A vaginal infection refers to an inflammation or infection of the vagina. These infections can be caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, viruses, or parasites.

Vaginal infections are bound to happen for many women because there are so many things that can throw off the delicate balance of bacteria in the vagina. And in today's fast-paced world, it can be hard to keep track of everything that affects this balance. Let's discuss the types ;

1 Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) - BV is caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina, which creates an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, leading to a decrease in the number of lactobacilli (a type of beneficial bacteria). There are many factors that contribute to BV outside of sexual activity, such as douching, a diet high in sugar and processed foods, antibiotic use, lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women, or a weakened immune system.

2 Yeast Infections - If the vaginal flora is disrupted, this can lead to an overgrowth of yeast, known as Candida. Balancing the good bacteria in your body is key to avoiding yeast infections. There are so many contributing factors in a woman's day-to-day lifestyle that can disrupt the balance such as; hormonal imbalances, birth control, pregnancy and menopause. But it's not just our bodies that can cause yeast infections-our choices and habits play a big role too, such as specific clothing, diet and lifestyle habits.

3 Trichomoniasis - Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. Yes, this parasite can be spread by having sex, or by any genital contact. But, it can also commonly be spread by sharing sex toys if you don't wash or cover them with a new condom.

So it's important to be aware of the factors that can contribute to vaginal infections and to take steps to maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome. By doing so, you can help reduce your risk of infections and promote overall vaginal health.