Coping with vaginitis

Illustration by Conny Jude The most common symptoms of vaginitis are itching, burning or a bad odor. You may also notice an abnormal vaginal discharge.

Vaginitis affects as many as one in three women in the United States. It affects women of all ages but is most common during the reproductive years. In most cases, the discomfort caused by vaginitis is not a sign of a serious problem, but it should be treated.

If your vagina is irritated or inflamed, you may have vaginitis. The good news is that it's treatable and preventable.

What causes vaginitis?

Your vagina contains a normal amount of protective organisms, such as bacteria and yeast. It may seem unpleasant, but these are helpful, and your vagina prevents them from growing out of control.

However, sometimes the normal balance is upset by certain factors:

• Antibiotics
• Change in hormone levels
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Menopause
• Douches
• Spermicides
• Sexual intercourse
• Infection

This can cause an increase or a change in the type of bacteria and yeast, which leads to vaginitis. It can also be caused by infections from other sources.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of vaginitis are itching, burning or a bad odor. You may also notice an abnormal vaginal discharge.

There are three types of vaginitis. The symptoms depend on which one you have:

• Yeast infection The most common symptoms are itching and burning in the area around your vulva. You may also notice a burning feeling when you urinate or have sex. The vaginal discharge is usually white, lumpy and has no odor.
• Bacterial infection Your vaginal discharge is heavier, and has a strong, fishy odor. The discharge is usually a dull, gray color (sometimes, it is greenish). You also may have an itchy feeling.
• Trichomoniasis This is caused by a microscopic parasite, known as the trichomonas vaginalis, spread by unprotected sex. Symptoms include burning, redness and swelling of the vagina and vulva. You may also notice a yellow or green vaginal discharge.

Get a diagnosis

To diagnose vaginitis, a sample of your vaginal discharge is studied under the microscope. To help your doctor, try not to use any feminine deodorant sprays, vaginal medications or spermicides.

Treating and preventing

The treatment depends on the form of vaginitis. Usually, you are prescribed medication which can be taken by mouth or inserted into the vagina as a cream or gel. Yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, it's a good idea to make a doctor's appointment if:

• This is the first time you have had vaginitis
• Your symptoms don't go away
• Your vaginal discharge is yellow or green, or has a bad odor
• There is a chance you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Finally…

At the first sign of vaginitis, you should make a doctor's appointment. Some women may have persistent yeast infections, in which case, over-the-counter medications are quick, simple and effective.