In vagina of healthy woman are included a various types of bacteria. These healthful bacteria represent a healthy vaginal flora. Vaginal flora is different for each individual woman and is fully developer at the age of adult. One gram of vaginal secret includes around hundreds of million bacteria, which are representing mix of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. If are these microorganism perfectly balanced, a woman is protected from developing of vaginal infection.Natural vaginal balance may affect:everyday activities, hormonal changes, disease and using of medicaments – especially antibiotics.InterestDid you know that you can disrupt your vaginal microflora by using medicaments?Using an antibiotics can be one of the reasons of vaginal infection. Antibiotics acting against bacteria but also can destroyed some microorganisms which keep your vagina balanced. That balance is disrupted by antibiotics, number of yeasts is much higher which can affect your vagina by mycosis. After that you can observe some symptoms as discharge, burning and itching of the vagina. In this case should be the natural balance treated by Lactobacilus.Vaginal InfectionsVaginal infection is characterized by a disturbance of the balance of the vagina which can be caused by many factors.External factors:using antibiotics, diseases or disorders of the immune system, excessive use of soaps, chlorinated water, wearing impropriate or too tight clothes, sport, stress, nervousness, unprotected sex.Internal factors:hormonal changes (pregnancy, lactation or menopause).What is happening during the vaginal imbalance?During the vaginal imbalance may be the different pH of the vagina which means from the acidic pH becomes alkaline pH. In this pH the healthful bacteria are not able to live and stay in balance. Alkaline pH is suitable for bacteria, viruses, mildew which are ideal for the formation of the vaginal infection. The very first symptoms of infection are burning, itching, vaginal discharge, etc.Types of Vaginal InfectionsHealthy vaginal environment is inhabited by Lactobacilli which provide a protective function against harmful microorganisms. Vagina has amazing self-cleaning effect that helps keep it clean.Did you know thatA certain amount of vaginal discharge is considered completely normal. Every woman should know, based on her own experience, what amount of discharge is normal for her and when it is increased. The fluid should be clear or milky white and odourless. Vaginal discharge changes according to the menstrual cycle – for example, more discharge is produced during ovulation and before the beginning of menstruation. It also reacts to hormonal changes such as lactation and to sexual arousal.The cause of inflammatory diseases of the vagina is the disappearance of Lactobacilli, distortion of the vaginal pH environment and propagation of harmful microorganisms. If the vaginal flora is disturbed, it leads to infection, which is often accompanied by burning, itching or vaginal discharge.What are the most common vaginal infections and how you can recognize them?Yeast Infection (colpitis mycotica)Is the most frequently caused by Candida albicans. Infection usually occurs after the use of antibiotics, which disrupt the natural vaginal environment.Showed up as:itching or genital redness, curdy or watery discharge without smell, it might contain burning during urination or coitus,The presence of yeasts in the vaginal secretion is confirmed by laboratory test. It’s important to know that certain part of this finding is a usual part of women genitals and it doesn't mean disease. If the freely available product are not helpful and the infection is showing up again, you should contact your doctor.Bacterial Infection (bacteriosis vaginalis)It is caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria to the detriment of the friendly Lactobacilli. Disturbed vaginal environment shows in laboratory tests as an increased pH of vaginal secretions.Typical symptom is:watery discharge with fishy odour, other symptoms are usually missing because there are no signs of local inflammation.Because of this infection is not accompanied by other symptoms as itching or burning, a lot of women often don’t know that they are affected by bacterial infection.How to resist this infection?It‘s appropriate to use a product which is suitable to recovery of natural microflora, because includes enough of Lactobacillus (e.g. medical device Vagilact).Bacterial Infection (colpitis bacterialis)The causative agents tend to be strains of bacteria such as Streptococci, Staphylococci, Enterococci or E. coli. In certain cases, purulent inflammation of the vagina accompanies other infections, e.g. vaginal mycosis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea and others. Treatment should be initiated based on bacteria susceptibility testing to antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents that are administered locally or globally.Symptoms include:typical strong vaginitis with purulent discharge.Protozoan Infection (trichomoniasis vaginalis)It is an inflammation of the vagina caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (Trichomonas vaginalis). Mainly transmitted by coitus.The main symptoms of infection include:thin often frothy discharge, itching of the vulva, pain in the lower abdomen, painful coitus, often accompanied by a urinary tract infection.Vaginal pH increases. When this infection occurs, all sexual partners should be treated.Viral Infection (colpitis virosa)The main causes are herpes viruses and papillomaviruses. The simultaneous involvement of vulva and vagina is very common. The course of a papillomavirus infection is painless. Herpetic infections:are very painful, symptoms are burning and itching, the main symptom is the formation of multiple blisters.It is a sexually transmitted infection, and in pregnancy, the foetus is in danger as well. Herpetic infections are treated with antiviral medication prescribed by a doctor.Chlamydia InfectionChlamydiae are intracellular parasites and differ from both viruses and bacteria.They manifest themselves by:purulent mucus, brownish, creamy or greenish discharge.According to the doctor’s diagnosis, redness and swelling on the cervix is usually confirmed. This type of infection is usually accompanied by bleeding after intercourse. Only laboratory tests can provide an accurate diagnosis.Prevention and TipsHow to behave to protect me before vaginal infection?Do not use perfumed bubble bath, soaps, shower gels and foams that are not intended for intimate hygiene. Avoid bathing and shower instead. Sponges and washcloths aren’t suitable for washing your intimate parts. Only wear cotton underwear. Dry yourself after any swimming (in a swimming pool, water tank or pond). Change from wet swimsuit into dry clothes. After using the toilet, always wipe yourself in the direction from the vagina towards the anus. Do not use perfumed tampons or pads. Do not used perfumed or coloured toilet paper. Limit the number of sexual partners. Take care of your hygiene after every coitus. Pay attention to hygiene after intercourse. Limit excessive consumption of sweet food. Pay attention to intimate hygiene, but do not wash yourself excessively. Try to avoid stress and stressful situations. During the use of antibiotics that disrupt the vaginal microflora, it is recommended to use vaginal tablets containing Lactobacilli.Self-Medication and When to Visit the DoctorIn the first phase of infection as itching, burning and white creamy discharge is good to have a products for intimate problems and try to react as fast as you can to stop these problems and treat them.The most often infections are caused by yeasts and Candida. In this case you don‘ t need to be worried about self-treatment. Follow the instruction on the package of the vaginal caps and také the entire dose to prevent the re-infection. If symptoms do not improve within 5 days, you need to consult it with your gynecologist. Do not use the vaginal caps during the period. During treatment do not use tampons because they may absorb the active substances contained in products. For these reasons is not recommended to use condoms. If it‘ s possible do not touch the affected areas, not scratch, it could spread the infection to other part of your body. After successful treatment, it is recommended to wait with coitus at least another two days. Candidiasis may have other sexual partners without any symptomsbut they might to transfer the infection.You can try to use the vaginal caps or vaginal gels:Which one to use?Nagyn: candidiasis Vagilact: infectionsWhen it comes to more serious symptoms as infection Papillomavirus, Herpes, Chlamydia Infection, do not wait and visit your doctor immediately during the first symptoms.