Say goodbye to itching in 3 days: the ultimate self-help guide for vaginitis

Overview

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can cause discharge, itching, and painful urination. The cause is usually an imbalance of vaginal flora or infection. Decreased estrogen levels after menopause and some skin conditions may also cause vaginitis.

The most common types of vaginitis are:

▸ Bacterial vaginosis. This is caused by an overgrowth of certain bacteria that naturally occur in the vagina, disrupting the natural balance.

▸ Yeast infection. This infection is usually caused by a naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans.

▸ Trichomoniasis. This is caused by a parasite and is usually sexually transmitted.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of vaginitis include:

• Changes in the color, odor, or amount of vaginal discharge

• Vaginal itching or irritation

• Painful intercourse

• Painful urination

• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting

If you have vaginal discharge, the characteristics of the discharge may indicate the type of vaginitis. For example:

▸ Bacterial vaginitis. You may have a grayish-white discharge with a foul odor. This odor is often described as fishy and may be more noticeable after intercourse.

▸ Yeast infection. The main symptom is itching, and there may also be a thick, cheesy, white discharge.

▸ Trichomoniasis. An infection called trichomoniasis can cause a yellow-green, sometimes foamy discharge.

When to see a doctor

See ​​your doctor if you have vaginal discomfort, especially if:

• You have a particularly bad vaginal odor, discharge, or itching.

• You have never had a vaginal infection. Seeing a doctor can determine the cause and help you learn to recognize signs and symptoms.

• You have had vaginal infections in the past.

• You have had multiple sex partners or have recently had a new sex partner. You may have an STI, which has some signs and symptoms similar to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

• You have completed a course of over-the-counter anti-yeast medications, but your symptoms continue.

• You have fever, chills, or pelvic pain.

Causes

The cause depends on which type of vaginitis you have:

▸ Bacterial vaginitis. This most common type of vaginitis is caused by a change in the bacteria in your vagina that upsets the balance. It’s not clear what causes the imbalance. Bacterial vaginosis may have no symptoms.

This type of vaginitis seems to be related to sexual intercourse but is not caused by it, especially if you have had multiple sex partners or have a new sex partner; however, women who are not sexually active may also get the disease.

▸ Yeast infection. This infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of fungus, usually Candida albicans, in the vagina. Candida albicans can also cause infections in other moist areas of the body, such as the mouth (thrush), skin folds, and nail beds. Fungi can also cause diaper rash.

▸ Trichomoniasis. This common sexually transmitted infection is caused by a tiny single-celled parasite called Trichomonas. The microorganism is spread through sexual intercourse with an infected person.

In men, the microorganism tends to infect the urinary tract but often does not cause any symptoms. In women, trichomoniasis typically infects the vagina and may cause symptoms. It also increases a woman's risk of other sexually transmitted infections.

▸ Non-infectious vaginitis. Vaginal sprays, douches, soaps, scented cleansers, and spermicidal products may cause allergic reactions or irritate the vulvar and vaginal tissues. Foreign objects in the vagina, such as toilet paper or a forgotten tampon, can also irritate vaginal tissues.

▸ Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy). Decreased estrogen levels after menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries can cause the vaginal lining to thin, sometimes leading to vaginal irritation, burning, and dryness.

Prevention

Good hygiene practices can prevent recurrence of some types of vaginitis and relieve some symptoms:

•Avoid using baths, hot tubs, and whirlpools.

•Avoid irritants. These include scented tampons, sanitary napkins, douches, and scented soaps. Wash the genital area with soap after showering and dry it to prevent irritation. Do not use harsh soaps, such as those with deodorants or antibacterial properties, or bubble baths.

•Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. Doing this will prevent the spread of fecal bacteria into the vagina.

Other ways to help prevent vaginitis include:

•Avoid douches. It is not necessary to clean your vagina outside of normal bathing. Repeated douches can destroy the good bacteria in your vagina and may increase your risk of vaginal infections. Douches do not clear vaginal infections.

•Practice safer sex. Using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners can help.

•Wear cotton underwear. And wear pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Consider sleeping without underwear. Yeast can grow in moist environments.

Is vaginitis contagious?

Yes, some types of vaginitis may be contagious to your sex partners. Even types that are not considered STDs—like yeast infections—can spread from your vagina to other vaginas or to the penis.

How is vaginitis treated?

Proper diagnosis is key to successful treatment. This is not always easy, because the same symptoms can be present in different types of vaginitis. You can assist your healthcare provider by paying close attention to your exact symptoms and when they occur, as well as descriptions of the color, consistency, amount, and odor of your vaginal discharge.

Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment for the specific cause of your vaginitis:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV). Your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic, usually metronidazole or clindamycin. These medicines come as a gel or cream that is inserted into the vagina. Some antibiotics come as pills that you take orally (swallow).

• Yeast infection. Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams or suppositories can treat most yeast infections, but you should be sure you have a yeast infection before you start taking medication. It is important that you follow the directions on the label. Using the wrong medication can make your symptoms worse. Your doctor may also prescribe an oral medication, such as Diflucan®.

• Trichomoniasis. Your doctor will prescribe an oral antibiotic to kill the parasite that causes the infection. Common medications are metronidazole or tinidazole. Your sexual partner (or recent sexual partner) within the past three months should also be treated.

• Noninfectious vaginitis. You must find out the cause of your irritation and then take steps to stop using it. For example, if you recently changed your soap or laundry detergent, or added fabric softener, you should stop using the new product and see if your symptoms persist.

• Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (atrophic vaginitis). When estrogen deficiency is the cause of your symptoms, taking prescription estrogen can improve your symptoms. Estrogen comes in many forms, such as creams, pills, or rings that are inserted into the vagina.

While you are treating vaginitis, you should avoid sexual intercourse until your symptoms have resolved and/or your medication is finished.