What is Vaginitis?
Inflammation of the vagina is an inflammation of the vagina. It is usually caused by an infection. The patient usually presents discharge, itching, burning and pain. In addition to the discomfort, you may notice a different smell than usual. You may have an infection caused by bacteria, yeast, or viruses. Soaps, sprays, or chemicals on clothing associated with this area can irritate the skin and sensitive tissues. This is a common condition and most women have it at least once in their life.
The vagina is a muscular canal that runs from the uterus to the outside of the body, where it is covered by a mucous membrane. Their average length is around 6 to 7 inches. The only part of the vagina that is usually visible from the outside is the vaginal opening. It is not always easy to realize what is happening. You need your gynecologist doctor's help to figure it out and choose the right treatment.
Types
There are many types of vaginitis depending on the cause.
Common:
l Atrophic Vaginitis: When estrogen levels drop during menopause, the endothelium or the lining of the vagina becomes thinner, which is more prone to irritation and inflammation.
l Bacterial Vaginosis: It is a common bacterial growth in the vagina. Patients are less likely to have a common vaginal bacteria called lactobacilli.
l Trichomonas vaginalis: Sometimes called trichomoniasis, it is a sexually transmitted unicellular protozoan parasite caused by Trichomonas vaginolis. It infects other parts of the urogenital tract, including the urethra, which exits the body.
l Candida albicans: Yeast that causes a yeast infection called vaginal yeast infection. Candida is present in small amounts in the gut and is generally controlled by common gut bacteria.
Symptoms of vaginitis
The female vagina usually produces a clear or slightly cloudy discharge. To some extent, this is how the vagina is cleaned.
It doesn't really smell or itch. How and exactly how it looks and feels in its structural cycle. At one point you may have a very thin water discharge or just a small amount, and at another time of the month, it will be thicker and have more. This is all normal.
When your discharge has a very noticeable odor, or is burned or itchy, it can be a problem. You may experience irritation at any time of the day, but most of the time it causes discomfort at night. Having sex can aggravate some of the symptoms.
The most common symptoms of vaginitis are:
l Irritation of the genital area.
l White, gray, watery or foamy discharge.
l The inflammation can cause redness and swelling of the labia majora, labia minora, and perineal area, mainly due to the presence of immune cells.
l Dysuria, which is pain or discomfort when urinating
l Painful intercourse, also known as dyspnea
l Foul or fishy vaginal odor
Causes
The cause depends on the type of vaginitis you have:
l Bacterial Vaginosis. The most common cause of vaginitis is a change in the normal bacteria found in your vagina, leading to an increase in one of many other organisms. In general, the bacteria commonly found in the vagina (Lactobacilli) are higher than the other (anaerobic) bacteria in your vagina. If there are too many anaerobic bacteria, they can upset the balance and cause bacterial vaginosis.
l This type of vaginitis appears to be associated with sexual intercourse, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner, but it can also occur in women who are not sexually active.
l Yeast infection In your vagina, usually c. Albicans: occur during the growth of a fungal organism. C. Albicans can also cause infections in the mouth (thrush), other moist areas of your body such as skin folds and nail beds. The fungus can also cause diaper rash.
l Trichomoniasis. This common sexually transmitted infection is caused by a single-celled microscopic parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The organism is transmitted during sexual contact with an infected person.
l In men, the organism usually infects the urinary tract, but it often does not cause any symptoms. In women, trichomoniasis usually infects the vagina and causes symptoms. It also increases the risk of women being exposed to other sexually transmitted infections.
l Non-infectious vaginitis. Vaginal sprays, Duchess, scented soaps, scented detergents, and spermicidal products can cause an allergic reaction or irritate the vulva and vaginal tissues. Foreign objects such as tissue paper or tampons left in the vagina can also irritate the vaginal tissues.
l Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy). Decreased levels of estrogen after menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries can cause the vaginal membrane to become thinner, sometimes causing vaginal irritation, burning, and dryness.
Risk factors
Factors that increase the risk of vaginitis:
l Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, birth control pills, or menopause.
l Sexual activity
l Sexually transmitted infection
l Medications such as antibiotics and steroids.
l Use of spermicides for birth control.
l Uncontrolled diabetes
l Use of hygiene products such as bubble bath, vaginal spray, or vaginal deodorant
l Get a shower
l Wear wet or tight clothing
l Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control
Diagnosis
The doctor will perform a physical exam regarding a previous sexually transmitted infection and ask about medical history.
The doctor may perform a pelvic exam to check the inside of the vagina for swelling and excessive discharge. Sometimes a discharge sample is taken to try to determine the cause of the inflammation.
To diagnose vaginitis, your doctor may recommend:
l Review your medical history. Include a history of your vaginal or sexual infection.
l Do a pelvic exam. During a pelvic exam, your doctor may use a device (speculum) to check for swelling and abnormal discharge from within your vagina.
l Collect a sample for laboratory testing. Your doctor can collect a sample of cervical or vaginal discharge for a lab test to determine what type of vaginitis you have.
l Do a pH test. Your doctor can test your vaginal pH by applying a pH test stick or pH paper to the vaginal wall. Elevated pH indicates bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. However, the pH test is not the only reliable diagnostic test.
Treatment
A variety of organisms and conditions can cause vaginitis, so treatment may target the specific cause:
l Bacterial Vaginosis. For this type of vaginitis, your doctor may prescribe metronidazole (Flagyl) tablets that you take by mouth or with metronidazole gel (metrogel) or clindamycin cream (cleocin). You will need to be tested and given a prescription for these medications.
l Yeast infections are usually treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream or a treatment with miconazole (monistat 1), clotrimazole, butoconazole, or tioconazole (vagistat-1). Yeast infections can also be treated with prescription oral antifungal medications, such as fluconazole (Diflucan). The benefits of over-the-counter treatment are convenience, cost, and not having to wait to see your doctor. However, you may have more than just a yeast infection. Improper use of the drug can delay accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
l Trichomoniasis. Your doctor may prescribe metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax) tablets.
l Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy). Estrogen, in the form of creams, pills, or vaginal rings, can effectively treat this condition. This treatment is available through your doctor's prescription, after reviewing other risk factors and complications.
l Non-infectious vaginitis. To treat this type of vaginitis, it is necessary to identify the source of the irritation and prevent it. Possible resources include new soap, laundry detergent, sanitary pads, or tampons.
Lifestyle and home remedies
You will need prescription medications to treat trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and vaginal atrophy. If you know you have a yeast infection, you can take these steps:
- Use over-the-counter medications specifically for yeast infections. Options include one-, three-, or seven-day vaginal cream or suppository courses. The active ingredient varies depending on the product: clotrimazole, miconazole (monistat 1) or tioconazole (vagistat-1).
- Some products also come with an external cream that is applied to open the labia and vagina. Even if you feel better right away, follow the directions on the package and complete the entire treatment.
- Apply a cold compress, such as a washcloth, to the launch area to reduce discomfort until the antifungal medication is fully effective.
Prevention
Good hygiene can prevent certain types of vaginitis from coming back and relieve some of the symptoms:
l Stay away from baths, hot tubs, and whirlpool spas.
l Avoid irritation. These include scented tampons, sanitary pads, duchess, and scented soaps. Rinse your outer genital area with soap after bathing and dry the area well to avoid irritation. Do not use strong soaps like deodorant or antibacterial action or bubble bath.
l Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. Doing so will prevent the spread of fecal bacteria to your vagina.
Other things you can do to prevent vaginitis:
l Don't take a shower. Your vagina doesn't need any more cleaning than a regular bath. Repeated douching can disrupt the normal organisms that live in the vagina and actually increase the risk of vaginal infection. Douching does not remove the vaginal infection.
l Use a rubber condom. Male and female rubber condoms can help you prevent sexually transmitted infections.
l Wear cotton underwear. Also wear cotton crochet pantyhose. If you are comfortable without it, don't wear underwear to bed. Yeast thrives in humid climates.
The following best practices can help prevent vaginitis:
l Have good general hygiene
l Use mild soaps without irritation or odors.
l Wear cotton underwear
l Avoid douching and irritants in hygiene sprays, soaps, and other feminine products.
l Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading from the anus to the vagina.
l Wear loose clothing
l Practice sex with a condom
l Use antibiotics only when needed
