How vagina is protected from harmful organisms

           

           The estrogen is the important hormone which plays an important role in the protection of vagina from the harmful organisms like bacteria, fungus, etc. The childhood period is the common age group for girls to get the vaginal and vulval infection. The vaginal barrier is lost due to the lack of estrogen hormone and the infection is common in this age group. The most common complaint is the itching around the vagina and the vaginal discharge may be present.


           Before marriage, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections(STI) is rare. Some organisms like Trichomonas, chlamydial infections, HIV, syphilis are most commonly transmitted to healthy women by sexual contact. So during the reproductive period, the entry of harmful organisms which causes infection is prevented by the LACTIC ACID present in the vaginal mucus. Because of lactic acid, the PH of the lower vagina is low; which is between 4.5 to 5.

           Normally after puberty till the end of the reproductive period, the influence of estrogen hormone in women is predominant. The glycogen present in the vaginal mucosa is converted to lactic acid by the good bacteria belongs to the group of lactobacillus known as Doderlein's bacillus which maintains the vaginal PH to acidic in nature. The acidic condition in the lower vagina prevents the growth of other pathologically harmful bacteria in the lower vagina. This prevents the ascend of bacteria towards the cervix and uterus through the upper vagina. The presence of glycogen and the Doderlein's bacillus is related to the estrogen hormone. So, the vaginal infection is common among the childhood girls.

           During childhood, proper hygiene will prevent infection of vagina and vulva. The most common disorder during childhood is vulvovaginitis. For adult women, the vagina is protected naturally from the harmful organisms. Due to lack of estrogen hormone, the barrier is affected and the infection is possible. In sexually active women's, the natural protection is useless and the sexually transmitted infection is more common. Proper hygiene and the use of barrier methods like condoms are effective to prevent infection of the harmful organisms. If the symptoms like vaginal discharge, itching, bad smell from the discharge are present, then consult your gynaecologist.