Vaginitis is an infection of the vagina characterized by inflammation. The inflammation can result in discharge, itching, discomfort and pain. The cause of Vaginitis is typically an imbalance of the amount of bacteria present in the vagina. It can also be caused by a reduced amount of estrogen present in the body, most often occurring after menopause. There are four types of Vaginitis: bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, trichomoniasis, and vaginal atrophy. Treatment for Vaginitis depends on the type.
Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of one of several organisms that normally occur in the vagina. In other words, an imbalance between the “good†bacteria and the “bad†bacteria occurs. This is the most common type of Vaginitis in women ages between fifteen to forty-four. They symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are gray vaginal discharge, odor, pain or itching. It can sometimes cure itself, however, if left untreated it can increase the likelihood of catching serious sexually transmitted diseases. It is typically treated with antibiotics.
Yeast Infections are caused by the naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans. Sometimes this fungus grows out of control, and this is what causes infections. Symptoms include white or yellow discharge, inflammation of the walls of the vulva, burning and itching. This type of Vaginitis is typically treated with antifungal topical drugs such as: clotrimazole, miconazole, nystatin, or tioconazole or; oral drugs such as: fluconazole, and amphotericin B. Unlike bacterial vaginosis, both partners may need to be treated for this type of vaginitis or else recurrence is likely.
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite that is transferred during sexual intercourse. It is considered the most common sexually transmitted disease, and is easily curable, but most do not even realize that they have this infection. Only thirty percent of the millions infected with this STD in America develop any type of symptom. The symptoms range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Itching, burning, redness, discharge that may be green/white/or clear with an unusual smell, and uncomfortability during sexual intercourse. Trichomoniasis can be cured by a single dose of prescription antibiotic medication. About one in five of those treated, become reinfected. To avoid the possibility of reinfection, sexual intercourse should be curtailed for about a week.
Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause as a result of a shortage of estrogen. It is characterized by thinning, drying or inflammation of the vagina. This makes sexual intercourse painful and a decreased interest in sex. Symptoms include dryness, burning, discharge, itching, light bleeding after intercourse, urinary incontinence, and discomfort. To treat vaginal atrophy, sometimes vaginal moisturizers are used. Also, topical or oral estrogen may be prescribed, and the patient may undergo estrogen therapy.
After Vaginitis is treated, prevention methods are key to keep a recurrence at bay. Patients should avoid baths, hot tubs, and whirlpool spas. Scented soaps should not be used. Scented tampons and pads are considered irritants so they should be avoided as well. Most importantly, do not douche and only wear cotton underwear.
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Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of one of several organisms that normally occur in the vagina. In other words, an imbalance between the “good†bacteria and the “bad†bacteria occurs. This is the most common type of Vaginitis in women ages between fifteen to forty-four. They symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are gray vaginal discharge, odor, pain or itching. It can sometimes cure itself, however, if left untreated it can increase the likelihood of catching serious sexually transmitted diseases. It is typically treated with antibiotics.
Yeast Infections are caused by the naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans. Sometimes this fungus grows out of control, and this is what causes infections. Symptoms include white or yellow discharge, inflammation of the walls of the vulva, burning and itching. This type of Vaginitis is typically treated with antifungal topical drugs such as: clotrimazole, miconazole, nystatin, or tioconazole or; oral drugs such as: fluconazole, and amphotericin B. Unlike bacterial vaginosis, both partners may need to be treated for this type of vaginitis or else recurrence is likely.
Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite that is transferred during sexual intercourse. It is considered the most common sexually transmitted disease, and is easily curable, but most do not even realize that they have this infection. Only thirty percent of the millions infected with this STD in America develop any type of symptom. The symptoms range from mild irritation to severe inflammation. Itching, burning, redness, discharge that may be green/white/or clear with an unusual smell, and uncomfortability during sexual intercourse. Trichomoniasis can be cured by a single dose of prescription antibiotic medication. About one in five of those treated, become reinfected. To avoid the possibility of reinfection, sexual intercourse should be curtailed for about a week.
Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause as a result of a shortage of estrogen. It is characterized by thinning, drying or inflammation of the vagina. This makes sexual intercourse painful and a decreased interest in sex. Symptoms include dryness, burning, discharge, itching, light bleeding after intercourse, urinary incontinence, and discomfort. To treat vaginal atrophy, sometimes vaginal moisturizers are used. Also, topical or oral estrogen may be prescribed, and the patient may undergo estrogen therapy.
After Vaginitis is treated, prevention methods are key to keep a recurrence at bay. Patients should avoid baths, hot tubs, and whirlpool spas. Scented soaps should not be used. Scented tampons and pads are considered irritants so they should be avoided as well. Most importantly, do not douche and only wear cotton underwear.
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