Vaginal Flora Imbalance
What Is Vaginal Flora Imbalance?
Vaginal flora imbalance occurs when the normal bacteria in a woman’s vagina are out of balance. This can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous symptoms. It can cause a number of issues, including vaginal discharge, odors, itching, and irritation.
What Causes Vaginal Flora Imbalance?
There are a few things that can cause an imbalance in vaginal flora. These include:
- Unprotected sex
- Douching
- Changing sexual partners
- Pregnancy
- Changes in hormone levels
- Antibiotic use
- Diabetes
What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Flora Imbalance?
The most common symptoms of vaginal flora imbalance include vaginal odor, itching, burning during urination, abnormal discharge, and painful intercourse. Other symptoms could include pain during bowel movements and abdominal pain or cramps.
How Is Vaginal Flora Imbalance Treated?
The treatment for vaginal flora imbalance depends on what is causing the imbalance. Your doctor may recommend an oral or topical medication, such as antibiotics, antifungal creams, or probiotics. Your doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes to help restore the balance of bacteria in the vagina.
In some cases, your doctor may also recommend surgery in order to restore the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina. This will involve removing any physical blockages that could be contributing to the imbalance.