Vaginitis: what it is, where it comes from and how to treat it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Symptoms, like the causes of the disease, can be very different. The treatment ultimately depends on this.

Vaginitis Vaginitis. Symptoms and Causes are vaginal inflammation. Most often, you can guess about it by the itching and unusual discharge from the vagina.

But the symptoms differ depending on the cause of the inflammation. And this difference should be taken into account.

What causes vaginitis

There are five main causes of vaginitis, which cause five main types of the disease.

1. Bacterial vaginosis

This is the most common type of vaginitis. It is caused by Vaginitis bacteria - more precisely, their changed ratio.

Normally, the most common representatives of the healthy microflora of the vagina are lactobacilli. There are much more of them than the conditionally "harmful" anaerobic microorganisms. But sometimes the number of lactobacilli decreases, and anaerobic bacteria grows. This imbalance leads to the development of bacterial vaginosis.

Various factors can change the ratio of bacteria in the vagina:

• taking antibiotics;
• too active douching;
• use of an intrauterine device;
• unprotected sex with a new partner;
• having sex with multiple partners.

2. Candidiasis (thrush)

The culprit for this type of vaginitis is the yeast-like fungus Candida. Normally, fungi of this species live on absolutely healthy mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, genitals, in the intestines, on the skin. But sometimes their number begins to grow at an explosive rate. This is how a yeast infection develops - candidiasis.

An increase in the number of Candida in the vagina can be caused by Vaginal Candidiasis:

• taking antibiotics;
• pregnancy;
• taking inappropriate birth control pills;
• decreased immunity. This is sometimes associated with the use of immunosuppressive drugs such as corticosteroids;
• diabetes.

3. Trichomoniasis

It is a known sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by Trichomoniasis - the information bulletin of the Center for Medical and Preventive Care, a single-celled parasite Trichomonas vaginalis that lives on the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

4. Non-infectious vaginitis

Vaginitis can also occur if you have an allergy or hypersensitivity to certain detergents, fabrics, and hygiene items.

Common irritants include:

• a variety of vaginal sprays;
• perfumed soap or gel for intimate hygiene;
• spermicidal lubricants;
• detergent or fabric softener that you used to wash your underwear;
• sanitary towels and tampons, especially if you forget to change them in time.

5. Hormonal vaginitis

It can be caused by hormonal changes in the body Vaginitis, such as those that occur during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or during menopause.

What are the symptoms of vaginitis

We have already written above that the signs of infection depend on the cause of Vaginitis.

In rare cases, bacterial vaginosis may be asymptomatic. But most often it manifests itself as an unpleasant "fishy" smell from the vagina, which intensifies after sex. The discharge is mucous and has a milky or gray color.

The main symptom of candidiasis is itching in the vagina and vulva (external genitals). The discharge is odorless, white and lumpy, like curdled milk. Therefore, a yeast infection of the vagina is called thrush.

Trichomoniasis makes itself felt greenish-yellow, like foaming discharge with an unpleasant odor. In addition, this STI is accompanied by severe itching, vaginal soreness, and burning sensation when urinating. Discomfort in the lower abdomen and pain during sex are also possible. But sometimes trichomoniasis is almost asymptomatic.

With non-infectious vaginitis, there is an itching and burning sensation in the vagina. Discharge, if present, is a thick, odorless, yellow or green mucus.

Why vaginitis is dangerous

If the inflammation is left untreated, it can lead to the following disorders of Vaginitis:

• endometritis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus);
• inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs;
• infertility;
• increased risk of contracting STIs;
• premature birth (this applies to pregnant women).

What to do if you suspect vaginitis

Any discomfort in the vaginal area, if it recurs or persists for several days, is an indication of Vaginitis. Symptoms and Causes for a visit to the gynecologist.

Especially if Vaginitis is at the same time:

• you notice an unpleasant vaginal odor, itching, or unusual discharge;
• you have a fever, chills, or pelvic pain;
• You have recently had sex with a new partner or have had concurrent relationships with several men;
• you took an over-the-counter medicine for fungal infections, but it did not work and the discomfort in the vagina persisted;
• you have diabetes;
• you are pregnant or suspect a possible pregnancy.

The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine you on a gynecological chair. You will help him establish the exact cause of the infection if you tell in detail what the discharge looks like - what is their color, consistency, quantity, smell.

Most likely, the gynecologist will take a swab from the vagina to send it for examination. Therefore, before visiting your doctor, refrain from Vaginitis for 24 hours. Diagnosis and Treatment from sex, douching and the use of tampons.

How to treat vaginitis

It depends on how your doctor diagnoses Vaginitis.

Bacterial vaginosis

It is treated with antibiotics. The gynecologist will prescribe you a prescription drug in tablets or in the form of a cream or gel, which will need to be applied to the vaginal mucosa.

Please note: the course of antibiotics will have to be taken to the end, even if, as it seems to you, you are already cured.

Candidiasis

With candidiasis, conventional antibiotics will not work - antifungal drugs are needed. They are sold as ointments, vaginal suppositories, or tablets.

Over the counter antifungal medicines for thrush can be found in pharmacies. They can be used without a visit to the doctor, if once you have already had thrush, you clearly know its symptoms and that time you visited a gynecologist who advised you on a specific drug.

If this is your first time with candidiasis and you are not at all sure that this is it, do not self-medicate. There is a risk that you misdiagnosed yourself. In this case, an antifungal agent will not help and you will only waste money and prolong the discomfort.

Trichomoniasis

To cure this STI, it is enough to take an increased dose of an antibiotic once. There is another scheme: the antibiotic is taken several times a day, combined with the use of vaginal suppositories. The doctor decides which of the options will be more effective in your case.

Simultaneously with you, your sexual partner should also be treated for trichomoniasis.

Non-infectious vaginitis

To get rid of it, you need to find the cause that caused the inflammation in the vagina.

If you have recently started using a new intimate hygiene gel, laundry detergent, fabric softener, give up these products and monitor your condition. The same goes for sanitary towels and tampons.

If the symptoms disappear after that, then the culprit product has been found and its use should be abandoned altogether.

Hormonal vaginitis

To reduce unpleasant symptoms, your doctor will prescribe hormones for you, such as vaginal suppositories containing estrogen.

What to do to prevent vaginitis

Here are some simple guidelines for Vaginitis. Symptoms and Causes to reduce the risk of vaginal inflammation and help reduce symptoms of vaginitis if you already have one.

• Avoid douching. The vagina does not need such a deep cleansing - the usual hygienic washing under the shower is quite enough for it. In addition, douching can disrupt the normal microflora of the vagina and lead to bacterial vaginosis.
• Avoid baths and hot tubs. Especially with symptoms of vaginitis.
• Try not to use scented hygiene products. This applies to soaps, intimate hygiene gel, pads, tampons. Fragrances themselves can be irritating.
• Do not use antibacterial soaps. Its use can disrupt the ratio of good to bad bacteria in the vagina and cause bacterial vaginosis.
• Use condoms during sex. Especially when it comes to having sex with a new partner.
• Wear underwear made from breathable materials such as cotton. If you wear tights, go for a cotton gusset. Fungi thrive in a warm and humid environment, therefore, for the prevention of candidiasis, it is important that the perineum is ventilated.
• Avoid trousers, leggings, tight-fitting shorts that are made of materials that retain heat and moisture.