Vaginal Infections: Causes and Treatments

Vaginal infections or vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that includes symptoms such as abnormal vaginal discharge or inching around the outside of the vagina. A change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection is usually the cause.

Causes

Causes depend on the type of vaginitis you have:

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common type of vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. Bacterial vaginosis results when "bad" bacteria outnumber "good" bacteria in the vagina, upsetting the balance. This type of vaginitis can spread during sex. Women with new or multiple sex partners, women who douche or use an intrauterine device (IUD), have higher risks of bacterial vaginosis.

Signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include a grayish-white, foul-smelling (fish-like) discharge that may be more obvious after sex.

Yeast infections are caused by one of the many species of fungus called Candida that normally lives in small numbers in the vagina. Certain internal or external factors trigger an overgrowth of the fungus. This type of vaginitis is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Increased risks of yeast infections include antibiotics, uncontrolled diabetes or hormonal changes.

Signs and symptoms of yeast infections include itching and/or a white, thick discharge resembling cottage cheese.

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease caused by a small organism called Trichomonas vaginalis that infects the vagina.

Signs and symptoms of Trichomoniasis include a greenish yellow, sometimes frothy discharge.

Noninfectious vaginitis is commonly caused by an allergic reaction or irritation from vaginal sprays, douches, perfumed soaps, scented detergents or spermicidal products. Menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries may be a cause, also.

Signs and symptoms of noninfectious vaginitis include itching, burning, pain during sex and/or vaginal discharge without an infection.

Treatments

Treatment depends on the type of vaginitis you have:

Bacterial vaginosis. Your doctor may prescribe metronidazole (Flagyl, MetroGel) or clindamycin (Cleocin) as tablets or vaginal gels or creams.

Yeast infections. Usually treated with antifungal cream or suppository, such as miconazole (Monistat) and clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin). An oral antifungal medication, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), may also be used as treatment.

Trichomoniasis. Metronidazole (Flagyl) tablets may be prescribed by your doctor.

Noninfectious vaginitis. Change the probable cause. Stop using the product to see if the symptoms improve. If the vaginitis is due to hormonal changes, estrogen may be prescribed.

In conclusion, good hygiene may prevent some types of vaginitis from recurring and may relieve some symptoms: Avoid scented tampons and pads; Wipe from front to back after using the toilet; Do not douche; Always use a condom; Wear cotton underwear; and Eat yogurt that contains lactobacillus cultures.

Resources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginitis/DS00255

http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/10/2953_500.htm?pagenumber=1

http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/10/2953_500.htm?pagenumber=3

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginitis/DS00255/DSECTION=2

http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/10/2953_500.htm?pagenumber=2

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginitis/DS00255/DSECTION=3