The Facts About Vaginitis

Vaginitis is a condition caused by a change in the balance of bacteria in the vagina or an infection. Vaginitis can cause symptoms including pain, itching and abnormal discharge. The condition is common, in fact, women seeking treatment for vaginitis account for 7 percent of all visits to gynecologists. Research also indicates vaginitis is the most common gynecological condition that primary care providers find in women.

Vaginitis causes inflammation in and around the vagina, which can lead to vaginal swelling, pain and discomfort. There are multiple types of vaginitis, so the specific symptoms you experience can vary depending on the type of vaginitis you have. Fortunately, vaginitis is easily treatable.

You can also implement small lifestyle changes to help you prevent vaginitis. If you are experiencing any abnormal symptoms in or around your vagina, be sure to talk to your gynecologist or primary care provider for treatment so you can avoid further infection.

Most commonly, vaginitis is caused by either an upset in the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, an overgrowth of naturally occurring fungus in the vagina or the presence of a particular parasite. According to Mayo Clinic, reduced estrogen levels due to menopause and some skin disorders can also cause the condition.

The most common types of vaginitis include:

• Bacterial vaginosis. BV develops when there is an overgrowth of naturally occurring bacteria in the vagina, which typically occurs after sex or frequent douching. (Most doctors do not recommend douching.) Women in their childbearing years are most commonly affected by this type of vaginitis. It's rare for women who have never been sexually active to develop BV.
• Yeast infections. This type of vaginitis occurs when Candida, a naturally occurring vaginal fungus, overgrows. About 75 percent of women develop a yeast infection at some point in their lifetime.
• Trichomoniasis. Protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, which causes this type of vaginitis, is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) most commonly spread from a penis to a vagina or from a vagina to a penis, though it can also spread from a vagina to another vagina.

Vaginitis symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the condition. Some of the most common vaginitis symptoms include:

• Sore, itchy or dry vagina
• Pain or discomfort during urination or sex
• Vaginal discharge with abnormal color or odor
• Swollen, cracked or sore skin around the vagina
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding

If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to consult your gynecologist right away. The sooner you can get treated, the quicker you can get rid of pain and discomfort and the more likely you are to avoid further complications.

Vaginitis is treatable, and most people who develop the condition recover quickly from it. However, when left untreated, vaginitis can lead to worse infections and even the development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Women with PID are at greater risk of infertility, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy and scarring in the pelvic region.

Your doctor takes several steps before diagnosing vaginitis, including:

• Going over your medical history. Your doctor needs to know if you have had vaginal infections in the past or if you have had or currently have any STIs.
• Performing an exam. A pelvic exam may be necessary to determine the extent of the inflammation and abnormal discharge in the vagina.
• Testing. During the pelvic exam, your doctor may collect discharge from the vagina and cervix to be tested in a lab. The test results can help your doctor determine the cause of the vaginitis.
• Checking your pH. If your vaginal pH level is higher than normal, it may indicate the presence of BV or trichomoniasis.

Maintaining proper vaginal hygiene can go a long way toward helping to prevent vaginitis. Some of the most effective vaginitis prevention measures include:

• Wiping properly. Making sure to wipe from front to back after a bowel movement reduces the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina, which can help prevent the development of vaginitis.
• Using menstrual products as directed. Be sure to change your pads and tampons as often as directed on the package. Using the same pad or tampon for too long creates the perfect conditions for bacteria and yeast to grow out of control and cause an infection.
• Ditching the douche. Douches disrupt the healthy balance in the vagina and increase your chances of developing vaginitis.
• Adopting a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced and nutritional diet, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep can give your immune system the strength it needs to fight off infections.
• Keeping clothing dry and breathable. Wearing clothing that's too tight or wet increases your chances of vaginitis.
• Practicing safer sex. Using latex condoms during sex can help protect you from STIs such as trichomoniasis.

"Vaginal health" products that are heavily scented, sleekly packaged and aggressively marketed are a dime a dozen. But the reality is that your vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and adding unnatural scents and chemicals can throw off your pH levels and leave your vagina irritated and more vulnerable to infections, including vaginitis.

If you want to avoid putting yourself at greater risk of developing vaginitis, steer clear of products such as:

• Douche
• Vaginal lubricants
• Vaginal itch creams
• Anything scented (wipes, sprays, tampons, pads, etc.)

Vaginitis is treated according to its cause. When the condition is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, as with BV, or Trichomonas vaginalis, the condition is typically treated with antibiotics. Yeast infections, on the other hand, are usually treated with a prescription oral antifungal medication, over-the-counter antifungal cream or a suppository.

While it's true that you can develop vaginitis without ever having had sex, it's also true that you are at a much greater risk for the condition if you are sexually active. In fact, experts have found that having unprotected sex, sex with a new partner or sex with a woman put you at greater risk for vaginitis. Using protection during sex and maintaining good vaginal hygiene can help mitigate your risk for vaginitis.

If you have vaginitis or a history of vaginitis, it's especially important to talk to your partner about it. If you presently have the condition, you need to refrain from sexual activity until you receive and finish treatment. Additionally, if your vaginitis is caused by an STI, you need to let your partner know so they can undergo treatment. This can ensure that you don't pass the infection back and forth or to anyone else.

How do you get vaginitis?

Vaginitis is typically caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, an overgrowth of naturally occurring fungus in the vagina or the presence of a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The condition can also develop as a result of reduced estrogen levels caused by menopause and some skin disorders.

Does vaginitis go away on its own?

While mild yeast infections and some cases of bacterial vaginosis can sometimes go away on their own, it's important to consult your doctor if you have any symptoms of vaginitis. Talking to your doctor is the only sure way to determine the cause of your vaginitis. Untreated vaginitis can lead to worse infections and serious health problems.

Is bacterial vaginosis an STD?

Bacterial vaginosis is not technically an STD, but having frequent sex with multiple partners does put an individual at greater risk for developing BV.