A Bengaluru-based gynaecologist has expressed concern about a rise in genital infections in young women and called for greater knowledge about reproductive health, safe sex, and timely access to medical care.
Hospitals and clinics are also seeing more young women complaining about unusual vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, burning sensations, pelvic discomfort, and recurrent infections, said the doctor.
The reasons may vary from person to person, but healthcare professionals believe that poor awareness, unavailability of medical help, bad hygiene practices, unprotected sex, and self-medication all play a role in this uptick.
For the doctor, the advice to “use protection” is not about fear or stigma around sexual health but about preventive care and informed decision-making. Not all genital infections are sexually transmitted, and many of them can occur without sexual intercourse. But safer sex, including proper and consistent use of condoms, should decrease the risk of getting or spreading sexually transmitted infections.
Doctors also point out that condoms can be used to prevent infections that do not show up quickly, so regular preventive actions are crucial. Doctors also said it’s common for young women to not go to the doctor because they are embarrassed, confused, or scared they’ll be judged. And so they may not get a diagnosis. Experts say self-treatment can mask symptoms without addressing the underlying cause, and infections can compound or get worse, or recur.
In some cases, persistent, untreated infections can lead to reproductive harm (pelvic inflammatory disease, for example), thus underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Gynaecologists recommend that women go to the doctor if they have persistent itchiness, unusual discharge, foul odor, pain while urinating, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, and pain during sex.
Early consultation enables doctors to do the right examinations and laboratory tests, determine the cause of the infection, and give tailored treatment instead of just guessing. Good hygiene of the intimate area is also crucial to prevent infections. They urge that the use of harsh chemical products, scented intimate washes, or excessive cleaning can damage the natural balance of protective bacteria.
Clean cotton underwear, changing out of damp clothing quickly, menstrual hygiene, and general personal cleanliness can help reduce the risk of infection. Poor nutrition, uncontrolled diabetes, weakened immunity, long-term antibiotic use, and stress are all factors linked to infection susceptibility, according to doctors. Good nutrition, hydration, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep are the basic elements that contribute to a healthy immune system and reproductive health.
Sexual health education is also a must for many people. Healthcare professionals say that accurate information about reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections, contraceptive methods, and preventive care that is age-appropriate for young people and not stigmatized is essential for informed decision-making.
Doctors say that discussions on reproductive health should be treated just like any other aspect of healthcare and not in terms of shame or embarrassment. They also remind the public that regular gynaecological check-ups can help identify problems early, even if symptoms are mild or absent, and vaccines recommended by healthcare providers (e.g., for human papillomavirus (HPV)) might also help with preventive reproductive healthcare for many individuals in the community.
Health professionals argue that although the reported rise in genital infections is a concern, there is no reason to panic. Most infections can be effectively treated when diagnosed early, and many are preventable through safe sexual practices, good hygiene, regular medical check-ups, and prompt consultation whenever symptoms are observed.
