Vulvovaginitis
Vaginal itching, burning, vaginal pain, soreness in the vaginal area, cutting, ripping, swelling of the vagina, lumps in and around vagina, ulcers in vagina and vaginal discharge - all these best describe vulvular discomfort. Teen girls or menopausal women - vulvovaginitis, irritating vaginal itch, troublesome vaginal burning causes emotional trauma to women of all ages. Women are more prone to urethral or vaginal infections at one point or another in their lives. So, feminine hygiene is a very important aspect of a woman's life. If compromised, it can lead to serious consequences.
A change in normal vaginal discharge could be due to one or a combination of these conditions.
- Inflammation or infection of the vagina, vulvovaginitis.
- Infections of the vagina, such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis trichomoniasis, human papillomavirus (HPV) or herpes.
- Infection of the cervix (cervicitis)
- An object in the vagina (like a forgotten tampon)
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can be a major cause of vaginal irritation.
- Using certain antibiotics or douching.
- Stress, illness and hormone changes can make the vagina more vulnerable to irritation.
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Vaginal Yeast infections are likely to affect three out of four women at least once in their lifetime. The most common cause for vaginal yeast infection is candida albicans - tiny organisms that live and multiply within the vagina. This vaginal infection is not sexually transmitted. Since the pH of the vagina is usually acidic, the yeast organisms do not multiply. Medications, diabetes, hormonal changes and stress can alter the acidic nature of the vagina. This can cause candidiasis - a condition where the normal balance of bacteria is altered and infection occurs.
Birth control pills, excessive consumption of alcohol and compromised immune system can make a woman more susceptible to a vaginal yeast infection. There is itching and burning in the vagina and vulva. A woman has pain during urination and sexual intercourse. Vaginal yeast infection leads to thick and sticky discharge.
Vaginal Yeast infections are usually treated with vaginal creams and suppositories that dissolve and tackle the infection. Topical creams such as clotrimazole or miconazole relieve itching and also treat the yeast infection. It is essential to rule out infections such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis and gonorrhea.
Vaginitis
Vaginitis refers to irritation in the vagina or abnormal discharge caused due to infection. Sometimes it is caused by allergy or irritation or sexual activity. In most cases, vaginitis is caused by vaginal yeast infection, trichomonas vaginitis or bacterial vaginosis. Vaginitis is not a serious disease but can be distressing and uncomfortable. It must be seen if the person is also suffering from a sexually transmitted disease.
Women suffering from vaginitis notice abnormal or increased discharge that may have a foul smell. There is itching and irritation in the vagina. There is pain on urination and sexual intercourse. There might thick vaginal discharge. It is essential to discuss the problem with your health worker so that the right treatment can be adopted. Physical examination and test of vaginal fluid can help detect vaginitis. The vaginal pH is an indication of the presence of any infection. The type and cause of vaginal infection determines the nature of treatment. The medications used are anti-fungal medicines or oral antibiotics. Vaginal gels or creams may also be prescribed. Vaginal yeast infection must be treated with antifungal creams. You can reduce your chances of contracting vaginitis with some simple measures:
- Use of condom
- Maintaining good hygiene
- Wearing cotton underclothes
- Avoid feminine sprays, scented tampons and douches
- Include yogurt in your diet
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