An overview of Vaginitis

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching andpain. It’s due to an imbalance of yeast and bacteria that normally live in thevagina.

Along with discomfort, you may notice a smell that's different than usual. You couldhave an infection caused by bacteria, yeast, or viruses. Chemicals in soaps, sprays,or even clothing that come in contact with this area could be irritating thedelicate skin and tissues.

Bacterial vaginosis : inflammation of the vagina due to an overgrowth ofbacteria. It typically causes a strong fishy odor.

Candida or "yeast" infection : an overgrowth of the fungus candida, which isnormally found in small amounts in the vagina.

Chlamydia : is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in women,usually in those ages 18 to 35 who have multiple sex partners.

Gonorrhea : is another common infection spread through sex. It often comesalong with chlamydia.

Trichomoniasis : is an infection spread by sex that’s caused by a parasite. Itraises your risk for other STIs.

Viral vaginitis : is inflammation caused by a virus, like the herpes simplexvirus (HSV) or human papillomavirus (HPV), which spread through sex. Sores or wartson the genitals can be painful.

The cause depends on what type of vaginitis you have:

Bacterial vaginosis : This most common type of vaginitis results from a changeof the bacteria found in your vagina, upsetting the balance. What causes theimbalance is unknown. It's possible to have bacterial vaginosis withoutsymptoms.This type of vaginitis seems to be linked to but not caused by sex —especially if you have multiple sex partners or a new sex partner — but it alsooccurs in women who aren't sexually active.

Yeast infections : These occur when there's an overgrowth of a fungal organism— usually Candida albicans — in your vagina. C. albicans also causes infections inother moist areas of your body, such as in your mouth (thrush), skin folds and nailbeds. The fungus can also cause diaper rash.

Trichomoniasis : This common sexually transmitted infection is caused by amicroscopic, one-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism spreadsduring sex with someone who has the infection.In men, the organism usually infectsthe urinary tract, but often it causes no symptoms. In women, trichomoniasistypically infects the vagina, and might cause symptoms. It also increases women'srisk of getting other sexually transmitted infections.

Noninfectious vaginitis : Vaginal sprays, douches, perfumed soaps, scenteddetergents and spermicidal products can cause an allergic reaction or irritatevulvar and vaginal tissues. Foreign objects, such as toilet paper or forgottentampons, in the vagina also can irritate vaginal tissues.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy) : Reduced estrogenlevels after menopause or surgical removal of your ovaries can cause the vaginallining to thin, sometimes resulting in vaginal irritation, burning and dryness.

1. Change in color, odor or amount of discharge from your vagina

2. Vaginal itching or irritation

3. Pain during sex

4. Painful urination

5. Light vaginal bleeding or spotting

If you have vaginal discharge, the characteristics of the discharge might indicatethe type of vaginitis you have. Examples include:

Bacterial vaginosis : You might develop a grayish-white, foul-smellingdischarge. The odor, often described as a fishy odor, might be more obvious aftersex.

Yeast infections : The main symptom is itching, but you might have a thickwhite discharge that resembles cottage cheese.

Trichomoniasis : An infection called trichomoniasis (trik-o-moe-NIE-uh-sis)can cause a greenish-yellow, sometimes frothy discharge.

Keep yourself clean and dry. But doctors don't recommend vaginal sprays or heavilyperfumed soaps for this area. Douching may cause irritation, too, and, moreimportantly, could hide or spread an infection. It also removes the healthy bacteriathat do the housekeeping in your vagina. Douching is never recommended.

Avoid clothes that hold in heat and moisture. Nylon underwear, tight jeans, gymshorts and leggings that don’t breathe, and pantyhose without a cotton panel canlead to yeast infections.

Condoms are the best way to prevent passing infections between sexual partners.

Get a complete gynecologic exam every year, including a Pap smear if your doctorrecommends it.

Your healthcare provider will take a thorough medical history, complete a physicalexam and swab the inside of your vagina to collect a fluid sample. They will sendthe sample off to a lab where the cells can be checked for signs of vaginitis. Yourhealthcare provider may check the PH levels of your vaginal fluid to get closer to adiagnosis.

Some providers may ask that you abstain from sex for 24 hours before yourappointment.

The key to treating vaginal infections is getting the right diagnosis.

Pay close attention to exactly which symptoms you have and when. Be ready to describethe color, texture, smell, and amount of discharge. Don't douche before your officeor clinic visit; it will make accurate testing hard or impossible. Some doctors willask you to not have sex during the 24 to 48 hours before your appointment.

It's better to see your doctor before you try over-the-counter medications, even ifyou're pretty sure you know what you have.

You treat noninfectious vaginitis by dealing with the probable cause. Consider whatproducts you're using that could be irritating your sensitive skin. For hormonalchanges, your doctor may prescribe estrogen to ease symptoms.