ordinary soap, antibiotics, hormonal changes or a change of partner, bacteria and yeast get better growth conditions.
It can also flare up when the immune system is weakened – e.g. if you eat a lot of sugar or have diabetes. Fortunately, imbalances in the intimate area can often be treated with over-the-counter products, and in some cases prescription medicine is required.
Yeast infections
Three out of four women experience a vaginal yeast infection at least once in their lives. It is often caused by candida albicans, which causes itching, burning and whitish, lumpy discharge. Treatment depends on the severity and can include suppositories, creams or tablets.
How to prevent yeast infections:
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Avoid tight-fitting clothing and panty liners
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Reduce sugar and alcohol
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Use gentle, pH-friendly intimate care products
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Urinate after intercourse and wipe from front to back
Bacterial imbalance and vaginosis
The most common bacterium in the vagina is gardnerella vaginalis, which can cause itching, burning and foul-smelling, yellowish discharge. The condition is called bacterial vaginosis and affects approx. 1/3 of women of childbearing age.
Vaginosis occurs when there are too few lactic acid bacteria, and the balance is disrupted. It can happen with sex with a new partner, hormonal changes or incorrect care. The symptoms are similar to yeast infection, but it is treated with antibiotics.
Remember: After antibiotics, it is important to supply lactic acid bacteria again – either in capsule form or locally.
When should you see a doctor?
If you have persistent symptoms, pain, very foul-smelling discharge, or if you are unsure whether it is yeast or bacteria – contact your doctor. The doctor can take a sample and ensure correct treatment.
Gentle care and prevention
You can prevent both yeast infections and bacterial imbalance by:
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Using a mild intimate soap with a low pH value
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Avoiding perfumed products
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Using cotton underwear and airy panties
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Watching for symptoms and reacting quickly
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Continuously supplying good lactic acid bacteria
Remember that men can also carry bacteria or yeast – and if you experience recurring infections, any partner should also be treated.
