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Vaginitis - Symptoms and Treatment

Irritation, infection or inflammation on the vagina. These are slightly more common in women athletes than in the female population at large.

Causes

For irritation : Function of clothing, especially tight clothing, that rubs against the skin or mucous membranes in the vaginal area. This occurs often in sports such as cycling, gymnastics or horseback riding.

For infection : When the vagina's hormone and pH balance is disturbed, germs multiply and cause infection. Germs may be yeast, fungi, parasites or bacteria. Factors that may disturb the vagina's balance include:

• Pregnancy.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Use of oral contraceptives.
• High intake of simple carbohydrates.
• Non-vantilating clothing or underwear made from man-made fibers, which increases dark­ness, moisture and warmth in the vaginal area.
• Hot weather.
• Immunosuppression from drugs or disease, including antibiotic treatment.

What is the difference between the three types of vaginitis?

Bacterial - infection is caused when healthy vaginal organisms are replaced by harmful bacteria. It is referred to as bacterial vaginosis and is the most common type of vaginitis.

Yeast - infection is called candidiasis. It is caused by a fungus and is the second most common type of vaginitis.

Protozoan - infection is called trichomoniasis and it is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is the least common and comprises 3 percent to 5 percent of all vaginitis infections.

Signs and symptoms

Vaginal infections can produce a variety of symptoms, such as abnormal or increased discharge, itching, fishy odor, irritation, painful urination or vaginal bleeding. When you have vaginitis, you may have some or all of these symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, discuss them with your doctor or nurse so you can be tested.

Diagnosis

In addition to a complete medical history and physical and pelvic examination, diagnostic procedures for vaginal Candida infections often include a microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge.

Treatment

Medical Treatment- You may need to visit your doctor for application of special medication to the vagina.

Home Treatment

• Follow the first 5 instructions under How to Prevent.
• Don't douche unless your doctor recommends It.
• If urination burns, urinate through a tubular device, such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the end cut out, or urinate while bathing.

Medication- Your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotics, hormones or topical cortisone cream or ointment.
• Antifungal drugs, either in oral form (rare) or in vaginal creams or suppositories (usually). Keep creams or suppositories in the refrigerator.

Prevention

• Take showers rather than tub baths.
• Shower and dry off carefully after any vigorous physical activity.
• Wear cotton panties or pantyhose with a crotch. Avoid panties made from non-ventilating materials.
• Don't sit around in wet clothing-especially a wet bathing suit.
• Avoid frequent douches.
• When you take antibiotics, ask your doctor about eating yogurt, sour cream or buttermilk containing active cultures, or taking acidophilus tablets.
• After urination or bowel movements, cleanse by wiping or washing from front to back (vagina to anus), never back to front.
• Lose weight if you are obese.
• If you have diabetes, adhere strictly to your treatment program.