Vaginitis
Vaginitis, inflammation of the vagina, is responsible for an estimated 10% of all visits by women to their healthcare practitioners. The three general causes of vaginitis are hormonal imbalance, irritation, and infection. Hormone-related vaginitis includes the atrophic vaginitis generally found in postmenopausal or postpartum women and, occasionally, in young girls before puberty. Irritant vaginitis can result from allergies or irritating substances. Infectious vaginitis is most common in reproductive-age women and is generally caused by one of three types of infections: bacterial vaginosis (BV), candidiasis (yeast infection), or trichomoniasis. A healthcare professional should be consulted for the diagnosis and treatment of any vaginal infection.
What are the symptoms of vaginitis?
Hormone-related vaginitis is marked by dryness, irritation, thinning of the vaginal mucous membranes and painful intercourse. Irritant vaginitis is characterized by itching and soreness. Infectious vaginitis also itches and typically includes vaginal discharge that varies in color, consistency, and odor, depending upon the infectious organism. Discharge may range from scant to thick and white and may or may not be accompanied by a strong odor. Symptoms are often worse immediately after intercourse or the menstrual period.
How is it treated?
Conventional treatments vary with the cause of the vaginitis. Hormone-related vaginitis is commonly treated with estrogen replacement therapy, including conjugated estrogens (Premarin®) and ethinyl estradiol. Irritant vaginitis can be treated either by removal of the offending irritant or with an antihistamine agent, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®). Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are each commonly treated with metronidazole (Flagyl®).
Dietary changes that may be helpful:
Food allergies are believed to be a contributory factor in some cases of recurrent irritant vaginitis.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful:
For irritant vaginitis, minimizing friction and reducing exposure to perfumes, chemicals, irritating lubricants, and spermicides can be beneficial.
|
|
|
|
|
