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On your periods? Look out for these common menstrual infections
Menstrual problems hurt the lower reproductive tract of the body so one should be mindful before the infection worsens. So, the best you can do is notice the symptoms of infection, especially during your periods. The signs and symptoms of the infection during periods will include the following:
- Irritation and redness in the vagina and vulva
- A burning sensation while urinating or during sexual contact
- Itching and swelling of the vulva
- Vaginal pain and soreness accompanied by a vaginal rash
- Differences in vaginal discharge range from- watery to thick, white discharge
While you may notice the symptoms, it can be quite difficult to recognise the symptoms of infection and get the help they require. So, the first thing you should do is identify the kind of menstrual infections you’re suffering from.
3 common menstrual infections in women
Women must recognise the symptoms of infection and get the help they require. Listed below are three common menstrual infections that women may experience in their menstrual cycle:
1. Yeast infections
Yeast infection also known as vaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by the fungus candida. Yeast infection occurs when the level of yeast and bacteria naturally present in the vagina becomes unbalanced. This condition results in inflammation accompanied by intense itchiness and a thick, white discharge from the vagina and the vulva, the tissues at the vaginal opening.
How to reduce the risk of yeast infection?
Yeast infection may not be entirely avoided, however following these tips may lower your chances of contracting yeast infection:
- Wearing breathable underwear is essential to prevent rashes, irritation, and most importantly infection. It is advised to wear cotton underwear as it keeps you dry by not holding onto moisture or heat.
- The golden rule to avoid infection is to wipe front to back at all times.
- Menstruators should change their pad every few hours whether it is a tampon, sanitary pad, or a cloth one. Using a pad for periods results in rashes, itchiness, irritation, and skin infections.
- Eating Greek yogurt might help reduce the chances of getting an infection, due to the probiotics it contains.
- It is advised to limit the intake of foods rich in sugar and spicy foods as it facilitates the ability of yeast to thrive in the body.
2. Urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common type of infection that affects the urinary system. UTI can occur or affect any part of your urinary systems such as the urethra, ureters, bladder, and kidneys. A woman is more likely to contract Urinary tract infection because the urethra, a tube that carries urine out of the body in females, is shorter and closer to the anus.
How to prevent a UTI?
Listed below are the measures to prevent urinary tract infections:
- Drinking water helps dilute the urine. Hydrating leads to urinating which allows the bacteria to be flushed from the urinary tract before an infection can begin.
- Wiping from front to back prevents the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina and urethra.
- Not using feminine products in the genital area can irritate the urethra.
3. Bacterial vaginosis
This is a condition caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. Disruption of the balance of bacteria leads to bacterial vaginosis.
How to avoid bacterial vaginosis?
These measures will help lower the risk of bacterial vaginosis-
- Women can use clean water to wash their vaginas instead of using mild unscented soaps to minimise irritation.
- Wear light, breathable clothes and undergarments to prevent irritation.
- Practice safe sex by using protection to prevent the spread of bacterial vaginosis.
- Women should also go for check-ups occasionally regardless of whether they have symptoms or not.
How can you avoid menstrual infections?
Maintaining good menstrual hygiene by keeping your vagina fresh and clean is important to ensure that your body does not come into contact with any infection. Menstruation itself is a difficult process to endure and being in contact with these infections makes it even more difficult and dangerous to achieve the overall well-being of a woman. These infections, if not treated or diagnosed, may adversely impact the body of the individual in the coming years.
The menstrual cycle itself is accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms which may differ from one woman to another. This makes it extremely important for a woman to be in tune with their body and to consult a doctor if symptoms of infection persist.
How to get your period early? 5 tips you can try
There can be times in a month when you wish your periods either get a little delayed or arrive earlier than expected. This may be due to a special day, event or a much-awaited trip! In moments like this, you may end up wishing if only your periods arrive earlier. If you’re wondering how to make your period come early, let us share some tips.
How can I get my period fast?
You may want to induce your period for medical, social and personal reasons. Whatever the reason, the method you choose to use should be safe and recommended by a physician.
In light of this, HealthShots got in touch with Dr Swetha MP, consultant, obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, HRBR Layout, Bengaluru, to find safe methods for inducing periods.
Dr Swetha says, “The length of periods might change significantly from month to month. Due to this, women may become concerned that their period has been missed entirely or anxious about their forthcoming cycle. This is also one of the most common reasons why women look for ways to make periods come early and make the cycle more regular.”
Follow these 5 tips if you want your period faster
1. Exercise
A light workout may help the muscles relax and hasten the onset of your menstruation. Some people experience irregular periods as a result of intense exercise routines. Hence, moderate exercise may assist to replenish the hormones required to restore a regular menstrual cycle.
In fact, a study in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion found that regular exercise can help avoid obesity, maintain hormonal balance, and result in regular periods. Whether you dance, enroll in an aerobics class, purchase a gym membership, or just go for a stroll in the park, make sure you exercise for at least 30-45 minutes each day.
2. Hormonal birth control
An effective way to manage the menstrual cycle is by using hormonal contraception, such as birth control pills or the ring. To have their period come a bit faster, females can stop taking the hormone supplement early.
3. Relaxation
Discovering techniques to unwind and decompress might be beneficial, especially if a person discovers that their period is late or non-existent as a result of stress. Stress-reduction techniques include gentle yoga, journaling, meditation and quality time with friends and loved ones.
4. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods
Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C contain properties that can increase estrogen production in the body, and smoothen the shedding of the uterus lining. They can generate heat in the body useful for the healthy functioning of the menstrual cycle.
5. Consumption of jaggery
Jaggery is an old method of naturally inducing or regulating menstrual cycles. While jaggery is typically recommended for women who are experiencing their first few cycles, regular consumption can improve menstrual discomfort, boost the body’s production of haemoglobin and iron, and even induce menstruation.