Vaginitis, properly called vulvovaginitis since it often involves the vulva as well, is an infection or irritation of the vagina and vulva of a woman that can result in discharge, itching and pain. The cause is usually a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. Vaginitis can also result from reduced estrogen levels after menopause.
There are numerous causes for vaginitis, which affects women of all ages whether they are sexually activity or not. Many women will have a vaginitis infection at least once in their lives, and it should not be a cause of embarrassment. Because untreated vaginitis can lead to fertility issues and other health problems, women should always see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The most common types of vaginitis are:
Bacterial vaginosis, which results from overgrowth of one of several organisms normally present in your vagina.
Yeast infections, which are usually caused by a naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans.
Trichomoniasis, which is caused by a parasite and is commonly transmitted by sexual intercourse.
Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis), which results from reduced estrogen levels after menopause.
Treatment depends on the type of vaginitis you have.
Vaginitis symptoms may include:
Change in color, odor or amount of discharge from your vagina
Discomfort or burning when urinating
Vaginal itching or irritation
Pain during intercourse
Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
Inflammation (irritation, redness, and swelling) of the labia majora, labia minora, or perineal area
The characteristics of your vaginal discharge may indicate the type of vaginitis you have. Examples include:
Bacterial vaginosis. You may develop a grayish-white, foul-smelling discharge. The odor, often described as fish-like, may be more obvious after sexual intercourse.
Yeast infections. The main symptom is itching, but you may have a white, thick discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
Trichomoniasis. This infection can cause a greenish yellow, sometimes frothy discharge.
Vulvovaginitis can affect women of all ages and is extremely common. It can be caused by bacteria, yeasts, viruses, and other parasites. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause vulvovaginitis, as can various chemicals found in bubble baths, soaps, and perfumes. Environmental factors such as poor hygiene and allergens may also cause this condition. So the The cause depends on the type of vaginitis you have.
Candida albicans
Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections, is one of the most common causes of vulvovaginitis in women of all ages. Antibiotic use can lead to yeast infections by killing the normal antifungal bacteria that live in the vagina. Yeast infections typically cause genital itching and a thick, white vaginal discharg, and other symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis results from an overgrowth of one of several organisms normally present in your vagina. Usually, "good" bacteria (lactobacilli) outnumber "bad" bacteria (anaerobes) in your vagina. But if anaerobic bacteria become too numerous, they upset the balance, causing bacterial vaginosis. This type of vaginitis can spread during sexual intercourse, but it also occurs in people who aren't sexually active. Bacterial vaginosis may cause a thin, grey vaginal discharge and a fishy odor.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a microscopic, one-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism spreads during sexual intercourse with someone who already has the infection. The organism usually infects the urinary tract in men, in whom it often causes no symptoms. Trichomoniasis typically infects the vagina in women. Symptoms include genital itching, a vaginal odor, and a heavy vaginal discharge, which may be yellow-grey or green in color.
Yeast
infections
Yeast infections
occur when the normal environment of your vagina undergoes some
change that triggers an overgrowth of a fungal organism —
usually C. albicans. A yeast infection isn't considered a sexually
transmitted infection. Besides causing most vaginal yeast infections,
C. albicans also causes infections in other moist areas of your body,
such as in your mouth (thrush), skin folds and nail beds. The fungus
can also cause diaper rash.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 3 out of 4 women will have a yeast infection at some time during their lives. Factors that increase a persons risk of yeast infections include:
Medications, such as antibiotics and steroids
Uncontrolled diabetes
Hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy, birth control pills or menopause.
Bubble baths, vaginal contraceptives, damp or tightfitting clothing, and feminine hygiene products, such as sprays and deodorant may also increase susceptibility to infection.
Other causes
Irritated tissue is more susceptible to infection than normal tissue, and many infection-causing organisms thrive in environments that are warm, damp, and dark. Not only can these factors contribute to the cause of vulvovaginitis, they frequently prolong the recovery period.
A lack of estrogen in postmenopausal women can result in vaginal dryness and thinning of vaginal and vulvar skin, which may also lead to or worsen genital itching and burning.
Some skin conditions can cause itching and chronic irritation of the vulvar area. Foreign bodies, such as lost tampons, can also cause vulvar irritation and itching and strong smelling discharge.
Nonspecific vulvovaginitis (where specific cause cannot be identified) can be seen in all age groups, but it occurs most commonly in young girls before puberty. Once puberty begins, the vagina becomes more acidic, which tends to help prevent infections.
Nonspecific vulvovaginitis can occur in girls with poor genital hygiene and is characterized by a foul-smelling, brownish-green discharge and irritation of the labia and vaginal opening. This condition is often associated with an overgrowth of a type of bacteria that is typically found in the stool. These bacteria are sometimes spread from the rectum to the vaginal area by wiping from back to front after using the bathroom.
Sexual abuse should be considered in children with unusual infections and recurrent episodes of unexplained vulvovaginitis. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the organism that causes gonorrhea, produces gonococcal vulvovaginitis in young girls who have sexual exposure. Gonocorrhea-related vaginitis is considered a sexually transmitted illness. If lab tests confirm this diagnosis, young girls should be evaluated for sexual abuse.
Generally, vaginal infections don't cause serious complications. In pregnant women, however, both bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis have been associated with premature deliveries and low birth weight babies. Women with trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis are also at a greater risk of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Treatment may include:
Antibiotics taken by mouth or applied to the skin
Antifungal cream
Antibacterial cream
Cortisone cream
Antihistamine, if the irritation is due to an allergic reaction
Estrogen cream, if the irritation and inflammation is due to low levels of estrogen
A variety of organisms and conditions can cause vaginitis, so treatment targets the specific cause.
Bacterial vaginosis. For this type of vaginitis, your doctor may prescribe metronidazole tablets (Flagyl) that you take by mouth, metronidazole gel (MetroGel) that you apply to your vagina, or clindamycin cream (Cleocin) that you apply to your vagina. Medications are usually used once or twice a day for five to seven days.
Yeast infections. Yeast infections usually are treated with an antifungal cream or suppository, such as miconazole (Monistat), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) and tioconazole (Vagistat). Yeast infections may also be treated with a prescription oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan). The advantages of over-the-counter treatment for a yeast infection are convenience, cost and not having to wait to see your doctor. The catch is you may be treating something other than a yeast infection. It's possible to mistake a yeast infection for other types of vaginitis or other conditions that need different treatment. Using the wrong medicine may delay a proper diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment.
Trichomoniasis. Your doctor may prescribe metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax) tablets.
Thinning of vaginal lining (vaginal atrophy). Estrogen, in the form of vaginal creams, tablets or rings, can effectively treat atrophic vaginitis. This treatment is available by prescription from your doctor.
Noninfectious vaginitis. To treat this type of vaginitis, you need to pinpoint the source of the irritation and avoid it. Possible sources include new soap, laundry detergent, sanitary napkins or tampons.
You'll need prescription medication to treat trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis and vaginal atrophy. If you know you have a yeast infection, you may go ahead with treatment on your own, taking these steps:
Cranberry juice: One of the best home remedy for Vaginitis is drinking at least 4 oz of pure cranberry juice daily to fight the bacterial Vaginitis.
Good hygiene: The first and foremost to avoid Vaginitis is a good hygiene. It becomes very important if one wants to stay away from bacterial vaginitis. This is one of the natural remedy for Vaginitis.
Clean underwear: One should wear clean and properly washed underwear as the detergent residue can just cause an itching problem. This is one of the effective home remedies for Vaginitis.
Clean bathtub: If one has a bathtub, see that it is properly cleaned as it is one of the favorite places for microorganisms to reside. This is one of the effective Vaginitis treatment.
Warm bath: As a part of home remedy for Vaginitis one should have a warm bath, if possible without soap as it may cause irritation to the genital area. Soap will remove natural oils from the body and will also make you defenseless against the germs. This will aggravate a problem of vaginal infection.
Eat yoghurt: Another good home remedies for Vaginitis is to have 8 oz of yoghurt daily. It keeps women away from frequent problems of bacterial vaginitis or vaginosis. The presence of acidophilus bacteria in the yoghurt will help in creating a healthy environment in which, microorganisms won't survive. Cotton plugs soaked in yogurt can either be inserted or yogurt directly applied over the affected area. Treatment with yogurt has been clinically investigated and found to be beneficial in long run. Taking bowlful of yogurt daily has also been recommended till the condition disappears.
Tea: Other home remedy for Vaginitis is using plain tea bag soaked in water and then cooled in refrigerator. This can be applied externally to prevent itching. The tannin present in tea gets you a soothing touch.
Use an over-the-counter medication specifically for yeast infections: Options include one-day, three-day or seven-day courses of cream or vaginal suppositories. The active ingredient varies depending on the product: clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat) or tioconazole (Vagistat). Some products also come with an external cream to apply to the labia and opening of the vagina. Follow package directions and complete the entire course of treatment, even if you're feeling better right away.
Cold water: A cloth soaked in cold water can be laid across the affected area to obtain relief from redness and swelling due to constriction of blood vessels. The cooling factor will squeeze the blood vessels and will prevent it from becoming inflamed and turning red. This is the simplest home remedy for getting rid of pain and burning sensation.
Neem powder: Neem has excellent antibacterial properties and is always advised in case of dermatological problems. Taking neem powder can alleviate bacteria from vaginal site.
Garlic: Garlic can either be taken raw as capsules (1-2 each day) or applied at vagina. Peeled garlic clove is wrapped in a gauze and try to insert it in vagina. Repeating the treatment after an interval of 3-4 hours helps reducing the infection.
Turmeric: Being anti fungal, turmeric power dissolved in milk can be had till the symptoms subside.
Tracheal: This natural herb helps remove toxins out of body. One teaspoonful of tracheal dry leaves in a cup of hot water can be had as tea.
Vegetable Juice: Vegetable juice containing parsley, ginger and garlic along with green vegetables also has beneficial effect over the pain and itching during conditions of Bacterial vaginitis.
Cedar oil: Bathing in hot water with a spoon of salt and few drops of cedar oil in it. Cedar oil helps a lot in itching.
A number of simple habits can help minimize the risks of infection:
Keep the vaginal area clean and dry.
Wear cotton underwear that absorbs moisture and keeps the vagina dry.
Clean from front to back after a bowel movement. Doing so avoids spreading fecal bacteria to your vagina. Sitz baths may be recommended.
Do not leave tampons or diaphragms in the vagina for long periods.
Avoid irritants. These include scented tampons and pads.
Decrease intake of sweets, bread, and alcohol.
Eat yogurt or take acidophilus tablets, especially if you are taking antibiotics.
Avoid excessive douching and strong soaps and detergents. Your vagina doesn't require cleansing other than normal bathing. Repetitive douching disrupts the normal organisms that reside in the vagina and can actually increase your risk of vaginal infection. Douching won't clear up a vaginal infection.
Avoid baths, hot tubs and whirlpool spas. Rinse soap from your outer genital area after a shower, and dry the area well to prevent irritation. Don't use scented or harsh soaps, such as those with deodorant or antibacterial action.
If you are sexually active, try to abstain on a consistent basis to reduce the risk of developing infection.
Avoid underwear made of silk or nylon, because these materials are not very absorbent and restrict air flow. This can increase sweating in the genital area, which can cause irritation.
Don't use contraceptives; don't fornicate; live chaste and have marital relations only with your spouse.