Vaginitis

 

Vaginitis means inflammation or infection of the vagina resulting from various causes. It is a painful condition leading to burning, itching, vaginal discharge, and difficulty in urination or sexual intercourse. Infections of vagina occur from yeast, bacteria, trichomonas and sometimes sexually transmitted diseases. Noninfectious vaginitis occurs due to physical or chemical irritation.

After menopause, many women suffer from vaginitis due to deficiency of estrogen. This condition is called as vaginal atrophy.

 

 

Vaginitis is caused by:

1. Bacteria

2. Yeast: This infection occurs when there is fungal overgrowth especially of Candida albicans.

3. Trichomoniasis

4. Noninfectious vaginitis: Many products used by women can lead to allergic reaction or irritate tissues of vagina. This causes itching and burning in vagina.

5. Postmenopausal women suffer from vaginitis due to deficiency of estrogen. This condition is called as vaginal atrophy which leads to thinning of vaginal mucosa.

Risk factors include:

1. Uncontrolled diabetes

2. Hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy, birth control pills or menopause

3. Medications, such as antibiotics and steroids

4. Damp or tight fitting clothes

5. Vaginal contraceptives

6. Using douches or perfumed feminine products

 

 

Symptoms include:

1. Pain or discomfort in vagina

2. Itching or irritation in vagina

3. Pain or burning during urination

4. Painful vaginal intercourse

5. Vaginal discharge due to infections with,

a) Yeast: Thick, whitish discharge with cottage-cheese-like appearance

b) Trichomonas: Greenish-yellow discharge, thin, frothy discharge

c) Bacteria: Thin, greyish discharge with a foul smelling fishy odor

 

 

1. The physician shall go through the detailed medical history and physical examination revealing characteristic signs and symptoms.

2. For confirming diagnosis following tests can be done,

a) Examination of vaginal discharge under the microscope to identify trichomonas or yeast organisms.

b) Culture of vaginal secretions or cervical tissues

 

 

Treatment depends on the cause:

1. Bacterial vaginosis: Antibacterials such as metronidazole oral tablets, metronidazole gel/clindamycin cream for topical application in vagina.

2. Yeast infections: Antifungal cream or suppository, such as miconazole, clotrimazole, and tioconazole. They are also treated with oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole.

3. Trichomoniasis: Metronidazole or tinidazole tablets

4. Vaginal atrophy: Estrogen hormone replacement therapy in the form of vaginal creams and tablets which effectively treat atrophic vaginitis.

5. Noninfectious vaginitis: The irritant source should be identified and its use is avoided.

 

 

1. Usually, vaginal infections do not cause serious complications. In pregnant women, however, both bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis have been associated with premature deliveries and low birth weight babies.

2. The risk of getting affected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is higher in case of women with trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis.

 

 

1. Good hygiene and use of non-irritant feminine products can prevent some types of vaginitis.

2. DO NOT use scented soaps, with deodorant or antibacterial action.

3. Always rinse soap from outer genital area after a shower, and dry it properly.

4. Avoid bathing in hot tubs or whirlpool spas.

5. Avoid irritants such as scented tampons, vaginal sprays, spermicidal creams, and pads.

6. Use cotton underwear rather than synthetic material to prevent moisture and yeast infection.

7. Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid entry of fecal bacteria into vagina.

8. Use a male latex condom during sexual intercourse especially with unknown partner to avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and trichomoniasis.