There are several forms of vaginitis, however generally speaking, Vaginitis is the swelling and itching of the vagina. Discharge can also be a symptom. The types include yeast infections, vaginal atrophy, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. Each type has different causes.
Bacterial Vaginitis
Bacterial vaginitis is reflective of the name. Organisms that are generally present anyway have overgrown. This type is commonly found in women in their reproductive years, but not exclusively. Two things that increase the occurrence of vaginitis are unsafe sex and douching more often than necessary. Symptoms in the vagina include:
- a thin, grayish white discharge;
- itching and irritation;
- burning when urinating;
- light bleeding;
- painful sexual intercourse; and,
- a foul odor, particularly after sex.
These situations warrant a visit to the gynecologist when several things are apparent. First, if you have never had an infection before, or if you have and the symptoms are altered. Another reason for the doctor visit is if you have had a number of sexual partners. This could be an STD and some symptoms mimic those of vaginitis. A doctors visit will give insight to be aware of signs and symptoms.
Bacterial Vaginitis Treatment
Treatment for bacterial vaginitis can be oral medication such as metronidazole. Brand names for these are Flagyl or Metrogel-Vaginel. This medication is taken orally for seven days twice a day. Alcohol should not be used during this time as it can cause nausea and pain when combined with the medicine. Metronidazole is also available in gel form that is inserted in the vagina for five to seven days. Tinidazole is another oral medicine for use from two fives days. Avoid alcohol here, too.
Symptoms for vaginitis may return with three to six months. Should this happen, visit your doctor for long-term treatment.
Candida Albicans are the culprit in yeast infection / vaginal yeast infection. Yeast infections are very common and have serious intensity with itching. Though not a sexually transmitted disease, the fungus can be transferred through oral-genital contact. Frequent reoccurrence may require a visit to the gynecologist. Frequent means four or more times per year.
Symptoms are:
- itching and irritation, including the vulva or entrance;
- burning during urination and sex;
- redness and swelling of the vulva;
- pain and sores in the vagina; and
- vaginal discharge, no odor but looks like cottage cheese.
Treatment for yeast infections could be one of two things. Application of a topical anti-fungal cream or ointment is applied over the period of one to three days. Or suppositories can be used as well as tablets. The medication belongs in the azoles family and includes familiar names like Lotrimin, Monistat and Terazol. Minimal side affects other than irritation when applying. Diflucan is the oral medication that can be prescribed by your doctor.
A Complicated Yeast Infection can have severe symptoms like serious redness or itching that causes sores or cracks. The treatment in cases like these may be long term such as a period of time up to six weeks.
Vaginitis Consequences
A parasite commonly transferred by sex, is the cause of trichomoniasis. Because this is a sexually transmitted disease, both partners should be treated. Although men do not suffer symptoms, their treatment is to avoid infecting the woman again. This vaginitis can have serious consequences for pregnant women such as premature delivery, low birth weight for the baby and transferring the infection to the baby from the birth canal. Another serious consequence is higher susceptibility to the aids virus.
Trichomoniasis (a form of vaginitis) Symptoms
- The presence of foul odor with a discharge that may be white yellow, gray or green
- genital redness
- burning and itching
- pain when peeing or having sex.
- These symptoms are increased when a woman is on her period.
Treatment involves the use of metronidazole or tinidazole. This is taken in one big dose. Though gels and creams are available for placing into the vagina, this has proven to be the most effective recourse. Medication side effects include dizziness, headaches, vomiting and nausea. There may also be a metallic taste in the mouth.
And last but certainly not least when it comes to vaginitis, is vaginal atrophy, or the thinning and inflammation of vaginal walls. This is caused by a reduction in the hormone estrogen. Although mostly occurring after menopause, any major decline in estrogen in the body can lead to the occurrence. This form of vaginitis makes sex very painful.
Symptoms for vaginal atrophy include:
- vaginal dryness
- vaginal burning, with and without peeing
- urgency to pee
- urinary tract infections and incontinence
- light bleeding after sex
- sexual discomfort
- shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal
OTC lubricants can be used for mild symptoms. But if symptoms are severe, you will want more intense treatment and you should consult with your doctor for treatment options. The topical medicine will help relieve dryness and itching. Oral estrogen is an effective choice but may take several weeks to show improvement. A factor that may complicate estrogen treatment is if you have a history of breast cancer. The risk to have cancer return is debated so you may want to consider the topical applications.
Topical estrogen treatment includes Estrace and Premarin. This is placed directly into the vagina with an applicator, preferably before going to bed. The recommended application is daily for a few weeks and then about three times a week. This type of treatment is messy but does provide rapid relief.
Common symptoms in the different varieties of vaginitis include
- burning
- itching
- burning when urinating
- redness
- and swelling
It is important to remember that quick treatment of vaginitis will minimize more severe symptoms. However, noting any symptoms that are not common should motivate an urgent trip to the gynecologist. These may be signs of something more serious.
Vaginitis is a common problem among women but should be addressed accordingly. There are “over the counter” medications available for mild symptoms that can be used. Any medications prescribed by a doctor should be followed according to the instructions so that the problem can be alleviated as quickly as possible. Side effects from medications should be duly noted as well and if serious problems result, please consult your physician. Pregnant women should especially take care because of the risks to the baby. Good health is very important and even mild symptoms of Vaginitis should be addressed.
