Contents
Information and pictures on Vaginitis caused by vaginal infections and sexually transmitted diseases. Information includes symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, transmission, prevention and other general information about Vaginitis.
Vaginitis is a general term for the inflammation of the vagina. It is often caused by infections that result in distress and discomfort.
Although some infections are associated with more serious diseases, the most common vaginal infections are:
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Trichomoniasis
- Vaginal yeast infection (Candidiasis)
- Chlamydia infection
- Viral vaginitis
- non infectious vaginitis.
Vaginitis Symptoms
- abnormal vaginal discharge
- irritation
- itching around the vagina
- unpleasant odor
- discomfort during sexual intercourse
- burning during urination
Vaginitis Transmission
Some vaginal infections are transmitted through sexual contact. Others such as yeast infections usually occur because of different causes and circumstances.
Some causes of Vaginitis include:
- infection by pathogenic bacteria, fungi or other microbes
- allergic reactions
- irritation factors
- other STDs such as HIV / AIDS
Allergic symptoms can be caused by:
- detergents
- fabric softeners
- spermicides
- vaginal hygiene products
Vaginitis Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Most vaginal infections have similar symptoms and a physical examination cannot always adequately determine the correct diagnosis.
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests are usually carried out for accurate diagnosis, including:
- evaluation of vaginal fluid under a microscope.
Vaginitis Treatment
There are many effective drugs available for treating Vaginitis, including the antibiotics:
- Ampicillin
- Ceftriaxone
- Clindamycin
- Metronidazole
- Tetracycline
These are usually generally prescribed for women infected with Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).
Men with Bacterial Vaginosis usually do not require treatment unless their female sex partners suffer frequent repeat infections.
Vaginitis Prevention
Allergic symptoms can be caused by:
- detergents
- fabric softeners
- spermicides
- vaginal hygiene products
Cervical inflammation from these products is usually associated with abnormal vaginal discharge.
Diagnostic tests should be carried out to differentiate from true vaginal infections.
Help Factors
Physical Hygiene
- Abstain from sexual activity during treatment.
- Always wipe from front to back after bowel movements.
- Change underwear and workout clothes immediately after exercising.
- Change tampons and sanitary pads often.
- Dry the vaginal area thoroughly after showers or baths.
- Get plenty of rest to help the body fight infections.
- Practice good hygiene by regularly washing the inside folds of the vulva where germs breed.
- Shower after swimming in a pool to remove the chlorine from your skin.
- Use unscented tampons or sanitary pads.
- Wear all-cotton underpants and panty hose with cotton crotches.
Dietary
- Eat well, including food products, such as yogurt containing live cultures oflactobacillus acidophilus.
- Limit your intake of sugar and foods containing sugar as it promotes the growth of yeast.
- Try to keep blood sugars under control if you have diabetes.
Risk Factors
Avoid using:
- bath oils
- bubble baths
- deodorant soaps
- feminine hygiene sprays
- perfumed soaps
Vaginitis Research
Studies are being undertaken to determine the factors that promote the growth and disease-causing potential of vaginal microbes.
