Breaking the Cycle: How Lifestyle Choices Influence Vaginitis Risk and Recurrence

In the US, each year, around 20 million women are affected by vaginitis. Vaginitis is the infection and inflammation of the vagina, which can result in discomfort, pain, and significant emotional distress. Even though this condition can be treated, there is a high reoccurrence of vaginitis, and lifestyle factors play a crucial role in this. Therefore, it is important to know how lifestyle choices can affect vaginal health in order to enable women to take proactive steps to prevent recurrences. This article examines how everyday habits and the risk of vaginitis are related, and it provides helpful tips for ending the cycle of recurring vaginitis.

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is the inflammation of the vagina, that frequently causes pain, irritation, and abnormal discharge. It can be classified into different types.

Bacterial Vaginosis: it is the most common type, which is caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria (e.g., Gardnerella) that disrupts the natural balance of beneficial bacteria like lactobacilli.

Yeast Infections: it is caused by overgrowth of Candida, a type of fungus naturally present in the vagina.

Trichomoniasis: it is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis.

Atrophic Vaginitis: this type commonly occurs in postmenopausal women due to a decrease in oestrogen levels postmenopause.

When vaginitis develops, your doctor may recommend appropriate treatment options such as antibiotics, antifungal medications, or hormone therapy, depending on the underlying cause. However, since prevention is better than cure, understanding the role of lifestyle factors in developing vaginitis can help reduce the risk of developing it, saving you a visit to the doctor and the need for medications. But first, let us understand the role of the vaginal microbiome.

The Role of Vaginal Microbiome

The vaginal microbiome is a group of beneficial bacteria that are always working to maintain the health of your vagina. These good bacteria, like lactobacilli, produce lactic acid, which acts as a barrier to maintain the vaginal environment slightly acidic, thereby making it difficult for yeast and harmful bacteria to grow. However, preventing vaginitis requires maintaining this delicate balance because if this normal bacterial equilibrium changes, then it can lead to infections.

Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Vaginitis

You can take proactive measures to protect your vaginal health and thereby avoid vaginitis by following a few simple lifestyle changes.

Hygiene Practices

We all know that it is important to maintain hygiene. However, some of the typical hygiene habits that we follow may be more harmful than you think to your vaginal health than being beneficial. Some of these include:

Douching

Although it may seem that douching "cleans" the vagina, research has shown that it may upset the vagina's natural microbiome balance. It causes the removal of good lactobacilli and makes vaginitis more likely.

Harsh Soaps and Scented Products

The vaginal lining is very sensitive, and some of the products we use, such as scented bubble baths, wipes, and sprays, can cause irritation and pH imbalance to this vaginal lining. Similarly, if you are using strong soaps, it might remove your vagina's natural protective moisture. Since the vagina naturally cleans itself, it is always better to avoid overwashing. Try to limit external cleaning to warm water or mild, unscented cleaners. Moreover, after using the loo, following habits like wiping from front to back might help lower the risk of vaginitis. This is because it keeps harmful bacteria out of the vagina from the rectal region.

Clothing

Another practice to avoid is wearing tight clothing, especially made of non-breathable materials, which can create a warm and moist atmosphere that promotes the growth of bacteria or yeast. Instead, you can choose cotton underwears that breathe well to keep the region dry.

Diet

A study has shown that women who had better eating habits, like consuming more fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, had lower chances of developing vaginitis. If you have recurrent vaginitis, it is better to consume foods that are strong in probiotics, like yoghurt and fermented food, which help the growth of healthy bacteria, as well as avoid sugary foods that encourage the growth of yeast and harmful bacteria. Moreover, by drinking more water, you can promote the health of mucous membranes, particularly those in the vaginal region.

Engaging in sexual activity

Another significant risk factor is sexual activity. This is because the semen is alkaline, and unprotected intercourse can change the pH of the vagina and introduce new bacteria. Moreover, microtears can also result from improper lubrication during sexual activity, thereby making the vaginal tissues more likely to infection. You can reduce the risk by using condoms, making sure the area is properly lubricated, and maintaining adequate post-intercourse hygiene, like urinating afterwards.

Mental well-being

Even though it is often disregarded, stress and sleep have an impact on vaginal health as well. If you don't sleep enough, it throws off your body's chemical balance, and if you have too much stress, it impairs immunity, leaving the body more vulnerable to infections. Therefore, maintaining a regular sleep pattern and giving priority to relaxation methods like meditation will help you keep your microbiome healthy and your immune system robust.

Physical Activity

Vaginitis may also be associated with a sedentary lifestyle by reducing immunity, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. Studies have shown that women who lead more active lifestyles with regular physical activity have better general health and are less vulnerable to vaginitis.

Smoking

Recurrent vaginitis is more common in women who smoke. This is because smoking may upset the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the vagina and foster an environment that supports the growth of harmful bacteria.

Hormonal changes

The vaginal environment can also be changed by hormonal changes that occur at different phases of life, such as menopause, pregnancy, as well as the use of contraceptives. For instance, menopause causes a decrease in oestrogen, which can lower lactobacilli and weaken the vaginal tissues, making the area more vulnerable to infections. In such cases, it is better to seek individualised remedies such as hormone therapy or vaginal moisturiser. Additionally, speaking with a healthcare professional might be helpful.

Social and Economic Aspects

Social and economic aspects also play a critical role; for instance, women who have limited access to healthcare, education, and hygiene products are more likely to get recurrent vaginitis. This is because higher socioeconomic class individuals frequently have easier access to knowledge regarding infection prevention, which might assist them in staying clear of vaginitis. For example, a study by researchers at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences found the role of lack of educational awareness regarding vaginitis as a crucial risk factor. The study evaluated the role of three important lifestyle areas—diet, exercise, and mental health—and found that women who have educational awareness and follow a better lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and less stress have a lower risk of recurrence of vaginitis.

When to Get Medical Assistance

Sometimes, home remedies can cure minor episodes of vaginitis. However, there are some circumstances that demand a visit to the doctor and following appropriate treatment. For example, if you have severe or ongoing symptoms, such as odd discharge with a strong odour, extreme itching, pelvic pain, or difficulty when urinating, then you must get the right treatment. These signs may indicate a more serious underlying issue that needs specialised care. Furthermore, it is also important to be aware of your body's cues. By identifying the early signs of vaginitis, such as unusual discharge, itching, or pain, you may take quick action to prevent the condition from getting worse.

Sources

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