SIGNS THAT YOUR VAGINAL IS UNHEALTHY

   All ladies ought to be worried about the well-being of their vaginal, just as they are about any other organ of the body, because the vaginal health is crucial to a woman's overall well-being.
   A healthy vaginal is one which is acidic in nature and has high amounts of useful bacteria which keeps a normal PH level and fight infections.  It dispenses a healthy amount of discharge that keep off dead cells and unwanted bacteria keeping the vaginal safe and infection free. It also lubricate the vaginal and prevent dryness. Any impedance with these typical conditions can lead to vaginal disturbance or infection.
    An unhealthy vaginal can affect your libido and fertility, and long term vaginal  distress can induce stress, lower your self confidence and affect your relationship with your partner. It also increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, and may
sometimes lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.
    A lot of women go about their daily life without knowing about the health of their vaginal. Here are some signs that indicate your vaginal is unhealthy.

1. ITCHING AND BURNING
   A constant itching and burning sensation indicates the onset of a number of vaginal infections. When the good  bacteria is outnumbered by the harmful bacteria in the vagina, the imbalance manifests itself through the symptom of itching and burning.
   Itching and burning can be caused by a reaction to chemicals or ingredients in soaps, contraceptive foams, creams and douching mixtures. These mixtures can alter the bacterial balance and acidity of the vagina that protect it against infections. A certain amount of yeast is essential to ward off harmful bacteria in the vaginal area. Itching and burning can also be caused by an overproduction of yeast leading to yeast infection.

2. PAINFUL URINATION
   Painful urination is the major symptom of a vaginal infection like a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. These infection can occur due to the use of products like creams, tampons and soaps that contain certain harmful
chemicals. It may also occur from using a chemical-based douche or leaving a tampon in too long. Vaginal infections often cause the vagina to become
inflamed and hurt when urine passes through it. Painful urination is also  commonly associated with urinary tract infections.

3. SMELLY DISCHARGE
   A “fishy odor” is one of the major symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. An overproduction of harmful bacteria causes bacterial vaginosis, and a
foul-smelling discharge from the vaginal is often the first and most
common symptom of this bacterial vaginosis. This discharge may especially occur after intercourse. Though it is unlikely for your vaginal  to smell like roses, but if you notice a strong odor, one that transfers to your undergarments, it might be a sign of an infection. And according to some studies, pregnant women who contract bacteria vaginosis run a risk of delivering their baby prematurely. Therefore, seek medical attention right away if you notice a vaginal odor.

4. EXCESSIVE DISCHARGE AND DISCOLOURATION
   Vaginal discharge is the body’s natural mechanism to keep the vagina lubricated and flush out harmful bacteria. A healthy vagina will secrete
little measures of discharge to keep itself perfect, much as saliva is delivered to help cleanse the mouth.
   Red or brown discharge on normal days between periods could be indicative of cervical cancer, and it is wise to seek medical attention. Though if it occurs right after a menstrual cycle it's usually not a matter of concern. If it occurs during early pregnancy, it could signify a miscarriage. A watery white, gray or yellow discharge might be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis. A green or yellow discharge may be a sign of trichomoniasis, an STD.

5. BLISTERS OR BUMPS
   A bump on the outer vagina might be a symptom of vaginal or vulvar cancer. It is not as common as other cancers in women. Although this bump is most commonly located near the clitoris, it can occur anywhere on the outer vagina.
   A cancerous bump may begin as a mole but change color and texture to transform into a hard bump. It is usually black or dark brown, but it can also be pink or red. However sores and blisters might be symptoms of STDs, such as genital herpes. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice a bump on your outer vagina.

6. BLEEDING DURING AND AFTER INTERCOURSE
  While it is common for women who are new to sexual intercourse to experience bleeding, but if it happens to be a reccuring issue then medical attention must be sought. Bleeding during or after intercourse in a woman of any age could indicate a vaginal infection, STDS (chlamydia), vaginal tear or vaginal dryness (the friction produced during intercourse can irritate dry skin and cause spotting). If you have gone through menopause and experience bleeding during or after intercourse it could indicate cervical cancer. Therefore, any abnormal bleeding during or after intercourse needs medical attention.

7. ABNORMAL BLEEDING
   A menstrual cycle that lasts abnormally long may also be a sign that there’s a problem. If you have reached menopause but are still experiencing bleeding and spotting, consult your gynecologist immediately. Post-menopausal bleeding is a crucial symptom and must be diagnosed early to prevent it from becoming a malignant disease. Some women may also notice the passage of blood clots through the vagina another warning sign of an unhealthy vagina and vaginal related diseases, such as endometrial polyps (growths in the inner lining of the uterus) orcervical cancer.

   If you notice these signs or symptoms seek medical attention immediately,  because as i said earlier the vaginal health is crucial to a woman's overall well-being.
N.B: Next we will discussing ways to keep the vaginal healthy.