Vaginitis: What you should know?
As you know, vagina connects the uterus to the outside world. It is an internal muscular canal which starts from the cervix to the vaginal opening in the exterior part. It has got a soft lubricated structure which is high in sensitivity.
What is vaginitis?
The inflammation of the vaginal area is called as vaginitis. The patient may experience vaginal itching, burning sensation, foul smell, discharges and pain in vaginitis. It is a very common condition that occurs due to Bacterial infection or yeasts infection.
Different types of vaginitis
There are several types of vaginitis, which include:
Atrophic vaginitis: It is caused when the lining of the vagina gets thinner due to difference in the oestrogen level, leading to inflammation. Mainly it happens during menopause.
Bacterial vaginitis: This type of vaginitis occurs when there is a decrease in the acidity level of the vaginal area. The bacteria will overgrow showing up the symptoms of vaginitis.
Candida albicans: A fungal infection caused by yeasts.
Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted disease which is caused by a microorganism called as trichonomas vaginalis.
Symptoms of Vaginitis
Apart from the inflammation, the symptoms of vaginitis include:
- Swelling, redness, soreness, around the vaginal area
- Discharges from the vagina
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain while urinating
- Itching or irritation around the vaginal area
- Pain in the vulva
- Bad smell from the vaginal area
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Causes of Vaginitis
The cause of vaginitis largely depends on the type of vaginitis you are suffering from. The most common causes include:
- Menopause: During the time, the oestrogen levels will drop down leading to the thinning of the vaginal lining. The balance in the bacterial level will be disturbed leading to vaginitis.
- Allergic Reaction: Sometimes soaps, perfumes, talcum powder, condoms, etc may develop allergic reactions leading to vaginitis.
- Bacterial infection: A common cause of vaginitis is bacterial infection in the vaginal area.
- Trichomoniasis: A parasital infection in woman that transfers from one person to another during sexual intercourse.
- Yeast infections: It occurs due to fungal infections.
Risk factors of Vaginitis
Vaginitis may occur to any woman before puberty, during reproductive years or after menopause. The risk of developing vaginitis includes:
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Hormonal changes that occurs during puberty, Pregnancy, or menopause
- Birth control methods like intrauterine devices, spermicides, etc
- Certain type of antibiotic medications
- Sexual activity
- Using tight fitting clothing
Treatment for Vaginitis
It is better to consult your gynaecologist once you develop the symptoms of vaginitis to take the appropriate treatment and avoid further risks. The type of vaginitis will be diagnosed by checking the pH levels of the vaginal area, vaginal fluid test etc. The treatment for vaginitis will depend on the type of the disease. Antibiotics, antifungals, or antibacterial creams are prescribed to get rid of vaginal inflammation. Proper hygiene is a must to stay away from vaginitis, especially if you have a history of the condition.
