Vaginitis: definition, symptoms, causes, and treatment

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Definition

What is vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)?

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina that causes itching, burning, infection, or swelling of the vagina. Inflammation of the vagina can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses.

The most common causes of vaginal inflammation are bacterial vaginosis , fungal infections, trichomoniasis, and non-infectious vaginitis. You need to consult your doctor to find the exact cause of vaginitis and choose the right treatment.

How common is vaginal inflammation?

Inflammation of the vagina is very common. Most women have experienced vaginitis at least once in their life. Inflammation of the vagina can occur in women of any age.

Inflammation of the vagina is most common in young, sexually active women. Vaginitis can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information about vaginitis.

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)?

Common symptoms of vaginal inflammation can include:

• Vaginal discharge that is strange in color and smells bad
• Abnormal fluid levels
• Itching, irritation, and discomfort in the infected area
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain when urinating
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting.

Depending on the type of vaginal inflammation, the characteristics of vaginal discharge can vary:

• Bacterial vaginosis: You can discharge discharge that is grayish-white and has a foul odor. When you have vaginitis, your vagina may smell fishy and more pronounced after sexual intercourse.
• Yeast infection: The main symptom of this type of vaginitis is itching, however, you can have a white, thick discharge.
• Trichomoniasis : This type of vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) can cause a yellow-green, sometimes foamy discharge.

There may be signs and symptoms of vaginitis not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should call your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms of vaginitis:

• Your vaginal discharge is increasing in volume, has an abnormal color, and smells different than usual.
• You feel itchy, sore, swollen, or painful around or outside the vagina.
• You feel pain when you urinate.
• You feel discomfort or pain after sexual intercourse.

If you have any of the signs or symptoms above or any other questions regarding vaginitis, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)?

Depending on the type, the causes of vaginitis are:

1. Bacterial vaginosis

This condition occurs when the balance of the vagina is disturbed, in which there are more bad bacteria than good bacteria. However, if there are too many anaerobic bacteria and it disturbs the balance, it will cause bacterial vaginosis.

This type of vaginal inflammation appears to be related to sexual intercourse, especially if you have had multiple sexual partners. However, this condition can also occur in women who are not sexually active.

2. Fungal infection

This occurs when fungal organisms (especially Candida albicans) grow in the vagina. Not only causes vaginal yeast infections, C. albicans is also a major cause of infection in other moist areas of the body, such as the mouth (thrush), skin folds, and nail beds. This fungus can cause diaper rash in babies.

3. Trichomoniasis

This common sexually transmitted infection is caused by a one-cell microscopic parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. These bacteria are transmitted through sexual contact with someone who is infected.

In men, these germs infect the urethra, but often have no symptoms. Therefore, during sexual intercourse, an infected man passes the germs on to his partner.

4. Vaginitis is not contagious

Itching, burning, and discharge can sometimes occur without infection. Often times, this is an allergic reaction or irritation from products such as detergents, vaginal cleaners, scented soaps, vaginal sprays, and spermicides.

It can also occur due to low hormone levels due to menopause or the removal of the ovaries causing symptoms of vaginitis, such as vaginal itching and burning.

5. Genitourinary syndrome in menopause

Reduced estrogen levels after menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries can cause the vaginal lining to thin. Sometimes, this condition causes symptoms of vaginitis, such as irritation, a burning sensation, and dryness of the vagina.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for vaginal inflammation?

There are many risk factors for vaginitis, including:

• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, birth control pills, or menopause
• Infection due to unprotected sexual activity
• Use of drugs, such as antibiotics and steroids
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Use of hygiene products such as foam soaps, vaginal sprays, or vaginal deodorants
• Poor hygiene
• Wearing clothes that are damp or too tight
• Use intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception.

Diagnosis

How is vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) diagnosed?

According to the Mayo Clinic, your doctor may perform the following procedures to diagnose vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina):

• Look at your medical history

This includes any history of vaginal infections or sexually transmitted diseases that you have had.

• Perform a pelvic exam

In a pelvic exam, your doctor may use an instrument (speculum) to see if your vagina is inflamed or has abnormal changes.

• Collect samples for examination in the laboratory

Your doctor may collect a sample of vaginal discharge to determine what type of vaginitis you have.

• Perform a pH check

Your doctor may perform a vaginal pH test by placing a pH stick or paper on the wall of your vagina. An increase in pH can indicate bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.

However, pH testing alone is not a reliable diagnostic test.

Treatment

How to treat vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina)?

The key to treating vaginal inflammation is finding the right cause. Depending on the type of vaginitis infection, your doctor will suggest the most effective vaginal inflammatory solution.

• Bacterial vaginosis

The doctor will give you an oral tablet of metronidazole (Flagyl) and troical metronidazole gel (MetroGel) or clindamycin cream (Cleocin) which is applied to the vagina. Vaginitis treatment is usually given 1-2 times a day for 5-7 days.

• Yeast infection

Antifungal creams or suppositories, such as miconazole (Monistat), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) or thioconazole (Vagistat) are usually given for vaginitis due to yeast infection. In addition, the doctor will provide oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole diflucan.

The advantages of over-the-counter treatment are convenience, cost, and no need to wait to see a doctor. Using the wrong medication can slow down an accurate diagnosis as well as proper treatment. In addition, ask your doctor before taking medication.

• Trichomoniasis

Metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax) tablets can be used for this infection.

• Look for the causes of vaginitis and prevent them

To treat non-communicable types of vaginitis, the key is to find the source and prevent it. Possible sources could include soap, detergent, sanitary napkins, or tampons. Doctors can give topical estrogens, such as creams, to relieve symptoms of vaginitis.

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat vaginal inflammation?

With each type, a yeast infection is the easiest inflammation of the vagina to treat if you can diagnose it correctly. You can do your own treatment for vaginitis by:

• Using a treatment that is devoted to fungal infections
• Apply a cold compress, such as a towel, to the labial area to relieve discomfort until the antifungal medication takes effect.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.