Here at DiscovHER HEALTH, we care about treating women with VAGINITIS.
No matter what your age, vaginitis is a surprisingly common condition.
What is Vaginitis?
Vaginitis is a medical condition that refers to inflammation or infection of the vagina. It can cause a range of symptoms, including vaginal itching, burning, pain, discomfort during sex, abnormal discharge, and odor. Vaginitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial or yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections, hormonal changes, allergies, and irritation from chemicals or products used in or around the vagina.
When the vagina is examined, there may be nothing abnormal to see. Some of the abnormal changes that can be seen are loss of skin (sores), swelling, and redness. The discharge may be white, grey, or yellow and pus like. Vaginal tenderness (soreness when the area is examined) is often present. Swelling, cracking, redness and sores may extend to the outer lips of the vulva. It is impossible to make a diagnosis of the specific cause of the vaginitis based on the signs and/or symptoms only.
Causes of Vaginitis
Infectious diseases
Candida/yeast and STIs like trichomonas vaginalis are often the cause of vaginitis. Sexually transmitted infections must always be treated. Partners must also be traced and treated. .
Immune/autoimmune induced inflammation
Some disorders of the immune system and autoimmune diseases can manifest in the genital area (i.e. erosive lichen planus and lichen sclerosus).
Hormonal conditions
Estrogen deficiency as seen in menopause, women using hormonal birth control, after childbirth (especially with breastfeeding) and during treatments for breast cancer are all known contributors to vaginitis.
Treatment for Vaginitis
Infection
Usually an antibiotic or antifungal treatment is indicated. This may be a cream or ointment to apply, or a tablet to take by mouth.
Immune/auto-immune induced inflammation
This is usually treated with a strong anti-inflammatory steroid ointment.
Hormonal
Treatment with topical hormones may be offered by your health care provider.
A systematic approach beginning with a detailed medical history followed by vaginal examination, including pH measurement (acid-base balance) and wet mount (microscopy) and sometimes culture, can lead to the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.