What is Vaginitis?
Vaginitis is an inflammation of the woman's vagina. Up to a third of women will show signs of vaginitis at some point in their lives. Vaginitis affects women of all ages, but is most common in reproductive ages. There are many possible factors and the type of treatment depends on the agent. In this chapter;
- Symptoms of vaginitis
- Types of treatment
- Explain how to reduce your risk.
A small amount of clear or cloudy white fluid flow through the woman's vagina is normal. This keeps the tissue wet and healthy. The vagina maintains a balance of various organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, so that it can function normally. Some factors can disrupt this normal balance of the vagina:
- Antibiotics
- Changes in hormone levels
- Pregnancy
- Breast-feeding
- Menopause
- Vaginal showers
- Spermicides (sperm killers used for contraception)
- Sexual intercourse
- Infection
A change in normal balance may allow fungi or bacteria to increase and cause vaginitis. This causes the epithelium of the vagina to become inflamed. Vaginitis can cause itching, foul odor, or plenty of discharge.
In case of any abnormal discharge, burning or itching, consult your doctor immediately.
Diagnosis
For the diagnosis of vaginitis, your doctor will take a sample of the discharge from your vagina; examine under the microscope or send to culture. Your doctor may also request other tests. To ensure the results of the tests are accurate, do not take a vaginal shower before seeing your doctor; Do not use any vaginal medication or spermicide.
Treatment
Treatment is done according to the causative agent of vaginitis. The treatment may be by oral pill or a cream, tablet or gel applied to the vagina. In some cases, your partner may also be treated.
Even if discharge or other symptoms disappear before you finish your medication, it is important that you follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Although the symptoms disappear, the infection may still be present. Stopping treatment early may cause symptoms to return. If symptoms recur after treatment is completed, see your doctor. A different treatment may be needed.
Types of Vaginitis
A. FUNGUS INFECTION:
Fungal infection is also known as candidiasis. It is one of the most common types of vaginal infection.
Active. It is formed by a fungus called Candida. This is found in a small number in the normal vagina. However, when the balance of bacteria and fungi in the vagina changes, the fungi can multiply and cause symptoms.
Some types of antibiotics increase your risk of yeast infection. Antibiotics kill normal vaginal bacteria that control fungi; thus, fungi can multiply excessively. If a woman is pregnant or has diabetes, she is more likely to have a yeast infection. Excessive growth of fungi can also occur if the immune system, which protects the body from diseases, does not work well. For example, fungal infections may be severe in women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). They may not even pass treatment or they may recur frequently. In many cases, the cause of fungal infection is unknown.
Symptoms. The most common symptoms of fungal infection are itching and burning of the area called the vulva outside the vagina. Burning can be worse when urinating or with sexual intercourse. Vulva may be red and swollen. Vaginal discharge is usually white, lumpy and does not smell. Some women with yeast infection notice an increase or change in discharge. Some people do not notice any currents.
Treatment. Fungal infections can be treated by placing medicine in the vagina or swallowing pills. In the majority of cases, the treatment of male sexual partners is not necessary. You should definitely see your doctor if:
- If you have a vaginal infection for the first time
- If your symptoms do not disappear after treatment
- If your vaginal discharge is yellow or green or smelly
- If you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Sometimes a woman may actually think that she has a yeast infection when she has another problem. Just like fungi, there are several conditions that cause itching and burning. If there is another reason, if the woman is taking medication for yeast infection, it may be more difficult to find the main cause.
What can you do?
There are some things you can do to reduce the risk of vaginitis:
- Do not use feminine hygiene sprays or scented deodorant tampons.
- Don't try and hide a bad smell. This may be a symptom of infection that requires you to see your doctor immediately.
- Do not vaginal shower, do not wash the inside of the vagina. It is better to allow the vagina to clean itself.
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse.
- If you have been prescribed antibiotics for another type of infection, talk to your doctor about preventing fungal infections.
B. BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS
Active. Bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis are naturally present in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is caused by excessive proliferation of these bacteria.
Symptoms. The most important symptom is increased discharge with a strong fishy odor. The smell may be more during your menstrual period or after sexual intercourse. The discharge is usually thin and dark or dull gray, but may also be greenish in color. Itching is not common, but may be present if there is too much discharge.
Treatment. A variety of different antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis, but there are two most commonly used: metronidazole and clindamycin. They may be taken orally or may be placed in the vagina in the form of tablets, creams or gels.
Metronidazole may cause side effects in some patients when taken orally. They may cause nausea, vomiting and darkening of urine color, and may cause severe nausea and vomiting. Do not drink alcohol while using metronidazole, this combination
Often there is no need to treat a woman's sexual partner. However, if the woman has recurrent infections, treatment of the partner may be helpful.
Bacterial vaginosis frequently recurs. Long-term or repeated treatment may be required. In the majority of cases, treatment works in time. Sometimes if bacterial vaginosis occurs repeatedly, it may mean that you have an STD. Your doctor may test you for other infections.
C. TRICOMONIASIS
Active. Trichomoniasis is a condition created by the microscopic parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It spreads through sexual intercourse. Women with trichomoniasis are at increased risk of infection with other STDs.
Symptoms. Symptoms of trichomoniasis include a yellow-gray or green vaginal discharge. The stream may have a fishy smell. Burning, irritation, redness and swelling of the vulva may occur. Sometimes it can be painful when urinating.
Treatment. Trichomoniasis is usually treated with a single oral dose of metronidazole. Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours after taking this medicine because it may cause nausea and vomiting. Sexual partners should be treated to prevent recurrence of infection.
D. ATROPHIC VAGINITIS: This is not caused by an infection, but may cause discharge and vaginal irritation. It can occur at any time when female hormone levels are reduced, such as during breastfeeding or after menopause. Symptoms include dryness and burning. Atrophic vaginitis is treated with estrogen, which can be administered as vaginal cream, ring or tablet. A water-soluble lubricant may also be useful during sexual intercourse.
As a result; Consult your doctor as soon as you see any abnormal discharge or signs of vaginitis, such as burning or itching. Although vaginitis causes discomfort, it can be treated almost any time after the agent is found.
Glossary
Bacterial Vaginosis: A type of vaginal infection caused by excessive proliferation of a group of organisms normally found in the vagina.
Candidiasis: A type of vaginitis caused by overgrowth of Candida (a fungus normally found in the vagina), also known as fungal infection or moniliasis.
Clindamycin: An antibiotic used to treat certain types of vaginitis, among many other types of infections.
Estrogen: A female hormone produced by the ovaries that stimulates the development of the inner layer of the uterus.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A virus that attacks specific cells of the body's donor system and creates acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Metronidazole: An antibiotic used to treat some vaginal and abdominal infections.
Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD): refers to diseases spread by sexual contact. Chlamydia infection, gonorrhea, genital warts, herpes (syphilis), syphilis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Spermicides: Chemicals that neutralize sperm. They are present in the form of creams, gels, foams and suppositories. Some condoms are covered with spermicides.
Vulva: Lips of the female external genitalia.
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