What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina which may cause itching, discharge and pain. It is easier to manage vaginitis when you understand vaginitis symptoms, the causes and the treatment options available.  

Vaginitis is a common gynecological problem. Usually, an infection or a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria causes vaginitis. Additionally, some skin disorders and reduced estrogen levels after menopause can cause vaginitis.

The three most common types of vaginitis include:

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis results from the overgrowth of organisms in the vagina and a change of the normal vaginal bacteria.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is commonly transmitted by sexual intercourse. It is caused by a parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis.

Yeast infections

Yeast infection is a fungal infection. It is usually caused by a naturally occurring Candida albicans.

It is important to note that the treatment of vaginitis depends on the type.

What are the vaginitis symptoms?

Vaginitis symptoms include:

• Change in amount, odor or color of vaginal discharge
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Painful urination
• Vaginal itching
• Pain during intercourse
• Vaginal irritation

If you have unusual vaginal discharge with inflamed vagina, the characteristics of the discharge will reveal the type of vaginitis you have.

Each type of vaginitis has distinct vaginitis symptoms.

For example, bacterial vaginosis produces foul-smelling, grayish-white discharge. Also, it has a fishy odor that may be more obvious after sexual intercourse.

For yeast infection, the main symptom is itching. Additionally, there may be thick, white discharge that resembles cottage cheese. Trichomoniasis can cause a greenish-yellow and sometimes frothy discharge.

When to visit a doctor

Try to talk to your doctor if you experience unusual vaginal symptoms. For example, see your doctor if:

• You have foul-smelling vaginal discharge and itching of the vulva.
• You have had vaginal infections before.
• You’ve had multiple sex partners or a recent new partner.
• You have signs and symptoms similar to those of a bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection.
• You think you could have a sexually transmitted infection.
• You’ve never had a vaginal infection but now experience vaginal discomfort.

Also, call your doctor if:

• You want your doctor to help you establish the cause of your vaginal discomfort.
• You seek to identify vaginitis symptoms and signs.
• Your vaginitis symptoms persist after completing over-the-counter anti-yeast medication.
• You have pelvic pain, fever and chills.

However, you may not need to see a doctor every time you have vaginal discharge and irritation. For example, do not be in hurry to see your doctor:

• If you know the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection and you are sure they are what you currently experience.
• If you have had a diagnosis of vaginal yeast infection and your present signs and symptoms are the same as before.

What are the causes of vaginitis?

Causes of vaginitis depend on the type of vaginitis. They include:

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginitis. It occurs due to an overgrowth of one of several organisms found in vagina. Similarly, it results from a change of the normal vaginal bacteria.

Usually, anaerobic bacteria in your vagina outnumber normal vaginal bacteria (also called lactobacilli). If vaginal anaerobes become too numerous, they distort the balance and cause bacterial vaginosis.  

Bacterial vaginosis is linked to sexual intercourse. It is especially present in women who have multiple sex partners or a new sex partner. However, it also occurs in women who are not sexually active.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by one-celled parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis. It is contracted during sexual intercourse with someone that has the infection.

Trichomonas vaginalis usually infects male urinary tract, but often it causes no symptoms in men. On the other hand, it typically infects the vagina and may cause symptoms in women. This organism increases a woman’s risk of being infected with other sexually transmitted diseases.

Yeast infections

Yeast infections occur as a result of an overgrowth of a fungal organism (C. albicans) in your vagina. Candida albicans produces profuse vaginitis symptoms.

This organism also causes infections in other moist body areas. For example, it causes infections in nail beds, skin folds and in the mouth (oral thrush). C. albicans can also cause diaper rash.

Menopausal, genitourinary syndrome

Estrogen levels gradually reduce as menopause sets in. Reduced estrogen levels after menopause can cause vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal lining).

Similarly, as the estrogen levels continue to reduce, vaginal irritation, dryness, burning and other vaginitis symptoms may also occur. These changes equally occur with the surgical removal of ovaries.

Noninfectious vaginitis

Scented detergents, spermicidal products, vaginal sprays, perfumed soaps and douches may irritate vulva and vaginal tissues. These products may also cause an allergic reaction.

Foreign objects such as forgotten tampons in the vagina and tissue paper may irritate vaginal tissues.

What are the risk factors for vaginitis?

Factors that elevate the risk of having vaginitis include:

• Sexual activity
• Having a sexually transmitted infection
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Douching
• Use of intrauterine device for birth control
• Use of spermicides for birth control
• Hormonal changes associated with birth control pills, pregnancy or menopause
• Antibiotics and steroids
• Wearing tightfitting or damp clothing
• Use of vaginal spray, vaginal deodorant or bubble bath

What are the complications of vaginitis?

Women who have bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis are at a higher risk of getting sexually transmitted infections. This is because these disorders cause inflammation that make makes female genitals susceptible to STIs.

Also, symptomatic trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis are linked to premature childbirth and low birth weight babies.

How is vaginitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose vaginitis by asking you about your health history. S/he will ask about your history of past vaginitis, sexually transmitted infections and your current sexual partners.

Your doctor may also perform a pelvic exam during which s/he may collect a sample of vaginal discharge for testing. This will enable your doctor determine the cause of your infection.

How is vaginitis treated?

Treatment of vaginitis depends on what is causing it. For example, metronidazole tablets, cream or gel, or clindamycin gel or cream may be used to treat bacterial infection.

In addition, metronidazole or tinidazole tablets are effective in treating trichomoniasis. For a yeast infection, antifungal creams or suppositories are effective.

Your doctor may prescribe estrogen tablets or creams for vaginal atrophy. Also, s/he may offer a different option if your infection is caused by an irritant such as soap.

How can vaginitis be prevented?

Observance of good hygiene may relieve vaginitis symptoms and prevent some types of vaginitis from recurring.

Here are simple hygiene tips for preventing vaginitis:

Do not douche

Your vagina requires no cleansing other than normal bathing. If you douche repetitively, you disrupt the normal vaginal organisms. As a result, your risk of vaginal infection can actually increase. It is important to note that douching will not remove a vaginal infection.

Avoid irritants

Avoid irritants such as pads, scented soaps, douches and scented tampons. Also, do not use harsh soaps with antibacterial action or deodorant. After having a shower, rinse soap from your outer genital area and dry well to prevent irritation.

Use a latex condom to prevent vaginitis

You can avoid sexually transmitted infections by using latex condoms (both male and female) during sexual intercourse.

Wear cotton underwear

Yeast flourishes in moist environment. Also, wear pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Do not wear underwear to bed if you feel comfortable about it.

Practice good hygiene with the use of the toilet

Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.

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