What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the tissues of the vagina. When the vulva (the fold of skin covering the opening to the vagina) is also inflamed, it is called vulvovaginitis. Vaginitis can occur in females of any age.

How does it occur?

Vaginitis can be caused by organisms that infect the vagina or by irritants, such as soap or powders.

Some but not all organisms that cause vaginitis are sexually transmitted. Organisms that can infect the vagina include:

• A fungus called Candida albicans that produces a thick, cheesy discharge from the vagina. This is also known as a yeast infection.

• A protozoa (a tiny one-celled organism) called Trichomonas vaginalis that causes a foamy, bad-smelling vaginal discharge.

• An overgrowth of bacteria normally found in the vagina, causing a condition called bacterial vaginosis, or nonspecific vaginitis. The bacteria produce a bad- smelling 'fishy' discharge.

Vaginitis can also be caused by psychological stress, poor hygiene, and various irritants, including:

• condoms and diaphragms

• spermicidal foams, gels, and creams

• feminine hygiene products such as perfumed sprays and powders

• douching

• nonabsorbent, heat-retaining clothing such as nylon pantyhose and tights

• tampons

• sexual implements

• physical injury.

Sometimes the cause of vaginitis is not known.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of vaginitis is an excessive whitish or yellowish discharge from the vagina. Some milky vaginal discharge is normal for females of all ages.

You may also experience:

• unpleasant odor from the vagina

• itching

• a swollen, red vulva that may be painful or itchy.

If you have pain in your lower abdomen or irregular bleeding with these symptoms, arrange to see your doctor immediately.

Some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can mimic vaginitis. If you are at risk for an STD and have the above symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor diagnoses vaginitis by examining you and doing lab tests. The lab tests may include an analysis of the vaginal discharge, a urine analysis, and cultures.

How is it treated?

The goal of treatment is to eliminate the organisms or irritants that are causing the symptoms.

Infections are treated with antibiotics, antifungal or antibacterial creams or gels, vaginal tablets, or vaginal inserts. Your doctor may ask you to stop sexual activities for a time. Your doctor may also ask that your partner be treated to prevent reinfection or spread of the infection.

Vaginitis caused by irritants can usually be treated by removing the cause. Some irritations are treated with steroid or hormone creams.

How long will the effects last?

The symptoms usually start to decrease after a day of treatment. Infections clear up in about a week. It is very important that you take all of your prescribed medication, even if your symptoms are gone, to prevent recurrence. If you stop taking your medication after the symptoms are relieved but before the scheduled end of treatment, the infection or irritation may reappear.

How can I take care of myself?

To help relieve the symptoms you can:

• Bathe with nonirritating, unscented soap and warm, not hot, water. Rinse the genital area thoroughly but gently. Pat dry without rubbing.

• Wear loose-fitting, all-cotton underwear or cotton-crotch underwear and keep your genital area dry.

Call your doctor if you notice a change in color, consistency, or quantity of vaginal discharge.

What can be done to help prevent vaginitis?

Practice good personal hygiene:

• Bathe daily with mild soap and warm water.

• Wear all-cotton underwear or underwear with cotton crotches.

• Change underwear and pantyhose every day.

• Avoid wearing pantyhose or tights for too many hours, especially in hot, humid weather.

• Wear cotton leotards and tights when you exercise.

• Use deodorant-free white toilet paper to avoid perfume and dye that might irritate.

• Avoid using feminine hygiene products (sprays, powders, etc.) and bath additives (bubble baths, oils, etc.).

• Avoid douching more than once a month. Douching is not necessary.

• Use deodorant-free sanitary pads or tampons.

• Avoid spermicidal foams, gels, and creams.