I can't remember who said hi first. Frankly, I don't care. All I know is I had never spoken to the guy in the first two years of college. Even after sharing a few classes together. And now, he wanted to take me to dinner. I said yes. By the end of the date, I decided I liked him. We walked over to his place, just a few miles away from where we had dinner. He showed me where he lived. I said I'd love to visit soon and returned home. When we saw each other again, I found him preparing jollof rice. It was great. We talked a lot about Kenyan culture. About the music. He was a sucker for Kenyan Gengetone. I found that super exciting. Later that day, we had sex.
Now, a week later, I didn't hear from him. I had borrowed a Chimamanda novel from him, so I used it as an excuse to see him again. I believe I was returning the book before I even finished it, just to crack the case of why he didn't speak to me afterward. I found him seeming different. He walked about the house, a one-bedroom house, I should add, like he didn't live there. Fidgeting a lot. He was in the kitchen, then he was in the bedroom, in the closet, looking for a change of clothes, I suppose. Eventually, I asked him whether he was okay. How was he doing? Was it me?
He looked right at me and asked whether he could speak to me. Have a conversation. I said, yes, of course. He sat me down in front of him, looked me in the eyes, and said that I had made him sick. “What?!” He continued to say that he had been in pain these past few days. So much so that he had to see a doctor, which I must add for university students studying in Kigali without insurance, must have been a serious case. This whole time he talked funny. Like he had something stuck in his throat. Like he had a cold. I asked why he talked like that he said it was part of the sickness. He was building up to it, of course, finally telling me that the doctor diagnosed him with gonorrhea. I had given him gonorrhea, he says.
I laugh. I'm that person who laughs in awkward situations. I know in my bones I didn't have gonorrhea. But a few weeks ago, I had slept with someone. So, I couldn't rule it out completely. I also know I haven't had any signs and symptoms showing. I tell him this. That he must be wrong, the doctor must be wrong, and he says no. He's mad, I laughed. I apologize. At this point, I'm not sure what the point is anymore. Why should I continue to stay here, in this room, wishing the ground would swallow me whole? So I say, I'm sorry, again, and ask to leave. He bids me goodbye with a "you should get tested" glare that felt more like, "you shouldn't have sex with anyone else after this because you might infect them too." Oh, I did ask why he didn't tell me about any of this as soon as he found out. He said he was too shocked to say anything. Anyway, the point is these things happen. You think that you're bonding with someone, building something special. That they could be your person in a few months because of how well you're connecting with them. And then, once you have sex, they get sick and blame you for it.
I went straight to the doctor, even though the night was closing in. I had to know. I mean, I knew I had an infection. A UTI, most probably. I've had it before when you pee in public bathrooms. It comes and goes away. I didn't have to go to the doctor because I couldn't tell you how many times I've had an infection and healed off it in days. But this was different. I might have gonorrhea. I could have it. Shit. Shit. Shit. So, I arrive at the doctor's. He runs a series of tests. Then tells me I have something called trichomoniasis. He says it's very serious. Extremely. Even showed me how many viruses there were through a microscope. He then says that prescribing me medicine won't work. Tablets won't work. He had to give me an injection to kill most of the viruses’ cells. Afterward, he said that I still needed medication to kill them off completely. I don't know. I don't remember. I was happy I didn't have gonorrhea. That's all that matters.
I leave the place, texting the guy and telling him I didn't have gonorrhea, or any STI, or HIV/AIDS for that matter. (I had the doctor test for everything on the chart, hence why he ran a series of tests that, might I add, put a huge dent in my savings. And, of course, I know now that trichomoniasis is also a type of STI. Go figure). “What did the guy say?” I don't remember. I remember telling him I never wanted to speak to him again because the whole situation didn't sit right with me. He said something like he shared the same sentiment, and I blocked him and forgot about him.
Until now.
Let’s Talk Vaginal Infections
There are so many vaginal infections. It’s important to know them by name, cause, symptoms, and cure.
What are Vaginal Infections?
They are just that: infections around your vagina (or vulva) that can cause soreness, itchiness, or an unusual vagina discharge. While some vaginal infections occur naturally, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as it occurs so they can help to cure them much quicker and prevent any complications.
What Causes Vaginal Infections?
There are various causes of vaginal infections, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites growing in (and around) the vagina (or vulva). Usually, they won’t cause any problems.
In fact, every healthy vagina will have “good” bacteria that balance the “bad” bacteria. The “good” bacteria are there to help kill harmful substances in your vagina. They keep you healthy. However, if the “bad” bacteria grow out of control, it can cause a type of vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis.
The same goes for fungi, where most healthy vaginas will have a type of fungi called yeast. However, if yeast grows out of control, it can cause a type of vaginal infection called a yeast infection or candidiasis.
So, generally, a healthy vagina maintains a healthy balance of bacteria and yeast.
Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Infection
When you have a vaginal infection, trust me, you will know. Here are the guiding clues, though, just to be sure.
At their worst, vaginal infections can get really dire and show the following signs:
Keep in mind that having a vaginal discharge is completely normal. However, you need to watch out for an abnormal discharge, meaning the amount is more or doesn’t look like it normally would. It also helps if you notice the unusual discharge and other signs and symptoms on this list.
Ultimately, seeing a doctor is the only way to know for sure. And never be embarrassed to talk about it. I can tell you every woman has been there, so don’t suffer alone.
Lastly, vaginal infections can have the same symptoms as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, again, definitely see a doctor to be certain.
How Many Vaginal Infections are There?
Whew! There are quite a number. Here are some of them:
How Do You Get Vaginal Infections?
It’s good to know how you can get a vaginal infection to avoid it. Here are some of the ways you can contract a vaginal infection.
In my story, I passed on trichomoniasis to my sexual partner. To prevent it, make sure to get tested before engaging in sexual intercourse with a new person. Also, ask your sexual partner to get tested, too.
UTIs are a somewhat whole other topic, but in brief, they often have the following signs:
What causes UTIs
Well, as aforementioned, peeing in public bathrooms may expose you to gross bacteria. But also when poo finds its way into your urinary tract.
Treatment of UTIs
Antibiotics do the job just fine. Make sure to see a doctor to get the right medication.
Prevention and Treatment of Vaginal Infections
If you notice any of the signs and symptoms, see a doctor right away. They will prescribe the right medication for you, usually creams, ointments, tablets, or suppositories. But make sure to avoid the causes of vaginal infections if you can, too. It’s the best way to stay safe and healthy.
This one was a loaded article, but congratulations on making it through to the end! Let’s switch gears to something a little lighter in our ““My Life as a Bipolar Girl” Breaks Down What it Means to be Bipolar.” article. And as always, feel free to let us know of any questions or concerns!