{"id":22048,"date":"2024-07-11T06:56:23","date_gmt":"2024-07-11T04:56:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=22048"},"modified":"2024-07-11T06:56:42","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T04:56:42","slug":"weird-vaginal-conditions-that-arent-stis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/weird-vaginal-conditions-that-arent-stis\/","title":{"rendered":"“Weird” Vaginal Conditions That Aren’t STIs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever noticed strange rashes, smells, or bumps in your vaginal area and immediately assume the worst? Don\u2019t freak out – while the majority of STIs are no big deal if treated properly anyways, sometimes the strange lumps and bumps on our vagina aren\u2019t sexually transmitted. <\/span><\/p>\n

Our vaginas are little microbiomes of their own, and when the delicate balance of the ecosystem is disturbed, many things can happen. Plus, much like the armpit, the groin also has very sensitive skin folds where plenty of sweat, bacteria, and dirt accumulate, making breakouts and rashes not uncommon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You should always consult with your primary care provider or gynecologist<\/strong> if you think something is going on with your vagina, but just because the condition may look a bit out of the ordinary, an STI may not be to blame. Read on to learn more about some \u201cweird\u201d looking vaginal conditions that are not sexually transmitted.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaginitis<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vaginitis<\/span><\/a> is a general term for disorders resulting in infection or inflammation of the vagina. Symptoms include unusual discharge, itching, and odor. Vulvovaginitis refers to inflammation of the external female genitals as well as the internal vaginal canal. <\/span><\/p>\n

Vaginitis may be due to sexually transmitted or non-sexual causes. For example, common chemicals found in sprays, creams, or even certain kinds of clothing and dyes that come into contact with this area may cause irritation with not-so-pretty results. Sometimes, vaginitis may be due to vaginal dryness due to a lack of estrogen due to menopause or a hormonal imbalance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Yeast Infections<\/span><\/h3>\n

At least <\/span>three out of four<\/span><\/a> women have had a yeast infection at some point in their lives, and around 45 percent will have them more than once. Yeast infections are not an STI, and happen when there is an overgrowth of the candida virus. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s normal and healthy for your vagina, mouth, and digestive tract to house a certain amount of Candida, but when the yeast overgrows, it can cause an infection. Typically infections happen when the delicate balance of bacteria in your system is disturbed, such as when you take antibiotics, which wipes out \u201cfriendly\u201d bacteria that normally keeps the yeast in check. Other reasons include diabetes (too much sugar in the urine and vagina) and shifting hormone levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bacterial Vaginosis<\/span><\/h3>\n

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in premenopausal adult women, and is caused by a combination of various strains of bacteria that normally reside in your vagina. An overgrowth of these types of bacterias due to an upset pH balance results in bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis risk factors include cigarette smoking, regular douching, and having new or multiple sexual partners (though it is not sexually transmitted).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaginal Pimples<\/span><\/h2>\n

You may think that vaginal pimples look embarrassing, but they form the same way as pimples do on your face- pores clogged with bacteria, dead skin, and oil. They\u2019re almost always harmless and typically clear up on their own without any outside interference or additional medication. Vaginal pimples may be the result of a range of factors, such as tight clothing, a reaction to soaps or fabrics, or infected hair follicles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Contact Dermatitis<\/span><\/h3>\n

Contact dermatitis refers to any reaction you may have due to something touching your skin. When your skin is irritated, it can form pimples. <\/span>Contact dermatitis<\/span><\/a> in the genital area is common due to sensitivity to:<\/span><\/p>\n