Symptoms And Treatments Of Vaginitis

Symptoms And Treatments Of Vaginitis
"Vaginitis" is a word that is used to described disorders that cause infection or

inflammation ("itis" means inflammation) of the vagina. Vulvovaginitis refers to

inflammation of both the vagina and vulva (the external female genitals). These conditions

can result from an infection caused by organisms such as bacteria, yeast, or viruses, as

well as by irritations from chemicals in creams, sprays, or even clothing that are in

contact with this area. In some cases, vaginitis results from organisms that are passed

between sexual partners.

Vaginitis can sometimes be a sign of other health problems. Knowing more about the

signs and symptoms of this common condition will help you and your health care provider

make a proper diagnosis.

The common symptoms of vaginitis are itching, burning, and vaginal discharge that is

different from your normal secretions. The itching and burning can be inside the vagina

or on the skin or vulva just outside the vagina. Discomfort during urination or sexual

intercourse may also occur. If everyone with vaginitis had these symptoms, then the

diagnosis would be fairly simple. However, it is important to realize that as many as 4

out of every 10 women with vaginitis may not have these typical symptoms. Frequently, a

routine gynecologic exam will confirm vaginitis even if symptoms are not present. This is

one reason why it is important to have a gynecologic exam at least every 2 years.

A women's vagina normally produces a discharge that is usually described as clear or

slightly cloudy, non-irritating, and odor-free. During the normal menstrual cycle the

amount and consistency of discharge vary. At one time of the month there may be a small

amount of a very thin or watery discharge and at another time, a more extensive thicker

discharge may appear. All of these descriptions could be considered normal.

A vaginal discharge that has an odor or that is irritating is usually an abnormal

discharge. The irritation might be itching or burning or both. The burning could feel like

a bladder infection. The itching may be present at any time of the day but it is often

most bothersome at night. Both of these symptoms are usually made worse by sexual

intercourse. It is important to see a doctor or clinician if there has been a change in

the amount, appearance, or smell of the discharge.

Yeast infections of the vagina are what most women think of when they hear the term

"vaginitis." They are caused by one of the many species of fungus called Candida. Candida

normally live in small numbers in the vagina as well as in the mouth and digestive tract

of both men and women.

Yeast infections produce a thick, white vaginal discharge with the consistency of

cottage cheese. Although the discharge can be somewhat watery, it is odorless. Yeast

infections usually cause the vagina and the vulva to be very itchy and red.

Since yeast is normal in a women's vagina, what makes it cause an infection? Usually

this happens when a change in the delicate balance in a woman's system occurs. For example,

a woman may take an antibiotic to treat a urinary tract infection and the antibiotic

kills her "friendly" bacteria that normally keep the yeast in balance; as a result the

yeast overgrows and causes the infection. Other factors which can upset the delicate

balance include pregnancy which changes hormone levels and diabetes which allows too much

sugar in the urine and vagina.

Although "yeast" is the name most women know, bacterial vaginosis is actually the most

common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. Bacterial vaginosis will often

cause a vaginal discharge. The discharge is usually thin and milky and is described as

having a "fishy" odor. This odor may become more noticeable after intercourse. Redness or

itching of the vagina are not common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. It is important to

note that many women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms at all and the vaginitis is

only discovered during a routine gynecologic exam. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a

combination of several bacteria. These bacteria seem to overgrow much the same way as

Candida will when the vaginal balance is upset. The exact reason for this overgrowth is

not known. Since bacterial vaginosis is caused by bacteria, not by yeast, it is easy to

see that different methods are needed to treat the different infections. A medicine that

is appropriate for yeast is not effective against the b

acteria that causes bacterial vaginosis.

Trichomonias, commonly called "trite" (pronounced "trick"), is caused by a tiny

single-celled organism known as a "protozoa." When this organism infects the vagina

is can cause a frothy, greenish-yellow discharge. Often this discharge will have a foul

smell. Women with trichomonal vaginitis may complain of itching and soreness of the vagina

and vulva, as well as burning during urination. In addition, there can be discomfort in

the lower abdomen and vaginal pain with intercourse. These symptoms may be worse after the

menstrual period. Many women, however, do not develop any symptoms. It is important to

understand that this type of vaginitis can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. For

treatment to be effective, the sexual partner must be treated at the same time as the

patient.

Another primarily sexually transmitted form of vaginitis is caused by the germ known as

Chlamydia. Unfortunately, most women do not have symptoms. This makes diagnosis difficult.

A vaginal discharge is sometimes present with this infection but not always. More often a

woman might experience light bleeding especially after intercourse. She may have pain in

the lower abdomen and pelvis. Chlamydial vaginitis is most common in young women (18 to 35

years) who have multiple sexual partners. If you fit this description, you should request

screening for Chlamydia during your annual checkup. The best "treatment" for Chlamydia is

prevention. Use of a condom will decrease your risk of contracting not only Chlamydia, but

other sexually transmitted diseases as well.

Viruses are a common cause of vaginitis. One form caused by the herpes simplex virus

(HSV) is often just called "herpes" infection. These infections are also spread by sexual

intimacy. The primary symptom of herpes vaginitis is pain associated with lesions or

"sores." These sores are usually visible on the vulva or the vagina but occasionally are

inside the vagina and can only be seen during a gynecologic exam. Outbreaks of HSV are

often associated with stress or emotional upheaval.

Another source of viral vaginal infection is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can

also be transmitted by sexual intercourse. This virus can cause painful warts to grow in

the vagina, rectum, vulva, or groin. These warts are usually white to gray in color, but

they may be pink or purple. However, visible warts are not always

present and the virus may only be detected when a Pap smear is abnormal.

Occasionally, a woman can have itching, burning, and even a vaginal discharge without

having an infection. The most common cause is an allergic reaction or irritation from

vaginal sprays, douches, or spermicidal products. The skin around the vagina can also be

sensitive to perfumed soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners.

Another noninfectious form of vaginitis results from a decrease in hormones because of

menopause or because of surgery that removes the ovaries. In this form, the vagina becomes

dry or "atrophic." The woman may notice pain, especially with sexual intercourse, as well

as vaginal itching and burning.

The key to proper treatment of vaginitis is proper diagnosis. This is not always easy

since the same symptoms can exist in different forms of vaginitis. You can greatly assist

your health care practitioner by paying close attention to exactly which symptoms you have

and when they occur, along with a description of the color,

consistency, amount, and smell of any abnormal discharge. Do not douche before your office

or clinic visit; it will make accurate testing difficult or impossible.

Because different types of vaginitis have different causes, the treatment needs to be

specific to the type of vaginitis present. When a woman has had a yeast infection

diagnosed by her doctor, she is usually treated with a prescription for a vaginal cream or

suppositories. If the infection clears up for some period of time but then the exact same

symptoms occur again, a woman can obtain, with her doctor or pharmacist's advice, a

vaginal cream or suppository without a prescription that can completely treat the

infection. The important thing to understand is that this medication may only cure the

most common types of Candida associated with vaginal

yeast infections and will not cure other yeast infections or any other type of vaginitis.

If you are not absolutely sure, see your doctor. You may save the expense of buying the

wrong medication and avoid delay in treating your type of vaginitis.

Other forms of infectious vaginitis are caused by organisms that need to be treated

with oral medication and/or a vaginal cream prescribed by your doctor. Products available

without a prescription will probably not be effective. As with all medicine, it is

important to follow your doctor's instructions as well as the instructions that come with

the medication. Do not stop taking the medicine when your symptoms go away. Do not stop

taking the medicine when your symptoms go away. Do not be embarrassed to ask your doctor

or health care practitioner questions. Good questions to ask include: It is okay to douche

while on this vaginal cream? Should

you abstain from sexual intercourse during treatment? Should your sexual partner(s) be

treated at the same time? Will the medication for this vaginitis agree with your other

medication(s)? Should you continue the vaginal cream or suppositories during your period?

Do you need to be reexamined and if so, when?

"Noninfectious" vaginitis is treated by changing the probable cause. If you have

recently changed your soap or laundry detergent or have added a fabric softener, you might

consider stopping the new product to see if the symptoms remain. The same instruction

would apply to a new vaginal spray, douche, sanitary napkin, or

tampon. If the vaginitis is due to hormonal changes, estrogen may be prescribed to help

reduce symptoms.

There are certain things that you can do to decrease the chance of getting vaginitis.

If you suffer from yeast infections, it is usually helpful to avoid garments that hold in

heat and moisture. The wearing of nylon panties, pantyhose without a cotton panel, and

tight jeans can lead to yeast infections. Good hygiene is also important. Many doctors

have found that if a woman eats yogurt that contains active cultures (read the label) she

will get fewer infections.

Because they can cause vaginal irritation, most doctors do not recommend vaginal sprays

or heavily perfumed soaps for cleansing this area. Likewise, repeated douching may cause

irritation or, more importantly, may hide a vaginal infection.

Safe sexual practices can help prevent the passing of diseases between partners. The

use of condoms is particularly important.

If you are approaching menopause, have had your ovaries removed, or have low levels of

estrogen for any reason, discuss with your doctor the use of hormone pills or creams to

keep the vagina lubricated and healthy.

See also: Candidiasis.html">Candidiasis