Vaginitis
Posted on Sunday, May 01 @ 18:02:56 EDT by vetta |
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Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. Many women will experience some form of vaginitis during their life. The most effective way to prevent vaginitis is to understand its causes and follow advice to reduce your risk.
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. Many women will experience some form
of vaginitis during their life. The most effective way to prevent vaginitis is
to understand its causes and follow advice to reduce your risk.
Vaginitis may have any combination of the following symptoms:
- An abnormal vaginal discharge that may have an unpleasant odor.
- Itching, burning, irritation, swelling, or excoriation of the vaginal
and vulval area.
NORMAL VS.
ABNORMAL
Every woman has some vaginal discharge, and every woman's
vagina contains organisms necessary to keep bacteria in normal balance. When the
normal balance is upset, the vagina may be susceptible to an overgrowth of
troublesome bacteria. Symptoms of vaginitis include abnormal discharge, itching,
burning and odor.
Pelvic examinations are usually recommended to determine the kind of infection
you may have and the proper treatment for it. There are three major types of
vaginal infections, including monilia, bacteria vaginosis (or BV), and
trichomonas. Vaginal or vulval irritation which is not caused by one of these
infections may be due to an allergic reaction or mechanical or chemical
irritation.
YEAST INFECTIONS
Yeast infections, sometimes called "candida" or "monilia", are
a common form of vaginitis. They are caused by a fungus which usually does not
pose any serious health hazard, but the symptoms can be very annoying.
The main symptoms are itching and/or swelling of the vagina or surrounding area
often accompanied by a thick, white discharge which may have a strong odor.
Other symptoms may include painful intercourse and irritation or pain with
urination.
Although monilia is not considered to be a sexually transmitted infection (STI),
it is possible to get monilia from your sexual partner. Uncircumcised males may
harbor the fungus under the foreskin, which would look red and scaly. Frequent
recurrent yeast infections may be associated with diabetes or HIV infection.
Treatment
If you are experiencing symptoms of a yeast infection, see a clinician or doctor
as soon as possible. Though over-the-counter treatments are available, it is
best to verify the diagnosis with routine lab tests, especially if you have
these symptoms for the first time or have not previously been diagnosed with a
yeast infection.
Monilia is treated with an antifungal medication. This may be in the form of
vaginal suppositories, creams, or oral tablets and should always be used as
prescribed.
BACTERIAL
VAGINOSIS
Several organisms, including Gardnerells, are the cause of
most bacterial vaginitis. Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis may include a watery
vaginal discharge which often has an unpleasant odor, and can be irritating.
Some women with BV also notice painful intercourse or discomfort with urination.
Treatment
Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic vaginal creams or suppositories
and oral antibiotics.
Males may harbor these bacteria with no obvious symptoms. Consistent use of
condoms, after treatment, may help to prevent reinfection.
TRICHOMONAS
VAGINALIS
Often simply called "trich" (trick), this form of vaginitis is
caused by single-celled organisms (protozoa), which may infect both men and
women. Trich is considered a sexually transmitted infection, and both partners
must be treated.
Trich is not as common as yeast and BV, but the symptoms are just as annoying.
Symptoms may include a greenish-yellow discharge accompanied by an unpleasant
odor and sometimes itching. Men usually have no symptoms, but can still spread
the infection.
Treatment
Treatment for trich is usually tablets called Metronidazole or Flagyl taken
orally. Metronidazole should be taken with a large glass (10 to 12 oz) of water.
It is also very important to abstain from any alcohol while on this medicine as
alcohol use while on Flagyl can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Both sexual
partners should be treated simultaneously and any sexual contact should be
avoided until both partners complete treatment. Condom use is also recommended
after treatment, and reexamination is advised.
USING MEDICATION
FOR VAGINAL INFECTIONS
It is important to use all the medication as prescribed even
though your symptoms may resolve sooner. Inadequate treatment can result in a
return of symptoms. Check with your clinician about any other medication you may
be taking. Some kinds of medication may make your vagina more susceptible to
infection. Infection spreads in moisture and heat. Keep the vulva as dry as
possible.
PREVENTION
Poor diet, lack of sleep, stress, or the presence of other
disease or infection can lower your body's resistance to vaginitis. Medications
such as antibiotics, hormones and douching also can increase susceptibility.
Other contributing factors may include psychological factors, childbirth, cuts
or abrasions, intercourse without enough lubrication, and even tight-fitting
clothing
- If you are unsure of your sexual partner's contacts outside your
relationship, insist that a condom be used during sex.
- Using a condom will help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
and vaginitis. Lamb skin condoms do not protect against STIs because the
membrane is too porous; use latex or polyurethane condoms instead.
- We also recommend use of additional lubrication with condoms if needed.
"Astroglide" or "KY Jelly" applied externally to the vaginal area can help
decrease friction and irritation with condom use.
- If you or your partner notice any genital sores or penile discharge, do
not have sexual intercourse until you both have been treated.
- Do not use bubble baths, douching, deodorant tampons or pads, or colored
or scented bathroom tissue.
- Wear cotton underwear and change at least every 24 hours.
- Sleeping without underwear is also helpful.
- Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. Bacteria from the
anal area can cause vaginitis.
- Douching is not necessary for feminine hygiene. If you feel the need to
douche, please discuss this with your health care provider.
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