herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea,
genital warts, and chlamydia.
Some of these diseases, like
HIV and genital herpes, have
no cure. And others, like the
human papillomavirus that
causes genital warts, are also
known to cause cancer or
lead to other diseases. You
should change condoms
when switching from oral or
anal sex to vaginal sex, to
prevent the introduction of
harmful bacteria into the
vagina.
See Your Gynecologist for
Preventive Care
Having regular gynecological
exams is crucial to
maintaining your vaginal
health. Every woman should
have her first gynecological
exam by age 21 or within
three years of becoming
sexually active.
Gynecologists and many
family physicians are trained
to diagnose diseases and
disorders that can harm the
JOY FEELINGS
vagina or your reproductive
system as a whole.
Gynecologists also perform
Pap smears, which can detect
changes in vaginal cells that
might indicate the presence
of cancer.
Treat Infections When They
Arise
Three types of vaginal
infections are common: yeast
infection, bacterial vaginosis,
and trichomoniasis. Yeast
infections are caused by
several types of fungi, while
bacterial vaginosis is caused
by bacteria overgrowth in the
vagina. Trichomoniasis is
sexually transmitted. Treating
these infections is crucial
because not treating them can
lead to unpleasant, painful,
and serious reproductive
health problems. All three are
can be treated with oral or
topical medications.