Vaginitis |
OverviewVaginitis is an infection or inflammation of the vagina that may result in itching discharge and pain. It is an extremely common condition affecting almost all adult women at least once in their lives. SymptomsSome common symptoms of vaginitis are itching burning and vaginal discharge which is different from your normal secretions. Normal secretions are usually clear or slightly cloudy non-irritating and odor-free. However during the menstrual cycle the amount and consistency of discharge may vary. A vaginal discharge that has an odor along with itching or burning is usually not normal. The itching may be present at any time of the day but it is often most irritating at night. Symptoms are usually made worse by sexual intercourse. See your doctor if you notice any change in the amount appearance or smell of the discharge. An estimated four out of every ten women with vaginitis may have no symptoms which is why routine gynecologic examinations are recommended. CausesThere are six most common types of vaginal infections and each has its own cause and specific symptoms. Yeast infections of the vagina are caused by one of the many species of fungus called Candida. Candida normally live in small numbers in the vagina and is generally not a problem. However a variety of conditions and drugs including uncontrolled diabetes treatment with antibiotics pregnancy thyroid or endocrine disorders and corticosteroids can trigger an infection by throwing yeast production out of balance. Specific Symptoms: Yeast infections produce a thick white vaginal discharge with the consistency of cottage cheese. Although the discharge can be somewhat watery it is odorless. Yeast infections usually cause the vagina and the vulva to become very itchy and red. Bacterial vaginosis This is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. It is caused by a combination of bacteria that seem to grow out of control in much the same way as a yeast infection. Specific Symptoms: Bacterial vaginosis will often cause a vaginal discharge which is thin and milky with a distinctive "fishy" odor. This odor may become more noticeable after intercourse. However many women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms at all and the condition is only discovered during a routine gynecologic exam. Trichomoniasis vaginitis Trichomonas commonly called "trite" (pronounced "trick") is caused by a tiny single-celled organism known as a "protozoa." This type of vaginitis can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. For treatment to be effective the sexual partner must be treated at the same time as the patient. Specific Symptoms: When this organism infects the vagina it can cause a frothy greenish-yellow discharge. Often this discharge will have a foul smell. Women with trichomonal vaginitis may complain of itching and soreness of the vagina and vulva as well as burning during urination. In addition there can be discomfort in the lower abdomen and vaginal pain with intercourse. These symptoms may be worse after the menstrual period. Many women however do not develop any symptoms. Chlamydia Another primarily sexually transmitted form of vaginitis is caused by the bacterium known as chlamydia. Chlamydial vaginitis is most common in young women (18 to 35 years) who have multiple sexual partners. There are symptoms such as vaginal discharge or pain with urination but often there are no symptoms. That is why if you have any concerns or if you fit this description you should request screening for chlamydia during your annual checkup or sooner if you are having any problems. The best "treatment" for chlamydia is prevention. Use of a condom will decrease your risk of contracting not only chlamydia but other sexually transmitted diseases as well. Specific Symptoms: Unfortunately with chlamydia most women have no symptoms which makes diagnosis difficult. A vaginal discharge is sometimes present with this infection but this is not always the case. More often a woman might experience light bleeding especially after intercourse. She may have pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Viral vaginitis Viruses are a common cause of vaginitis. One form caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is often just called "herpes." These infections are also spread by sexual intimacy. Specific Symptoms: The primary symptom of herpes vaginitis is pain associated with lesions or "sores." These sores are usually visible on the vulva or the vagina but are occasionally found only inside the vagina making them visible only during a gynecologic exam. Outbreaks of HSV are often associated with stress or emotional upheaval. Another source of viral vaginal infection is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can also be transmitted by sexual intercourse. Specific Symptoms: This virus can cause painful warts to grow in the vagina rectum vulva or groin. These warts are usually white to gray in colour but they may be pink or purple. However visible warts are not always present and the virus may only be detected when a Pap smear is abnormal. Noninfectious vaginitis The most common cause of noninfectious vaginitis is an allergic reaction or irritation from vaginal sprays douches or spermicidal products. The skin around the vagina can also be sensitive to perfumed soaps detergents and fabric softeners. Specific Symptoms: Itching burning and possible a vaginal discharge. Another noninfectious form of vaginitis results from a decrease in hormones because of menopause or because of surgery that removes the ovaries. Specific Symptoms: In this form the vagina becomes dry or "atrophic." The woman may notice pain especially with sexual intercourse as well as vaginal itching and burning. TreatmentThe key to proper treatment is proper diagnosis. This is not always easy since the same symptoms can exist in different forms of vaginitis. Before going to see your doctor write down anything you have noticed that is out of the ordinary for you including colour consistency amount and smell of any abnormal discharge. Although it will be tempting to do so do not douche before you see a doctor as this will make it all the more difficult to accurately diagnose your condition. Because different types of vaginitis have different causes the treatment needs to be specific to the type of vaginitis present. If you know the type you may be able to use an over-the-counter vaginal cream or suppositories. Otherwise your doctor may want to prescribe something that he is sure will be effective. Regardless see your doctor if:
Infectious vaginitis which is caused by organisms need to be treated with oral medication and/or a vaginal cream prescribed by your doctor. Over-the-counter products may not be effective for this type of vaginitis. As with all medicine it is important to follow your doctor's instructions as well as the instructions that come with the medication. "Noninfectious" vaginitis is treated by changing the probable cause. For instance if you have recently started using a different laundry detergent or have added a fabric softener stop using the new product to see if the symptoms go away. The same applies to a new vaginal spray douche sanitary napkin or tampon. If the vaginitis is due to hormonal changes estrogen may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms. PreventionTo decrease the chance of getting vaginitis:
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