Vaginitis
Vaginitis is any vaginal infection, inflammation, or irritation that causes a change in normal vaginal discharge. General symptoms include a change in the amount, color, odor, or consistency of the discharge, itching, painful urination, and pain during intercourse. Vaginitis includes: yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomonal vaginitis.
| Yeast infections |
Bacterial vaginosis |
Trichomonal vaginitis |
Causes:
- An excess growth of yeast organisms in the vagina due to an imbalance in the hormone and pH balance
Factors that may disturb the vagina's balance include:
- pregnancy
- diabetes
- antibiotic treatment
- oral contraceptives
- high carbohydrate intake, especially sugars and alcohol
- hot weather or non-ventilating clothing, which increase moisture, warmth and darkness, fostering fungal growth- repeated intercourse over a short period of time
- stress
- suppressed immune system (including HIV) |
Causes:
- Bacteria normally present in the vagina can multiply and cause infection when the pH and hormone balance of the vagina and surrounding tissue are disturbed
Conditions that may increase the likelihood of infections:
- poor general health
- hot weather, non-ventilating clothing especially underwear or any other condition that increases genital moisture, warmth and darkness - may foster growth of bacteria
- stress
- hormonal factors
- menses
- sexual activity |
Causes:
- infection from a parasite that is passed from person to person usually during vaginal intercourse, but can be transmitted without intercourse
- may live in its host for years without producing symptoms; then perhaps from altered resistance, it will suddenly multiply rapidly and cause symptoms and requires evaluation for co-existing STDs
Both partners require treatment at the same time. |
Preventive Measures
- keep the genital area clean, use water only or plain unscented soap; pat area dry or use hair dryer on low setting; avoid over cleaning
- take showers rather than baths
- wear cotton underwear or pantyhose with a cotton crotch
- don't sit around in wet clothing, especially a wet bathing suit
- avoid douches, vaginal deodorants and bubble baths
- limit your intake of sweets and alcohol
- after urination or bowel movements, cleanse by wiping or washing from front to back
- consider losing weight if you are obese
- if you have diabetes, adhere strictly to your treatment program
- change tampons or pads frequently during menses; avoid tampons if you have a history of recurrent vaginal infections
- use condoms; decrease frequency of vaginal intercourse
- avoidance of mechanical irritants such as tight clothing, excessive use of tampons, vibrators; bike riding
- consider water soluble lubricant for vaginal intercourse, if needed for dryness (ie., K-Y Jelly, Surgilube, I-D Personal Lubricant)
- consider avoiding vaginal intercourse during treatment to promote healing
Many vaginal creams and lubricants may damage condoms and decrease their effectiveness (ie., Monistat, Gyne-Lotrimin, Terazol, Petroleum based products like Vaseline).
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