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    Pregnancy & Newborns

    Vaginal Infection: Understanding the Vaginal Environment

    The vagina is a canal. It connects the uterus (womb) to the outside of the body. It's home to many types of bacteria and other tiny organisms. These different bacteria most often stay balanced in number. This keeps the vagina healthy. If the balance changes, it can cause infection. 

    Front view of woman's pelvis showing cross section of uterus and vagina.

    A healthy environment

    Many types of bacteria are present in a healthy vagina. When balanced, they don’t cause problems. Small amounts of yeast may also be present without causing problems. The most common type of bacteria in the vagina is lactobacillus. It helps keep the vagina at a low pH. A low pH keeps bad bacteria from taking over.

    Normal vaginal discharge

    The vagina makes fluid. It's sent out as discharge. This also keeps the vagina healthy. Normal discharge can be clear, white, or yellowish. Most women find that normal discharge varies in amount and color through the month.

    An unhealthy environment

    The vaginal environment may get out of balance. This may result in a vaginal infection. There are a few reasons this can happen. The pH may have changed. The amount of one organism, such as yeast, may increase. Or an outside organism may get into the vagina and throw off the balance:

    • Bacterial vaginosis (BV). BV is due to an imbalance in the normal bacteria in the vagina. Lactobacillus bacteria decrease. As a result, the numbers of bad bacteria increase.

    • Candidiasis (yeast infection). Yeast is a type of fungus. A yeast infection occurs when yeast cells in the vagina increase. They then attack vaginal tissues. A type of yeast called Candida albicans is often involved.

    • Trichomoniasis ("trich"). Trich is a parasite. It's passed from 1 person to another during sex. Men with trich often don’t have any symptoms. In women, it can take weeks or months before symptoms appear.

    Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
    Online Medical Reviewer: Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
    Online Medical Reviewer: Irina Burd MD PhD
    Date Last Reviewed: 7/1/2022
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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