Definition:
Vaginitis is the swelling of the vagina, which is the female genital, that can lead to discharge, pain and itching. There are common types of vaginitis which are bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection, trichomoniasis and atrophic vaginitis.
Diagnosis:
Medical history review is performed to check history of vaginal infection or STD and afterwards perform pelvic examination. For laboratory analysis, a cervical or vaginal discharge sample is asked from the patient.
Treatment:
Bacterial vaginosis: physician may prescribe metronidazole or clindamycin as tablets, vaginal creams or gels.
Yeast infections: antifungal cream or suppository, oral antifungal medication. Even though, medicines for this infection can be bought over the counter it still best to visit the doctor for proper prescription.
Thrichomoniasis: prescribed medicine metronidazole tablets
Atrophic vaginitis: estrogen (vaginal creams, tablets or rings) which is prescribed by the doctor
Noninfectious vaginitis: must pinpoint the cause of irritation and avoid it
Symptoms and Signs:
Symptoms of vaginitis may include color, odor or amount of discharge changes from the vagina, itching and irritation of the vagina, pain during intercourse, urinating is painful and mild vaginal bleeding.
Causes:
General causes of vaginitis are:
Normal balance of vaginal bacteria changes
Infection
Estrogen levels decrease after menopause
For bacterial vaginitis:
Good d bacteria is outnumbered by bad bacteria found in the vagina
Having multiple sex partners
Women who use douche or uses IUD for birth control are at risk
For yeast infections:
Overgrowth of microscopic fungus C. albicans which is the most common
For trichomoniasis:
Microspcopic one-celled parasite usually spread during sexual intercourse
Non-infectious vaginits:
Vaginal sprays, douches, perfumed soaps, scented detergents and spermicidal products that can irritate the skin surrounding the vagina which is delicate.
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