VAGINITIS

VAGINITIS
 isan inflammation of the vagina that can
result in discharge, itching and pain.
 The cause is usually a change in the
normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an
infection.
 Vaginitis can also result from reduced
estrogen levels after menopause.
 COMMON TYPES OF VAGINITIS
 Bacterial Vaginosis, which results from overgrowth
of one of several organisms normally present in your
vagina.
 Yeast Infections, which are usually caused by a
naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans.
 Trichomoniasis, which is caused by a parasite and is
commonly transmitted by sexual intercourse.
 Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis), which results
from reduced estrogen levels after menopause.
CAUSATIVE AGENT
 Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis results from an overgrowth of one of several
organisms normally present in your vagina. Usually, "good" bacteria
(lactobacilli) outnumber "bad" bacteria (anaerobes) in your vagina.
But if anaerobic bacteria become too numerous, they upset the
balance, causing bacterial vaginosis. This type of vaginitis can spread
during sexual intercourse, but it also occurs in people who aren't
sexually active. Women with new or multiple sex partners, as well as
women who use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control, have a
higher risk of bacterial vaginosis.
 Caused by Gardnerella
 Yeast Infections
Yeast infections occur when the normal environment
of your vagina undergoes some change that triggers
an overgrowth of a fungal organism — usually Candida
albicans. A yeast infection isn't considered a sexually
transmitted infection. Besides causing most vaginal
yeast infections, C. albicans also causes infections in
other moist areas of your body, such as in your mouth
(thrush), skin folds and nail beds. The fungus can also
cause diaper rash.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a common sexually
transmitted infection caused by a microscopic,
one-celled parasite called Trichomonas
vaginalis. This organism spreads during sexual
intercourse with someone who already has the
infection. The organism usually infects the
urinary tract in men, in whom it often causes no
symptoms. Trichomoniasis typically infects the
vagina in women.
Vaginal Atrophy
 Vaginal atrophy is caused by a
decrease in estrogen
production. Less estrogen
makes your vaginal tissues
thinner, drier, less elastic and
more fragile
 SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
 Change in color, odor or amount of
discharge from your vagina
 Vaginal itching or irritation
 Pain during intercourse
 Painful urination
 Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUR VAGINAL
DISCHARGE MAY INDICATE THE TYPE OF VAGINITIS
YOU HAVE.
 Bacterial vaginosis. It may develop a
grayish-white, foul-smelling discharge. The
odor, often described as fish-like, may be
more obvious after sexual intercourse.
 Yeast infections. The main symptom is
itching, but you may have a white, thick
discharge that resembles cottage cheese.
 Trichomoniasis. This infection can cause a
greenish yellow, sometimes frothy discharge.

 Vaginal Atrophy. Usually causes scant vaginal

discharge with no odor, dry vagina and painful
intercourse. These symptoms are usually due
to decreased hormones usually occurring
during and after menopause.
PREVENTION
 good hygiene: drying completely after bathing,
wearing fresh undergarments, and wiping from front
to rear after defecation all help to prevent
contamination of the vagina with harmful bacteria.
 The vaginal area should be washed with water:
perfumed soaps, shower gels, and vaginal
deodorants should be avoided.
 Avoid irritants. These include scented tampons and
pads.
 Wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Doing
so avoids spreading fecal bacteria to your vagina.
 Don't douche. Your vagina doesn't require cleansing
other than normal bathing. Repetitive douching
disrupts the normal organisms that reside in the vagina
and can actually increase your risk of vaginal infection.
Douching won't clear up a vaginal infection.
 Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton
crotch. If you feel comfortable without it, skip wearing
underwear to bed. Yeast thrives in moist environments.
TEST & DIAGNOSIS
 Todiagnose your condition, your doctor may
review your history of vaginal infections or
sexually transmitted infections and conduct
a pelvic examination. During the exam,
your doctor may take a sample of cervical
or vaginal discharge for laboratory analysis.
This sample can confirm what kind of
vaginitis you have
TREATMENTS & DRUGS
 Bacterial vaginosis. For this type of
vaginitis, your doctor may prescribe
metronidazole tablets (Flagyl) that you
take by mouth, metronidazole gel
(MetroGel) that you apply to your vagina,
or clindamycin cream (Cleocin) that you
apply to your vagina. Medications are
usually used once or twice a day for five
 Yeast Infections. Yeast infections usually
are treated with an antifungal cream or
suppository, such as miconazole
(Monistat), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin)
and tioconazole (Vagistat). Yeast
infections may also be treated with a
prescription oral antifungal medication,
such as fluconazole (Diflucan).
 Trichomoniasis. Your doctor may
prescribe metronidazole (Flagyl) or
tinidazole (Tindamax) tablets
 Vaginal Atrophy. Estrogen, in the
form of vaginal creams, tablets or
rings, can effectively treat atrophic
vaginitis. This treatment is available
by prescription from your doctor.