Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina often caused due to an infection; yeast
infection is the leading cause of vaginitis in women. Most women experience vaginitis during some time of their lives.
A woman with vaginitis may experience symptoms such as vaginal discharge, vaginal redness, vaginal itching, groin rash and vaginal odor.
Treatment for vaginitis often depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include antifungal medication, antibiotics, estrogen cream and antiviral medication.
Risk factors
Common risk factors associated with vaginitis may include:
- Diabetes
- Conditions that suppress the immune system such as HIVA/AIDS, chemotherapy and organ transplant
- Intrauterine device
- Multiple sex partners
- Unprotected sex
Causes
Causes of vaginitis include:
- Bacterial infection
- Allergies
- Birth control pills
- Chemical vaginitis
- Diabetes
- Genital warts
- Herpes genitals
- Menopause
- Pinworms
- Pruritus vulvae
- Psoriases
- Vaginal foreign body
- Yeast vaginitis
- Trichomonas vaginitis
Causes of vaginitis in female children include:
- Exposure to chemicals
- Bacterial infections
- Hormone changes
- Pinworms
- Vaginal injury
- Sexual abuse
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of vaginitis include:
- Vaginal discomfort
- Vagina itching
- Vaginal redness
- Vaginal discharge – vaginal discharge may be white, grey or yellow
- Vaginal swelling
- Vaginal pain
- Vaginal spotting
- Vaginal pain during intercourse
- Pain while urinating
- Groin rash
- Skin redness
- Foul vaginal odor
- Abdominal pain – lower back pain
Treatment
Your doctor may prescribe the following treatment to resolve symptoms of vaginitis:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infection to the vagina
- Antifungal medication for yeast infection
- Antiviral medication for viral infection or herpes genitalis
- Topical estrogen for atrophic vaginitis
- Oral corticosteroid medication
Home care
Home care treatment for vaginitis includes:
- Nonprescription medication for vaginitis such as Butoconazole, Clotrimazole, Miconazole and Nystatin
- Take baths in lukewarm water to reduce vaginal irritation
- Take medication as prescribed and directed by your health care provider. Avoid skipping disease and familiarize yourself with the common side effects of prescription medication
When to seek medical attention
See your health care provider if any of the following problems occur along with vaginitis:
- Vaginal sores
- Vaginal blisters
- Groin rash
- Unusual bleeding of the vagina
- Vaginal foreign body
- Hematuria – blood in the urine
- Pain while urinating
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Pubic lice
- Vomiting
- Fever of 101 degrees F or above
Complications
Complications associated with vaginitis include:
- Atrophic vaginitis
- Endometritis
- Candidiasis
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Premature labor
Prevention
Follow these preventative techniques to reduce the risk of infection:
- Avoid using soap and irritating detergents in the vagina
- Avoid using products that may irritate the vagina such as shaving cream and bubble baths
- Make sure your genitals are kept clean
- Dry your genitals carefully after showering or bathing
- Use antifungal cream
- Wear cotton clothes and cotton underwear to reduce sweating
- Change tampons regularly – every 4-6 hours
- Avoid staying in wet clothes such as swim suits for too long
- Use condoms
- Wipe the anus—front to back – in order to prevent bacteria from spreading to the vagina
- Remember to urinate before and after intercourse