Vaginitis Treatment

Overview

Vaginitis is a condition that involves inflammation in the vagina resulting in discharge, pain, irritation, and itching. Such conditions bring a change in the balance of vaginal bacteria or infection. Lesser estrogen levels after menopause or some skin disorders can cause vaginitis. Vaginitis is a common condition that affects women.

Vaginal infections are of the following types:

• Candida or Yeast Infection: It is an overgrowth of candida fungus found in small amounts in the vagina.
• Bacterial Vaginosis: It is an inflammation in the vagina because of the overgrowth of bacteria and typically brings a strong fishy odor.
• Trichomoniasis: This infection spreads through sex caused by a parasite. It raises the risk of causing other STIs.
• Chlamydia: It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) in women due to multiple sex partners.
• Gonorrhea: It is also another common infection that spreads through sex and arises with chlamydia.

Signs and Symptoms of Vaginitis

The major symptoms include unusual vaginal discharge, irritation, itching and pain. Other signs include:

• Change in color, odor and amount of discharge from the vagina
• Vaginal itching and irritation
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful urination
• Light vaginal bleeding and spotting

Causes

Infection is the most common cause of vaginitis that includes candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, & trichomoniasis. Less common vaginitis is caused by gonorrhea, Chlamydia, herpes, some parasites, and poor hygiene.

Vaginitis can occur before puberty that is because of different types of bacteria. Improper hygiene practices spread bacteria from the anal to the genitals. Vaginitis can affect women of all ages and may occur due to following causes:

• Low estrogen level
• Lack of pubic hair
• Lack of labial fat pads
• Pregnancy
• Douching and use of vaginal products like sprays, spermicides, and birth control devices
• Use of antibiotics
• Wearing tight pants an damp underwear

Diagnosis

To diagnose vaginitis, the doctor may go for following things:

1. Review the medical history of the woman vaginal infections or sexually transmitted diseases.
2. Performing Pelvic Exam: It involves using an instrument called speculum to see the interior of vagina for inflammation and discharge.
3. Sample Test: The doctor might collect a sample of cervical or vaginal discharge and will send for lab testing to know the type of vaginitis.
4. Perform pH testing: It involves testing the vaginal pH by applying a pH test stick or pH paper. A high pH indicates either bacteria vaginosis or trichomoniasis.

Treatment

There is a range of organisms and conditions that cause vaginitis. For Bacterial vaginosis, the doctor might prescribe metronidazole tablets (Flagyl). These tablets can be taken via mouth. Metronidazole gel (MetroGel) can be applied to the affected area. Contact 𝐌𝐚𝐚𝐲𝐚 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐬, Dr. INTHU M, top Female Gynecologist in Chennai for best Vaginitis Treatment!