Vaginitis

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina, characterized by itching, vaginal discharge and pain.

The cause is usually an imbalance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. It may also be due to reduced estrogen levels after the onset of menopause.

The most common forms of inflammation are:

• Bacterial – as a result of overgrowth of one or more organisms that normally inhabit the vagina;

• Fungal infections – most often caused by a fungus that inhabits the intestines of most people, Candida albicans.

• Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite and is usually sexually transmitted.

• Vaginal atrophy – a result of decreased estrogen levels after menopause.

What are the symptoms?

• Change in color, smell, or amount of vaginal discharge;

• Vaginal itching or irritation;

• Pain during intercourse;

• Painful urination;

• Vaginal bleeding with a light color or light staining;

The characteristics of the vaginal discharge can indicate the type of vaginitis you have acquired.

• Bacterial vaginosis – gray-white foul-smelling vaginal discharge appears. Its odor is often described as fishy, ​​and can be more pronounced after intercourse.

• Purulent infection – the main symptom is itching, but a white, thick discharge that resembles cottage cheese may begin to flow.

• Trichomoniasis – the infection is characterized by the appearance of a greenish yellow, sometimes frothy discharge.

What are the causes?

The cause is determined depending on the form of vaginitis.

Bacterial vaginosis is the result of the excessive reproduction of the organisms forming the vaginal microflora.

Usually the “good” bacteria – lactobacilli outnumber the “bad” – anaerobes.

But if, for some reason, anaerobic microorganisms begin to multiply too quickly, the balance in the vagina is disturbed, which also causes this form of inflammation.

Fungal infection develops when colonies of fungi grow too fast, most often candida albicans.

In addition to causing infection in the vagina, this infectious organism can also cause inflammation in other moist areas of the body such as the mouth, skin folds and under the nails.

The fungus can also cause diaper rash.

Trichomoniasis is caused by the single-celled parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected sexual partner.

In men, the infectious organism usually infects the urinary tract but in most cases causes no symptoms.

In women, trichomoniasis usually infects the vagina and usually causes complaints.

Vaginal sprays, intimate douches, perfumed soaps, scented detergents and spermicidal products can cause an allergic reaction or irritate the vulva and vaginal tissues.

Thinning of the vaginal lining – as a result of decreased levels of female sex hormones after menopause or surgical removal of the ovaries – can also cause vaginal itching and irritation.

Treatment of vaginitis

If you are sure that you have a yeast infection, the possible options are using vaginal suppositories or cream for a one-day, three-day or seven-day course of treatment.

The active ingredient that most fungicides contain, but it must be one of the following clotrimazole, miconazole, or tioconazole, so before you start using the preparation, find out about its contents.

Follow the instructions on the leaflet and complete the entire course of treatment, even if you feel better immediately after applying the medication.

Apply a cool compress to the vagina to relieve discomfort until the fungicide starts killing enough of the fungus to make you feel better.