Vaginal Infections and Vaginitis

Vaginal Infections and Vaginitis

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina characterized by discharge, odor, irritation, and/or itching. Vaginitis is rarely a serious threat to a woman's health. It can be annoying and uncomfortable, though. It usually does not go away without treatment.

The cause of vaginitis may not always be determined adequately solely on the basis of symptoms or a physical examination. For a correct diagnosis, your doctor may need to perform laboratory tests including microscopic evaluation of vaginal fluid. However, if your symptoms are classic for yeast, you may initially treat it with one the many over the counter yeast creams, and call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. A variety of effective drugs are available for treating vaginitis.

Vaginitis often is caused by infections, which cause distress and discomfort. Some infections are associated with more serious diseases. The most common vaginal infections are bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and vaginal yeast infection or candidiasis. Some vaginal infections are transmitted through sexual contact, but others such as yeast infections probably are not.

Causes of Vaginitis
Vaginitis can result from anything that causes a change in the normal environment of the vagina, including:

* Infections
o Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of vaginitis symptoms among women of childbearing age. Previously called nonspecific vaginitis or Gardnerella-associated vaginitis, BV is associated with sexual activity...
o Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis, sometimes referred to as "trich," is a common STD that affects 2 to 3 million Americans yearly. Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the urogenital tract; the urethra is the most common site of infection in man, and the vagina is the most common site of infection in women...
o Vaginal yeast infection
Vaginal yeast infection or vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common cause of vaginal irritation. Doctors estimate that approximately 75 percent of all women will experience at least one symptomatic yeast infection during their lifetimes...
* Allergic and irritative causes such as certain medications, irritating chemicals (such as those in douches), or objects that irritate the vaginal walls (such as a forgotten tampon)
* Dermatolologic causes of vaginitis...

source : www.womanhealth.net