Vaginal infections are more common than you think. The most common and that occurs most often is Candidiasis, a disease caused by the Candida fungus, usually called Candida albicans, but any other species of this fungus can appear. If you are looking for a pregnancy, you are probably worried about having a vaginal infection and how this will affect your fertility and sexual relations.
While you have a vaginal infection, many people think you cannot get pregnant, but it is not valid. Unless it is a severe infection, they usually do not affect fertility. However, precautions must be maintained during the duration of the disease and treatment since they are generally very contagious. In this article, we explain if I can get pregnant if I have a vaginal infection and the precautions you should follow to minimize the risks of pregnancy.
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Types of vaginal infections and fertility
There are several types of vaginal infections. Depending on their characteristics, they will be more or less severe and may evolve and affect fertility. Depending on which agent causes them, we can classify vaginal infections caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, or trichomonas. These are the exogenous agents that can cause a vaginal infection. However, they can also be hormonal disorders or even be caused by allergies. Here we talk about the consequences for fertility and pregnancy of vaginal infections.
Candidiasis and pregnancy
The most common of all and the one that most women present is a fungal infection, the most common being the Candida fungus that causes Candidiasis. It is a widespread infection, and many women suffer from it at least once in their lives. Its symptoms are itching in the area and irritation, which can cause inflammation, pain or stinging, and a lot of yellow or thick vaginal discharge with color or even odor. It is a mild infection that is usually treated with appropriate medications. This infection does not affect fertility, but it is very contagious, so sexual intercourse should be avoided during its condition and treatment. Otherwise, precautions must be taken so that contagion does not occur.
Chlamydia and pregnancy
For its part, the best known bacterial infection is Chlamydia. It is transmitted through sexual activity and must be treated as soon as possible. It is a potentially more dangerous infection than that caused by fungi. When there are symptoms, these can be whitish discharge or a strong smell like that of fish, the release being stronger after sexual intercourse. Abdominal or pelvic pain or pain during sexual intercourse and blood may also appear. However, it is common for Chlamydia to be asymptomatic, which is more severe. If it is not treated, it can inflame the cervix and pass to the uterus and fallopian tubes, which could cause pelvic inflammatory disease. In this case, it would affect fertility. However, doctors monitor these conditions at gynecological check-ups (which should be done at least once a year).
Another infection caused by bacteria is ureaplasma, which can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease and is asymptomatic. However, it is much less common than Chlamydia.
Can I get pregnant with HPV?
As for virus infections, most are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are also sexually transmitted infections. HPV can be treated. However, HSV is not treated, but attempts are made to improve symptoms. In the case of the human papillomavirus (HPV), you have it does not mean that it will affect fertility and not affect your ability to get pregnant. However, it can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, which would affect fertility and possible pregnancy. In the case of HSV, it does not affect fertility, but it is very contagious and can infect the newborn.
Trichomoniasis and fertility
Trichomoniasis is also a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. It is prevalent, and although it does not usually present symptoms, it is detected in medical tests and has very effective treatment. If you have symptoms, they can appear even after many days of being infected, up to 28 days later. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. It does not affect fertility, but a pregnant woman with trichomoniasis is more likely to have a premature birth or have the baby born with less weight.
As we have said, vaginal infections can also be caused by hormonal disorders or even allergies. In this case, they are treated and are mild infections that do not affect the woman’s fertility.
Precautions when you have a vaginal infection
Since most vaginal infections do not affect a woman’s fertility, you can get pregnant if you suffer. Therefore, if you do not want a pregnancy, you must protect yourself in the same way. However, even if you are looking for it or are taking the contraceptive pill, it is advisable to use a condom on the days that the treatment lasts or during the infection since all of them, from the mildest to the most serious, are very contagious. You run the risk of infecting your partner. Therefore, extreme precautions should be taken, and even relationships should be avoided. If you are looking for a pregnancy, you can try again once the treatment has passed. Better wait a few days later. However, it is best to go to the doctor when in doubt.
It is also essential to maintain hygiene when you have a vaginal infection, such as not drying off with the same towel as your partner.
Prevent vaginal infections
To prevent vaginal infection, it is imperative to use protection in sexual relations, especially if you have several romantic partners.
In addition, the most common of all, Candidiasis, also usually appears when the body has low defenses, so people with HIV, cancer, or diabetes are more prone. It can also occur when you take antibiotics for an extended period.
This vaginal infection is widespread in summer since many women go to the pool. When you do not dry the genital area well or keep the swimsuit or bikini wet for a long time, the humidity can cause fungi such as Candida to proliferate. It is essential to change your swimsuit and dry yourself well when leaving the pool.
If you suffer from any symptoms, such as a discharge that has changed either color or thickness or smells bad, it is essential to see a doctor.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Can, I get pregnant if I have a vaginal infection? We recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.