Vaginitis
What is it?
Vaginitis is the inflammation of the lining of the vagina. When the vulva is inflamed, it is called vulvitis. When both the vulva and vagina are inflamed, it is called
vulvovaginitis.
Who gets it?
Vaginitis can affect women of all ages; however, the vagina and vulva are more easily infected after menopause.
What causes it?
Vaginitis can be caused by infections, irritants, tumors, viruses, hormonal changes, drugs, and radiation therapy. Vaginitis can also be caused by stool entering the vagina through an abnormal passage (fistula), and by poor personal hygiene.
What are the symptoms?
When infection is the cause of vaginitis, the most common symptom is an abnormal vaginal discharge. A discharge caused by a bacterial infection is usually white, grey, or yellowish and has a foul odor. The vulva feels slightly irritated and itchy. A yeast infection has a thick, cottage-cheese like discharge, but no odor. It causes moderate to severe itching and burning of the vulva and vagina. Another type of discharge is a frothy white, greyish-green, or yellowish color and is caused by a tiny organism called Trichomonas vaginalis. This discharge may have a foul odor and causes severe itching. When vaginitis is caused by a cancer of the vagina, cervix, or uterine lining, the discharge is usually watery and may contain blood. Symptoms of vaginitis also include vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. Pain in the lower abdomen or irregular bleeding are signs of a more serious problem and you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Also, some sexually transmitted diseases have symptoms similar to vaginitis. If you think you might be at risk for a sexually transmitted disease and you have any of these symptoms, you should also see your doctor as soon as possible.
How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform a complete physical exam. He or she will need to know all your symptoms, and when the discharge began. Your doctor may swab your vaginal area to study the discharge under a microscope. Other lab tests include urine tests, cultures, and blood tests.
What is the treatment?
To treat vaginitis, you must eliminate the infections or irritants that are causing the symptoms. Infections are treated with vaginal suppositories, vaginal creams, or oral prescription drugs, depending upon the cause of the infection. You may need to avoid sex until the infection has cleared up. If the use of vaginal deodorants or creams is causing the irritation, you will need to stop using those products. Vaginal dryness can be treated with hormone-replacing tablets or creams. Symptoms are usually relieved within a few days of treatment, and infections can be cleared up within one week. If you follow your doctor’s orders for treatment until you have taken all the medication, the infection will be less likely to come back.
Self-care tips
You can help prevent vaginitis by keeping your genital and rectal area clean and dry; wearing clean, cotton underwear each day; wiping from front to back after you go to the bathroom; douching no more than once per month; and avoiding vaginal deodorants or sanitary products containing deodorants. If you are post-menopausal, you may want to ask your doctor about hormone-replacing supplements.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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