Vaginitis

Definition

Vaginitis is the inflammation of vagina most commonly due to the infection and irritation.

Alternative names

Atrophic vaginitis, inflammation of the vagina, vagina-inflammation

Causes, incidence and risk factors

Vaginitis can be due to diabetes, infection, hormones (decreased estrogen), allergy, foreign body or sexually transmitted disease.

Vaginal infection can be caused by bacteria (Gardnerella) called as bacterial vaginosis; fungi (Candida albicans) called as candidiasis; or trichomonas (Trichomonas vaginosis) called as trichomoniasis. Rarely gonorrhea, mycoplasma. chlamydia, campylobacter, herpes and some parasites cause vaginitis. Streptococci can cause vaginitis in pre-pubescent girls. Vaginitis is caused due to improper cleaning of the genital area.

Vaginitis may be cause due to irritation by use of perfumes, soaps, spermicides, douches, semen and many more.

Vaginitis may be caused due to retained condom or tanpons (foreign body).

Atrophic vaginitis is caused due to reduction in estrogen levels after menopause.

Diabetes, infection, hormones (decreased estrogen), allergy, foreign body, use of perfumes, soaps, spermicides, condoms, sprays and deodorants are the risk factors for vaginitis.

Symptoms

There may be irritation, itching of the genital area, foul vaginal odor, change in color of the vaginal discharge, discomfort or irritation while passing the urine, pain or irritation while sexual intercourse, reddening and swelling of the labia majora, labia minora and perineal area and slight bleeding after intercourse.

Signs and tests

Vaginitis is diagnosed by medical history, physical examination and laboratory analysis of vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is microscopically examined and culture is done to find out the causative agent. Color, odor, consistency and acidity are checked and that can predict the causative agent.

Treatment

Treatment includes oral or topical, anti-fungal or antibacterial agents. Cream containing cortisone, anti histamine or topical estrogen creams or oral estrogen pills are also prescribed. Local application of lactobacillus and low dose hormone helps in restoring normal flora and epithelial cells. The antibiotic drugs used are clindamycin, metronidazole, clotrimazole, miconazole or fluconazole.

Expectations (Prognosis)

Prognosis is good with treatment.

Complications

Irritation, infection and complications of the causative condition like sexually transmitted disease are the complications. Vaginitis in pregnant women can cause low birth weight of the infant and premature delivery.

Calling your health care provide

If there are symptoms of vaginitis or if the symptoms persist after treatment then one must call the health care provider.

Prevention

Avoiding irritants, not douching, use of male condoms, avoiding tub bath, wiping from front to back after toilet and use of cotton undergarments can prevent vaginitis.

Reference

Nih.gov, wikipedia.com, mayoclinic.com