Vaginitis
Treatment
Vaginitis comes in a wide variety of forms, each with a unique set of signs and symptoms. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes simplex virus (HSV), trichomoniasis, and vulvovaginal atrophy (vaginal dryness and thinning) are the most prevalent types.
The cause of vaginitis affects the course of treatment. Medication can be used to treat vaginitis brought on by bacteria, yeast, or trichomoniasis. HSV or HPV-related vaginitis may go away on its own, but it can also be managed with medication. Estrogen therapy can be used to treat vaginitis brought on by vulvovaginal atrophy.
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you have vaginitis. He or she will perform a pelvic exam, inquire about your medical history, and symptoms. In order to check for the presence of bacteria, yeast, or other organisms, your doctor might also take a sample of your vaginal discharge.
Most vaginitis types are not serious and resolve without complications with prompt treatment. Some forms of vaginitis, however, can have serious health effects if untreated.
Bacterial Vaginosis
About 29% of women of childbearing age have bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common type of vaginitis. Bacterial overgrowth in the vagina is the root cause.
What are the symptoms of Vaginitis?
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you have vaginitis. He or she will perform a pelvic exam, inquire about your medical history, and symptoms. In order to check for the presence of bacteria, yeast, or other organisms, your doctor might also take a sample of your vaginal discharge.
Most vaginitis types are not serious and resolve without complications with prompt treatment. Some forms of vaginitis, however, can have serious health effects if untreated.
Bacterial Depending on the type of vaginitis you have, there are different vaginitis symptoms. But generally speaking, these are the signs:
- Burning or itching in the vulva or vagina
- Urinary discomfort
- Unusual vaginal discharge, which may be watery, foamy, bloody, or colored yellow or green.
- A potent vaginal odor
Visit your physician if you experience any of these signs. They are able to suggest treatments and assist in identifying the cause. Some types of vaginitis, like pelvic inflammatory disease, can become more serious if left untreated.
Prevention
Consult your doctor if you suspect that you have vaginitis. He or she will perform a pelvic exam, inquire about your medical history, and symptoms. In order to check for the presence of bacteria, yeast, or other organisms, your doctor might also take a sample of your vaginal discharge.
Most vaginitis types are not serious and resolve without complications with prompt treatment. Some forms of vaginitis, however, can have serious health effects if untreated.
Bacterial You can take a number of steps to help prevent vaginitis, such as:
Refrain from douching. Douching can cause an infection by upsetting the delicate bacterial balance in the vagina.
- Instead of using tampons during your period, switch to pads or pantyliners. New bacteria may enter the vagina as a result of using tampons.
- Don't wear tight jeans or pants, and wear cotton underwear. As a result of moisture being trapped by tight clothing, bacteria or yeast can grow.
- After using the restroom, wipe your hands from front to back. This aids in limiting the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina or vulva.
- Use condoms whenever you have sex to practice safe sex. This reduces the likelihood of sexually transmitted infections, which can raise the risk of vaginitis, from spreading.