Jock itch is often mistakenly thought to be a skin infection that affects only males but it can also occur in females. It is a fungal infection of the skin of the groin – the area between the thighs and torso. These infections are common and can extend to the external genitalia or the upper part of the inner thigh. Jock itch is just another form of athlete’s foot – one arises on the groin area while the other is seen on the genitalia. The correct medical term for this type of fungal infection is tinea cruris but apart from jock itch, it is also known by many common names across the globe such crotch itch, gym itch, groin ringworm and dhobie itch.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections that occur in women. It is also the most common urinary problem that women experience. The urinary tract comprises the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. Urine is produced in the kidney, passed down into the ureter where it is stored in the bladder. From here it is passed out through the urethra into the environment during voiding. Most of the time the infection is isolated to the urethra and bladder but should it spread upwards to the kidneys then the consequences can be much more severe.
Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal infection which arises with overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. It is not like with other vaginal infections where pathogenic microorganisms infiltrate the vagina and injure the tissue. Instead bacterial vaginosis arises when the various types of naturally-occurring bacteria (vaginal flora) multiply excessively. There are several species of bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria are usually harmless and necessary because it prevents other dangerous bacteria and yeasts from infecting the vagina. However the population of these bacteria need to be carefully controlled or it can pose a problem to the vagina.
Trichomoniasis is a protozoal sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. It usually does not cause significant symptoms and resolves spontaneously in men. In women, however, it persists and can affect the unborn child. Trichomoniasis increases the susceptibility of a person to contract viral infections like HIV. However, with proper preventative measures, the risk of contracting trichomoniasis as with most other sexually transmitted infections is greatly reduced. Asymptomatic partners should also be treated as the person may be a carrier and can infect or re-infect others.
Chlamydia is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection which is very common in both women and men. One of the reasons for its prevalence is that it is largely asymptomatic – about three-quarter of women and half of men with a chlamydia infection show no signs and symptoms. It is therefore easily transmitted by the carrier to the unsuspecting partner. While it may affect both genders, chlamydia is more prevalent in women. Chlamydia infection is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in the United States and it is believed that the incidence is actually much higher but those infected are unaware of it.
Cervicitis is the term for inflammation of the cervix. Majority of the cases of cervicitis are due to infectious causes, particularly sexually transmitted infections. Cervicitis is a very common condition in women and the inflammation is more often related to sexual contact. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus which narrows and becomes continuous with the vagina. The part of the cervix that opens into the vagina is known as the external os while the portion that opens into the uterus is known as the internal os. It is lined with squamous epithelial cells and mucus-secreting cells. The cervix is the barrier part of the female genital tract that restricts the passage of microorganisms in the vagina from entering the uterus. However, it is also prone to any diseases that affect the vagina, particularly infections that gradually ascend up into the cervix and may eventually involve the uterus.
Salpingitis is the term for inflammation of the fallopian tubes. Most cases are due to an infection. The fallopian tubes are located on either side of the uterus. The hollow cavity of the fallopian tubes allow for an egg cell (ovum) that is released from the ovary to pass into the uterus. Although salpingitis is not often discussed on its own as it is part of the umbrella term pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), it is an important cause of infertility in women.
Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. It can be acquired, where it is contracted during life and most often through sexual intercourse, or congenital, where it is present from birth. Syphilis has been decreasing throughout most of the last quarter of the twentieth century. However, these has been an increase since 2000, particularly in homosexual men. It nevertheless remains one of the common sexually transmitted diseases, alongside gonorrhea and genital herpes.
Gonorrhea is one the common sexually transmitted bacterial infections that affects both men and women. For most of the 20th century, gonorrhea and was the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). About 10% of males and over 50% of females infected with gonorrhea are asymptomatic however meaning that they will exhibit no signs or symptoms. This can make it difficult to identify an infected partner and without preventative measures, any sexually active person is at risk of contracting this disease. Gonorrhea can also be transmitted during childbirth (mother-child) where it more commonly causes an eye infection (opthalmia neonatorum).
The female breast develops after puberty to cater for the production and delivery of milk to offspring after childbirth. Fat tissue within the breast, apart from providing protection, is also a rich supply of energy for this purpose. The breast has numerous alveoli which empty its secretion into ductules that drain into the lactiferous ducts. The milk accumulates at the lactiferous sinuses before being passed out into the exterior through the nipple. Although breastfeeding is a rewarding bonding experience between mother and child, apart from physically nourishing the infant, it may predispose the mother to certain injuries and infections that would not normally arise.
