VAGINITIS

Vaginitis
is

an inflammation of the vagina that can

result in discharge, itching and pain.
The cause is usually a change in the
normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an
infection.
Vaginitis can also result from reduced
estrogen levels after menopause.

Common Types of Vaginitis

Bacterial

Vaginosis, which results from

overgrowth of one of several organisms normally
present in your vagina.

Yeast

Infections, which are usually caused by a

naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans.

Trichomoniasis,

which is caused by a parasite and

is commonly transmitted by sexual intercourse.

Vaginal

atrophy (atrophic vaginitis), which

results from reduced estrogen levels after
menopause.

CAUSATIVE AGENT
Bacterial

Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis results from an overgrowth of one of several

organisms normally present in your vagina. Usually, "good"
bacteria (lactobacilli) outnumber "bad" bacteria (anaerobes) in
your vagina. But if anaerobic bacteria become too numerous, they
upset the balance, causing bacterial vaginosis. This type of
vaginitis can spread during sexual intercourse, but it also occurs
in people who aren't sexually active. Women with new or multiple
sex partners, as well as women who use an intrauterine device
(IUD) for birth control, have a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis.
Caused

by Gardnerella

 Yeast

Infections

Yeast infections occur when the normal

environment of your vagina undergoes some change
that triggers an overgrowth of a fungal organism
usually Candida albicans. A yeast infection isn't
considered a sexually transmitted infection. Besides
causing most vaginal yeast infections, C. albicans
also causes infections in other moist areas of your
body, such as in your mouth (thrush), skin folds and
nail beds. The fungus can also cause diaper rash.

 Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually

transmitted infection caused by a microscopic,
one-celled parasite called Trichomonas
vaginalis. This organism spreads during
sexual intercourse with someone who already
has the infection. The organism usually infects
the urinary tract in men, in whom it often
causes no symptoms. Trichomoniasis typically
infects the vagina in women.

Vaginal Atrophy
Vaginal atrophy is caused by a
decrease in estrogen
production. Less estrogen
makes your vaginal tissues
thinner, drier, less elastic and
more fragile

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Change

in color, odor or amount of

discharge from your vagina
Vaginal itching or irritation
Pain during intercourse
Painful urination
Light vaginal bleeding or spotting

The characteristics of your vaginal discharge

may indicate the type of vaginitis you have.

Bacterial

vaginosis. You may develop a

grayish-white, foul-smelling discharge.
The odor, often described as fish-like, may
be more obvious after sexual intercourse.
Yeast infections. The main symptom is
itching, but you may have a white, thick
discharge that resembles cottage cheese.

 Trichomoniasis.

This infection can cause a

greenish yellow, sometimes frothy discharge.

Vaginal

Atrophy. Usually causes scant

vaginal discharge with no odor, dry vagina
and painful intercourse. These symptoms are
usually due to decreased hormones usually
occurring during and after menopause.

PREVENTION
good

hygiene: drying completely after bathing,

wearing fresh undergarments, and wiping from
front to rear after defecation all help to prevent
contamination of the vagina with harmful bacteria.

The

vaginal area should be washed with

water: perfumed soaps, shower gels, and vaginal
deodorants should be avoided.

Avoid

irritants. These include scented tampons

and pads.

 Wipe

from front to back after using the toilet.

Doing so avoids spreading fecal bacteria to your
vagina.

Don't

douche. Your vagina doesn't require cleansing

other than normal bathing. Repetitive douching
disrupts the normal organisms that reside in the
vagina and can actually increase your risk of vaginal
infection. Douching won't clear up a vaginal infection.

Wear

cotton underwear and pantyhose with a

cotton crotch. If you feel comfortable without it, skip
wearing underwear to bed. Yeast thrives in moist
environments.

TEST & DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose your condition, your doctor
may review your history of vaginal
infections or sexually transmitted
infections and conduct a pelvic
examination. During the exam, your
doctor may take a sample of cervical
or vaginal discharge for laboratory
analysis. This sample can confirm what
kind of vaginitis you have

Treatments & Drugs

Bacterial

vaginosis. For this type of

vaginitis, your doctor may prescribe
metronidazole tablets (Flagyl) that
you take by mouth, metronidazole gel
(MetroGel) that you apply to your
vagina, or clindamycin cream
(Cleocin) that you apply to your vagina.
Medications are usually used once or
twice a day for five to seven days.

 Yeast

Infections. Yeast infections

usually are treated with an antifungal
cream or suppository, such as
miconazole (Monistat), clotrimazole
(Gyne-Lotrimin) and tioconazole
(Vagistat). Yeast infections may also be
treated with a prescription oral
antifungal medication, such as
fluconazole (Diflucan).

Trichomoniasis.

Your doctor may

prescribe metronidazole (Flagyl) or
tinidazole (Tindamax) tablets
Vaginal Atrophy. Estrogen, in the
form of vaginal creams, tablets or
rings, can effectively treat atrophic
vaginitis. This treatment is available
by prescription from your doctor.