Vaginitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Vaginitis is a name for swelling, itching, burning or infection in the that can be caused my several different germs. Vaginitis is one of the most common reasons for gynecologic consultation consisting of approximately 10 million office visits annually. The three most common infections are bacterial vaginosis, candida vaginitis and trichomonas vaginitis. Vaginitis can also result from reduced estrogen levels after menopause. Some infections are transmitted through contact, but others, such as yeast infections, probably are not. Most women will have at least one form of vaginitis in their lifetime. Vaginitis is defined as the spectrum of conditions that cause symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, and abnormal discharge. It usually is not serious. But it can be annoying and uncomfortable.

Vaginitis can be caused by several different organisms, sometimes at the same time, as well as by hormonal changes, allergies, or irritations. When the walls of the become inflamed, because some irritant has disturbed the balance of the area, vaginitis can occur. In addition, more than one type of vaginitis may be present at the same time, with or without symptoms being present. The itching may be present at any time of the day but it is often most bothersome at night. Women tend to be more susceptible to yeast infections if their bodies are under stress from poor diet, lack of sleep or illness, or if they are pregnant, taking antibiotics or birth control pills or douching too often. It can sometimes be a sign of other health problems.

Causes of Vaginitis

The common causes and risk factor's of Vaginitis include the following:

Bacteria, viruses, chemicals in creams or sprays, or even clothing can cause vaginitis.

Injury.

Sometimes, vaginitis occurs from organisms that are passed between partners.

Perfumed soaps, detergents, or fabric softeners.

Nonabsorbent, heat-retaining clothing such as nylon pantyhose and tights.

Hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy and birth control pills.

Yeast infections are a common cause of vaginitis.

Symptoms of Vaginitis

Some symptoms related to Vaginitis are as follows:

Discomfort or burning when urinating.

Watery or foamy discharge.

Pain/irritation

Itch or soreness.

Light bleeding.

Change in color, odor or amount of discharge.

A swollen, red vulva, which may be painful or itchy.

Treatment of Vaginitis

Here is list of the methods for treating Vaginitis:

A yeast infection can be treated orally or intra-with either prescription or over-the-counter antifungal medications.

Boric acid can be used in resistant cases.

Recurrent yeast infections are sometimes treated with oral fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole Sporanox), or clotrimazole (Mycelex, Gyne-Lotrimin, Femcare) for 6 months.

In women who are not pregnant, bacterial vaginosis can be treated with the antibiotic metronidazole in either an oral (Flagyl) or gel (Metro-Gel) form. Clindamycin (Cleocin) is also effective.