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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Spanish version
Illustration
Vaginitis
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. When the vulva
is also inflamed, it is called vulvovaginitis. (The vulva
is the fold of skin covering the opening to the vagina.)
Vaginitis can occur in females of any age.
How does it occur?
Vaginitis can be caused by organisms that infect the vagina
or by irritants, such as soap or powders.
Some but not all organisms that cause vaginitis are sexually
transmitted. Organisms that can infect the vagina include:
- A fungus called Candida albicans, which produces a thick,
cheesy discharge from the vagina. This is also known as
a yeast infection.
- A protozoa (a tiny one-celled organism) called
Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes a foamy, bad-smelling
vaginal discharge.
- An overgrowth of bacteria normally found in the vagina,
causing a condition called bacterial vaginosis or
nonspecific vaginitis. The bacteria produce a
bad-smelling "fishy" discharge.
- Viruses such as herpes or human papillomavirus.
Irritants that can cause vaginitis include:
- condoms and diaphragms
- spermicidal foams, gels, and creams
- feminine hygiene products such as perfumed sprays and
powders
- douching
- nonabsorbent, heat-retaining clothing such as nylon
pantyhose and tights
- tampons
- sexual devices
- physical injury.
Vaginitis can also be caused by psychological stress, poor
hygiene, and a lack of estrogen hormone.
Sometimes the cause of vaginitis is not known.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of vaginitis is excessive whitish or
yellowish discharge from the vagina. Some milky vaginal
discharge is normal for females of all ages.
You may also have:
- an unpleasant odor from the vagina
- itching
- a swollen, red vulva that may be painful or itchy
- painful intercourse.
If you have pain in your lower abdomen or irregular bleeding
with these symptoms, see your health care provider
immediately.
Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have symptoms
similar to the symptoms of vaginitis. If you are at risk
for an STD and have the above symptoms, you should see your
health care provider right away.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will examine you and do lab tests.
The lab tests may include looking at the vaginal discharge
under a microscope, urine tests, cultures, and blood tests.
How is it treated?
The goal of treatment is to eliminate the organisms or
irritants that are causing the symptoms.
Infections are treated with oral antibiotics, antifungal or
antibacterial creams or gels, vaginal tablets, or vaginal
inserts. Your health care provider may ask you to stop
sexual activity for a time. Your provider may also ask that
your partner be treated to prevent reinfection or spread of
the infection.
Vaginitis caused by irritants can usually be treated by
stopping exposure to the irritant. Some irritations are
treated with steroid or hormone creams.
For women in menopause, vaginal dryness (atrophic vaginitis)
can be treated with hormone pills or cream.
How long will the effects last?
The symptoms usually start to decrease after a day of
treatment. Infections clear up in about a week. It is very
important that you take all of your prescribed medication,
even if your symptoms are gone. This will help to prevent
recurrence. If you stop taking your medication after the
symptoms are relieved but before the scheduled end of
treatment, the infection or irritation may come back.
How can I take care of myself?
To help relieve the symptoms you can:
- Bathe with nonirritating, unscented soap. Use water that
is warm but not hot. Rinse the genital area thoroughly
but gently. Pat dry without rubbing.
- Wear loose-fitting, all-cotton underwear or cotton-crotch
underwear.
- Keep your genital area dry.
Call your health care provider if you notice a change in
color, consistency, or quantity of vaginal discharge.
What can be done to help prevent vaginitis?
Practice good personal hygiene:
- Bathe daily with mild soap and warm water.
- Wear all-cotton underwear or underwear with cotton
crotches.
- Change underwear and pantyhose every day.
- Avoid wearing pantyhose or tights for too many hours,
especially in hot, humid weather.
- Wear cotton leotards and tights when you exercise.
- Use deodorant-free white toilet paper to avoid perfume
and dye that might irritate.
- Avoid using feminine hygiene products (such as sprays and
powders) and bath additives (such as bubble baths and
oils).
- Avoid douching more than once a month. Douching is not
necessary.
- Use deodorant-free sanitary pads or tampons.
- Avoid spermicidal foams, gels, and creams.
Menopausal women may use hormone medicine if
recommended by their health care provider.
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