VAGINITIS

Vaginitis is the medical name for swelling, burning, itching, or an infection of the vagina. It is a very common condition that most women get at least one time in their life. Hormonal changes, allergies, irritations, and several different organisms can cause vaginitis. Vulvovaginitis occurs when the vagina and vulva (the external female genitals) become inflamed.

The most common symptoms of vaginitis are itching, burning, pain with intercourse or urination, redness, soreness, and unusual vaginal discharge. Vaginitis can be caused by a variety of conditions, including psychological stress, poor hygiene, sexually transmitted diseases, and irritants.

The vagina normally has a healthy balance of bacteria that is needed to protect against germs that do not belong there. When imbalance occurs, germs such as yeasts, fungi, and or viruses will begin to grow. The most common types of vaginitis are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, viral vaginitis, and noninfectious vaginitis. Symptoms can vary for each of these conditions and often no symptoms are present at all.

Candida fungus (also known as yeast) is normal in the vagina, but too many yeast cells will cause a yeast infection. Antibiotics, changes in hormone levels, pregnancy, diabetes, douching, feminine hygiene sprays, as well as tight clothing and underwear can cause yeast infections.

Bacterial vaginitis is caused by an overgrowth of several kinds of bacteria. It often has no symptoms other than a thin, milky discharge with a "fishy" odor. Having an IUD may increase a woman's risk of getting bacterial vaginitis.

Trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and viral vaginitis are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. Viruses such as herpes and human papillomavirus warts cause viral infections in the vagina. Both partners need to be treated should one of them be diagnosed for any of these conditions. Using barrier contraception, such as a condom, helps reduce the risk for these infections and more serious ones such as HIV.

Proper diagnosis is critical because treatment is specific to the type of infection. Treatment for infectious vaginitis may include:

antibiotics
antifungal or antibacterial creams or gels or
vaginal tablets or inserts

Noninfectious vaginitis occurs with symptoms of itching, burning, and a vaginal discharge, but no infection. Irritants may be chemicals in creams, sprays, clothing, and birth control products such as foams, jellies, condoms, and diaphragms. Some women have found that feminine sprays, tampons, perfumed soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners have caused problems.

Vaginitis caused by irritants can usually be treated by stopping exposure to the irritant. Some irritations are treated with steroid or hormone creams. Do not use over-the-counter medications without the approval of your healthcare provider. It could be the wrong treatment.

To prevent vaginitis caused by irritants:

bathe daily with a mild soap
wear all-cotton underwear or underwear with cotton crotches
change underwear and pantyhose daily
avoid wearing pantyhose or tights for too many hours, especially in hot, humid weather
use scent free and deodorant free white toilet paper, to avoid perfumes and dyes that might cause irritation
use deodorant-free sanitary pads and tampons
avoid using feminine hygiene products such as sprays and powders
avoid bath additives such as bubble baths and oils
avoid spermicidal foams, gels and creams

For more information about sexually transmitted diseases, call the 24-hour National STD and AIDS Hotline at (800) 227-8922 or (800) 342-2437. The Spanish speaking Hotline at (800) 344-7432 is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:00 AM eastern standard time 7 days a week. The TTY line for the hearing impaired is (800) 243-7889 between 10:00 am and 10:00 PM Monday through Friday eastern standard time. These hotlines are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information can also be obtained from their website at www.cdc.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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