What is Vaginitis?
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina, vulva, or both. It can cause itching, burning, pain during urination, and abnormal vaginal discharge.Anyone can get vaginitis, but it is most common in women of childbearing age.
Treatment
There are many different types of vaginitis, each with its own set of symptoms. The most common types are bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis (yeast infection), chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus (HSV), trichomoniasis, and vulvovaginal atrophy (vaginal dryness and thinning).
Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause. Vaginitis caused by bacteria, yeast, or trichomoniasis can be treated with medication. Vaginitis caused by HSV or HPV may go away on its own but can also be treated with medication. Vaginitis caused by vulvovaginal atrophy can be treated with estrogen therapy.
If you think you have vaginitis, see your doctor. He or she will ask about your medical history and symptoms and do a pelvic exam. Your doctor may also take a sample of your vaginal discharge to test for the presence of bacteria, yeast, or other organisms.
With prompt treatment, most types of vaginitis are not serious and resolve without complication. However, if left untreated, some types of vaginitis can cause serious health problems.
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common type of vaginitis, affecting about 29 percent of women of childbearing age.1 It is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.
What are the symptoms of Vaginitis?
The symptoms of vaginitis vary depending on the type of vaginitis you have. But in general, the symptoms include:
– Itching or burning sensation in the vagina or vulva
– Pain during urination
– Abnormal vaginal discharge (may be watery, frothy, bloody, or yellow or green in color)
– Strong vaginal odor
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor. They can help determine the cause and recommend treatment. left untreated, some types of vaginitis can lead to more serious problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease
Prevention
There are several things you can do to help prevent vaginitis, including:
– Avoid douching. Douching can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the vagina and lead to infection.
– Use pads or panty liners during your period instead of tampons. Tampons can introduce new bacteria into the vagina.
– Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight jeans and pants. Tight clothing can trap moisture and foster the growth of bacteria or yeast.
– Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. This helps prevent bacteria from spreading from the anus to the vagina or vulva.
– Practice safe sex by using condoms every time you have sex. This helps prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections that can increase the risk of vaginitis.
