Vaginitis is an inflammation of a woman's vagina. It is caused by an imbalance of yeast and bacteria that normally live in the vagina. In addition to discomfort, a different odor than usual may be noticed. It is a type of infection caused by bacteria, yeast or viruses. Chemicals in soaps, sprays and even clothing that come into contact with this area can irritate sensitive skin and tissues.
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the woman's vagina. Most women usually experience symptoms of vaginitis at some stage in their lives. Vaginitis affects women of all ages, but is most common in the reproductive years. There are many possible factors and the type of treatment depends on the cause.
A small amount of clear or cloudy white fluid in a woman's vagina is considered normal. This keeps the tissue wet and healthy. The vagina contains a balance of organisms such as bacteria and fungi so that it can function normally.
What are the Types of Vaginitis?
Experts refer to various conditions that cause infection or inflammation in the vagina as "vaginitis". The most common types are;
- Bacterial vaginosis, inflammation of the vagina due to bacterial overgrowth
- Candida or "yeast" infection, an overgrowth of candida fungus, which is normally present in small amounts in the vagina
- Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in women, usually between the ages of 18 and 35 with multiple sex partners.
- Gonorrhea is another common sexually transmitted infection. It often comes with chlamydia.
- Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. It increases your risk for other sexually transmitted infections.
- Viral vaginitis is inflammation caused by a virus such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) or human papillomavirus (HPV) that spreads through sexual intercourse. Sores or warts on the genitals can be painful.
The symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are not obvious. If you have more than one partner sexually, you may need to get tested for them at your annual check-up.
If left untreated, some of these can permanently damage reproductive organs or cause other health problems. Sometimes itching, burning and even discharge occur without an infection (non-infectious vaginitis). Often, an allergic reaction to products such as detergent, perfumed soap, fabric softeners, vaginal sprays, etc. can develop.
It can also be due to a lower hormone level due to menopause or removal of your ovaries. This can cause your vagina to dry out, a condition called atrophic vaginitis. Sexual intercourse can be painful and vaginal itching and burning may be noticed. Although it has different symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose, even for a specialist doctor. A person can be infected without showing any symptoms.
Two of the most common causes of vaginitis are related to organisms that live in the vagina. They can have very similar symptoms. Yeast infections are an overgrowth of yeast normally found in the body. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the balance of bacteria is disturbed. In both conditions, a white or grayish discharge may be noticeable. This is also more likely to cause itching and burning.
What are the symptoms of vaginitis?
The vagina generally produces a clear or slightly cloudy discharge. It is partly the vagina's way of cleaning itself. The condition of the vagina can change during the menstrual cycle. At one point, there may be a small amount of very thin or watery discharge and at another time of the month it may be thicker and more abundant.
If the discharge has a very distinct odor, burns or itches, this is probably a problem. You can feel an irritation at any time of the day, but it is usually uncomfortable at night. Sexual intercourse can make some symptoms worse. The symptoms of vaginitis are as follows;
- Vaginal discharge changes color, is heavier or smells different.
- Itching, burning, swelling or pain is noticed around or outside the vagina.
- Burning is felt when urinating.
- Sexual intercourse may be painful.
How is vaginitis treated?
The key to treating vaginal infections is to get the right diagnosis. It is important exactly what symptoms and when they are experienced. The color, texture, smell and amount of discharge play an important role. Taking a shower before the examination makes the correct test difficult. Products that can irritate the skin should not be used.
Treatment is carried out according to the cause of vaginitis. Treatment can be carried out with pills taken orally or with a cream, tablet or gel applied to the vagina. In some cases, the partner can also be treated. Even if the discharge or other symptoms disappear before the medication is finished, the specialist's recommendations should be taken into account.
How to prevent vaginitis?
The person should keep herself clean. However, doctors do not recommend vaginal sprays or heavily perfumed soaps for this area. Douching can also cause irritation and, more importantly, can hide or spread an infection. It also destroys the healthy bacteria that clean the vagina.
Clothing that retains heat and moisture should be avoided. Nylon underwear, tight jeans, non-breathable sports shorts and leggings, and pantyhose without cotton panels can lead to yeast infections. Prevention is the best way to prevent transmission of infection between sexual partners. A full gynecological examination should be done every year, including a Pap smear if the specialist recommends it.