Vaginitis is an inflammation of a woman's vagina. At least 1/3 of women will have symptoms of vaginitis at some point during their lives. Vaginitis affects women of all ages but is most common during the reproductive years. There are many possible causes, and the type of treatment depends on the cause.
The Vagina
It is normal for a small amount of clear or cloudy white fluid to pass from a woman's vagina. This keeps the tissue moist and healthy. The vagina holds organisms, such as bacteria and yeast, in balance so it can function normally.
A change in the normal balance can allow either yeast or bacteria to increase and result in vaginitis. This causes the lining of the vagina to become inflamed. Vaginitis may cause itching, a bad odor, or a large amount of discharge.
Diagnosis
To diagnose vaginitis, your doctor will take a sample of the discharge from your vagina and look at it under a microscope. Your doctor also may suggest other tests. To ensure the results of the test are accurate, do not douche or use any vaginal medications or spermicide before you see your doctor.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the vaginitis.Treatment may be either with either an oral treatment or with a cream or gel that is applied to the vagina.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions exactly, even if the discharge or other symptoms go away before you finish treatment.Even though the symptoms disappear, the infection could still be present.Stopping the treatment early may cause symptoms to return.
If symptoms recur after treatment is finished, see your doctor.A different treatment may be needed.
YEAST INFECTION
Yeast infection also is known as candidiasis.It is one of the most common types of vaginal infection.
Cause
Vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida. It is found in small numbers in the normal vagina.However, when the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is altered, the yeast may overgrow and cause symptoms.
Some types of antibiotics increase your risk of a yeast infection.The antibiotics kill normal vaginal bacteria, which keep yeast in check.The yeast can then overgrow.
A woman is more likely to get yeast infections if she is pregnant or has diabetes.Overgrowth of yeast also can also occur if the body’s immune system, which protects the body from disease, is not working well.
For example, in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), yeast infections may be severe.They may not go away, even with treatment, or may recur often.In many cases, the cause of a yeast infection is not known.
Yeast can also overgrow the week before your period starts.During the week of the menstrual cycle, the blood sugar levels increase creating a more favorable environment for yeast to overgrow.This can be worsened with monthly sweet cravings!
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a YEAST INFECTION are itching and burning of the area outside the vagina called the vulva. The burning may be worse with urination or sex.The vulva may be red and swollen.The vaginal discharge usually is white, lumpy, and has no odor.Some women with yeast infections notice an increase or change in discharge.Others do not notice a discharge at all.
Treatment
Yeast infections can be treated either by placing medication into the vagina or by taking a pill.Treatment of male sex partners is not necessary.You can buy over-the-counter yeast medication.
Be sure to see your doctor if: ·This is the first time you have had a vaginal infection ·Your symptoms do not go away after treatment ·Your vaginal discharge is yellow or green or has a bad odor ·There is a chance that you have a sexually transmitted disease
Sometimes a woman thinks she has a yeast infection when she actually has another problem.There are several conditions that cause itching and burning, just like yeast.If there is another cause, it may be harder to find if a woman is taking medications for a yeast infection.
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
Cause
The bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis occur naturally in the vagina.Bacterial vaginosis is caused by overgrowth of these bacteria.It is not a sexually acquired infection. However, symptoms may worsen with sex. Usually there is no need to treat a woman’s sexual partner.But if the woman has repeated infections, her doctor might decide to treat her partner.
Symptoms
The main symptom of BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS is increased discharge with a strong fishy odor.The odor may be stronger during your menstrual period or after sex.The discharge usually is thin and dark or dull gray, but may have a greenish color.Itching is not common, but may be present if there is a lot of discharge.
Treatment
Several different antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis, but there are two that are most commonly used: metronidazole (Flagyl) and clindamycin. They can be taken by mouth or inserted into the vagina as a cream or gel.When metronidazole is taken by mouth, it can cause nausea, vomiting and darkening of the urine.A new more convenient regimen is used with a medication called Tindamax.Do not drink alcohol when taking metronidazole or Tindamax, as this combination may cause severe nausea and vomiting.
Bacterial vaginosis often recurs.It may require long-term or repeated treatment.In most cases, treatment works in time.Sometimes when bacterial vaginosis keeps coming back it may mean that you have an STD.Your doctor may test you for other infections.
TRICHOMONIASIS
Cause
Trichomoniasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.It is sexually transmitted.
Symptoms
Signs of trichomoniasis may include a yellow-gray or green vaginal discharge often with a fishy odor.There may be burning, irritation, redness, and swelling of the vulva.Sometime there is pain during urination.
Treatment
Trichomoniasis is usually treated with a single dose of metronidazole or Tindamax by mouth.A woman and her partner both need to be treated.
·Do not use feminine hygiene sprays or scented deodorant tampons. ·Do not try to cover up a bad odor.It could be a sign of infection that should prompt you to see a doctor. ·Do not douche.It is better to let the vagina cleanse itself. ·Thoroughly clean diaphragms, cervical caps, and spermicide applicators, etc after each use. ·Use condoms during sex.
Dietary changes
Minimizing simple carbohydrates and concentrated sweets (such as cookies, cake, candy, etc) can help prevent vaginal infections, particularly those caused by yeast.
Dietary supplements
Adding probiotics to your daily regimen can help maintain a healthy vaginal environment.These are the “good” bacteria needed by your body.Lactobacilli are the healthy bacteria that help keep the vaginal environment in balance.
We recommend *nutraMetrix Digestive Enzymes with Probiotics.
This product stores dry as a powder. Mix with water and drink as a daily liquid supplement. It is a pleasant citrus flavor.
