Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that occurs due to an imbalance of bacteria and yeast that normally live in the vagina. Along with the discomfort, there may be a different odor than usual in the vaginal area. These conditions can be the result of an infection caused by organisms such as bacteria, yeast, or viruses. Irritations from chemicals in creams, sprays, or even clothing that contact the area can also lead to vaginitis.
In some cases, vaginitis is caused by organisms transmitted between sexual partners, vaginal dryness, and estrogen deficiency. Other names for this disease are vulvitis and vulvovaginitis.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of vaginitis are:
- Irritation of the genital area
- Discharge that may be white, gray, watery, or foamy
- Pain during intercourse
- Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Foul or fishy vaginal odor
Natural vaginal discharge
A woman’s vagina usually produces discharges that are described as clear or slightly cloudy, non-irritating, and with very little odor. During a normal menstrual cycle, the amount and consistency of secretions change. At one time of the month, there may be a small amount of very thin or watery discharge; at another time, the discharge may be thicker.
Vaginal discharge that is odorous or irritating is usually considered abnormal. You may feel burning, itching, or both. These symptoms often get worse with sexual intercourse. If there is a change in the amount, color, or odor of the discharge and it lasts for more than a few days, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist.
What causes vulvovaginitis?
Many factors can cause infections in the vagina and surrounding areas.
Bacteria
Certain bacteria can multiply and cause vulvitis. Gardnerella is a bacterium commonly found in the vagina. Overgrowth of this bacterium leads to bacterial vaginosis, the most common vulvovaginitis. Streptococcus or staphylococci can also be present but usually do not cause infection. Bacterial infection can cause a whiteish-gray discharge with a fishy odor.
Streptococcus or staphylococci can also be present but usually do not cause infection. Bacterial infection can cause a whiteish-gray discharge with a fishy odor.
Yeast
One of the most common causes of vulvovaginitis is Candida albicans. This yeast infection can cause itching of the genitals and white and thick vaginal discharge. Some women experience a yeast infections after taking antibiotics. Antibiotics kill antifungal bacteria that live naturally in the vagina.
Viruses
Viruses that can cause vulvovaginitis are usually transmitted through sexual intercourse. These include herpes and human papillomavirus.
Parasites
Scabies, Acne, and head lice can cause inflammation of the vagina.
Environmental factors
Poor hygiene and allergens can cause vulvitis. Tight clothing can irritate and moisturize the area.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Trichomonas STI vaginitis can cause vulvovaginitis. This infection causes genital discomfort, itching, and excessive discharge. The discharge can be yellow, green, or gray and often has a strong odor.
Chemicals
Some chemicals can cause vulvovaginitis. These are often found in soaps, women’s sprays, perfumes, and contraceptives. Chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction include:
- Parabens
- Sodium sulfate
- Triclosan
- Dioxane
Transmission
Having multiple sexual partners may increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Sexual intercourse is the most common means of vaginal transmission, but it is not the only means.
Some experts believe that having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Health professionals sometimes call yeast infections and bacterial infections sexually transmitted infections.
Types
Depending on the cause, there are different types of vaginitis. The most common are:
- Atrophic vaginitis: By lowering estrogen levels during menopause, the endothelium or vaginal lining becomes thinner, making the vagina more prone to irritation and inflammation.
- Bacterial vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis is the result of the overgrowth of natural bacteria in the vagina. They usually have a small amount of natural vaginal bacteria called lactobacilli.
- Trichomonas vaginalis: Trichomonas vaginalis is caused by a sexually transmitted, single-celled protozoan parasite, Which may infect other parts of the genitourinary system, including the urethra.
- Candida albicans: It is a yeast that causes a fungal infection known as vaginal thrush. Candida is present in small amounts in the gut and is normally controlled by normal gut bacteria.
Risk factors
Factors that increase the risk of vulvovaginitis include:
- Hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy, birth control pills, or menopause
- Sexual activity
- Having a sexually transmitted infection
- Use of hygiene products such as bubble baths, vaginal spray, or vaginal deodorant
- Douching
- Medications, such as antibiotics and steroids
- Use of spermicides for birth control
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Wearing damp or tightfitting clothing
- Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control
Prevention
Proper hygiene may prevent the recurrence of some types of vulvovaginitis and relieve some of the symptoms, including:
- Avoid baths, hot tubs, and whirlpool spas
- Do not use irritants: These include tampons, pads, showers, and scented soaps
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet: This will prevent the spread of fecal bacteria into the vagina
- Do not douche the vagina: The vagina does not need to be cleaned except for normal bathing. Repeated showering disrupts the natural organisms living in the vagina and can increase the risk of vaginal infection.
- Use a latex condom: Male and female latex condoms may help prevent sexually transmitted infections
- Wear cotton underwear
- Using antibiotics only when necessary
Vulvovaginitis in children
Vulvovaginitis is the most common disease in girls before puberty. Doctors believe this is due to low levels of estrogen, which increase as vaginal acid begins to mature and infections usually stop.
Daily bathing, topical steroids, and low-dose antibiotics treat vulvovaginitis in children. It is important to advise children about proper bath hygiene. Wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear prevents infection from recurring.
Diagnosis
To diagnose vaginitis, the doctor will usually use one of the following methods:
- Review medical history: This includes a history of vaginal or sexually transmitted infections.
- A pelvic examination is performed: During the pelvic exam, the doctor may use a speculum to find inflammation and abnormal discharge inside the vagina.
- Collect a sample for lab testing: The doctor may collect a cervical or vaginal discharge sample for testing to diagnose the type of vulvitis.
- Perform pH testing: The doctor will test the pH of the vagina using a pH test stick or pH paper on the vaginal wall. Elevated pH may indicate bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. However, the pH test alone is not a reliable diagnostic test.
Treatment
Depending on the cause of vulvitis, appropriate treatment is performed.
Bacterial vaginosis
For this type of vaginitis, the doctor will usually recommend metronidazole tablets (Flagyl) by mouth or metronidazole gel (MetroGel), or clindamycin (Cleocin) vaginally.
Yeast infections
Yeast infections are usually treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream or suppository, such as miconazole (Monistat 1), clotrimazole, butoconazole, or thioconazole (Vagistat-1). The benefits of over-the-counter treatment include availability and no need for a doctor, but there may be other problems besides yeast infection. Using the wrong medicine may delay accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.
Trichomoniasis
The doctor will usually prescribe metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax) tablets.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy)
Estrogen in the form of creams, pills, or rings can effectively treat the disease. This treatment is performed with a doctor’s prescription after examining other risk factors and possible complications.
Noninfectious vaginitis
To treat this type of vaginitis, the source of stimulation must be precisely identified and avoided. Possible sources include new soap, laundry detergent, sanitary napkins, or tampons.
Can you get vaginitis from having sex?
Most vaginitis does not spread through sexual intercourse. But sometimes, vulvitis is caused by a sexually transmitted infection. Trich is a very common STD that is easily transmitted during sexual contact and often causes vaginitis.
Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are not sexually transmitted. But sometimes, body chemistry can react badly to the semen or natural yeast of another person’s genitals and bacteria, which can upset the natural balance in the vagina.
Home remedies for bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection caused by the overgrowth of bacteria. The vagina naturally has an environment that contains both good and bad bacteria. In cases of bacterial vaginosis, too many bad bacteria upset the vaginal environment. Home remedies may be effective, including:
- Yogurt: Yogurt is a natural probiotic, meaning it contains a lot of healthy bacteria. Eating yogurt may help healthy bacteria enter the body
- Probiotics: Use of probiotic supplements
- Garlic: Garlic has strong antibacterial properties
- Breathable cotton underwear
- Boric acid: Boric acid capsules can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis.
- Safer sex: Using a condom can help reduce the risk of bacterial vaginosis
- Change the pad or tampon several times per day during the period
- Hydrogen peroxide: About 1 ounce of hydrogen peroxide is used daily for one week as vaginal irrigation can help treat bacterial vaginosis and traditional medicines
When to see a doctor?
In case of unusual symptoms and changes in the normal state of the vagina, it is better to see a doctor to diagnose the cause and not take medicine without a doctor’s diagnosis and prescription.
If you think you have vaginitis, you should note that the most common symptom of this disease is excessive itching, which a fungus or bacteria can cause. Changes in vaginal discharge are also a sign of vaginal infection.
If you have had a sexually transmitted infection before but are experiencing different symptoms this time, you may have vaginitis caused by a sexually transmitted infection and should consult your doctor.
If you are a person who has recently changed your sexual partner or have multiple partners, it is better to be checked to ensure that you do not get sexually transmitted infections and vaginitis.
The bottom line
The vagina is a muscular canal that extends from the cervix to the outside of the body and is covered by a mucous membrane. The average length of the vagina is about 15 to 17 cm. The only part of the vagina that is visible from the outside is the opening of the vagina.
Vaginitis is a complication that causes inflammation of the vagina and usually occurs due to a vaginal infection. The sufferer usually has discharge, itching, burning, and possibly pain. Vaginitis is a common complication, and most women get it at least once in their lifetime.
If you have vaginal itching or abnormal discharge coming out of your vagina, your vagina is likely infected. Symptoms can vary greatly depending on what caused the infection. Dr. Arjang Naim, MD, by thoroughly examining the existing conditions and correctly diagnosing the type of infection, offers the best treatment solution.
Additional questions
- Who is most likely to get streptococcus?
It is mostly seen in children between 5 and 15 years, while it is very rare in children under three years of age.
2. What are the four types of protozoan?
- Amebae
- Flagellates
- Ciliates
- Parasitic sporozoans
3. What is the tablet metronidazole used for?
Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat skin infections, rosacea, and mouth infections. It is also used to treat bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory diseases.
4. Which foods contain parabens?
Common food products that contain parabens for preservation include:
- Beer
- Sauces
- Desserts
- Soft drinks
- Jams
- Pickles
- Frozen dairy products
- Processed vegetables and flavoring syrups
5. Is dioxane toxic?
Breathing of 1,4-dioxane causes eye, nose, and throat irritation in humans for a short time, and exposure to large amounts of 1,4-dioxane can cause kidney and liver damage.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354713
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/sexual-health-vaginal-infections
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis#management-and-treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175101
https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Vaginitis.aspx
https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-forbacterial-vaginosis
https://www.healthline.com/health/vulvovaginitis#treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322014#takeaway
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/vaginitis/how-do-i-prevent-vaginitis
