Emergency Room Series: Infections Down There

The Vee is an important organ in the body. You should know how to protect and care for it dearly. 

When I mean the vagina, I'm trying to be simple. I actually mean the vulva, labias, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and every other thing that makes up the female reproductive system.


An undergraduate lady in her mid-twenties was admitted to the ER on account of persistent high fever, abdominal pain, bloating, thick vaginal discharge, severe vaginal itching, blisters around the vagina and foul odour. 

She kept scratching her private part so bad. When we told her to stop, she still continued. The odour was quite offensive( when doing vaginal examination) that we had to use face masks. If she was a bit older, I would have thought it was end- stage cervical cancer because the odour was characteristic.


Her blood was taken for tests which included blood glucose check and full blood count. Swab samples were taken from her cervix and around her vagina( consent taken) as well as her urine sample. The result showed she had severe fungal and bacterial infection. Her urine analysis was also poor. She was asked if she was having unprotected s§x with someone who had signs of STD, she said no. 

She claimed that it started two weeks ago, although the doctor wasn't buying it. She also said she was s§xually active with a man and another lady. When asked if she shares a toilet where she lives with more than two people, she said yes. 

Anyway, We started her on series of strong antibiotics and antiviral medications. She was told to bring her 'partners' to the hospital also for testing and drugs so she wouldn't get infected again. We weren't sure if it was s§xually gotten or from sharing the same toilet with a lot of people. 

It is important to avoid getting s§xually transmitted diseases as they cause vaginal infections. damage caused by an untreated infection can spread from the vagina up into the uterus and fallopian tubes. This kind of infection is called pelvic inflammatory disease and can, if left untreated, cause damage to the tubes. Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes prevent sperm from getting to your egg and also prevent the fertilized egg from getting to your uterus thereby causing infertility.


Any lady who has had a Vaginal infection before would know how frustrating and embarrassing it is. Vaginal infections can be avoided by wearing breathable underwear(not nylon), avoid wearing tight shorts or trousers for a long time.

 Don't use scented feminine products for the vagina eg bubble baths, soaps, sprays, tampons, and pads(there's a popular sanitary pad brand now with scented pads). 

Do not wear wet pants, In the bathroom, always wipe from front to back, When on your period, be sure to change your tampons, pads, and panty liners often, Manage your diabetes (if you're diabetic). 

I also encourage women to iron their pants before wearing them.


In conclusion, it's important to practice safe s3x to keep harmful germs away, avoid using petroleum jelly (Vaseline) as lubricant during s§x(it causes inflammation) and eat balanced meals. Most importantly, wash the vagina with ordinary water because soap kills the good bacterias that keep the vagina healthy.