Vaginitis is a medical term used to describe the inflammation or infection of the vagina. Vulvovaginitis refer to inflammation of both vagina and vulva. These conditions can result from an infection caused by organisms like bacteria, fungus or viruses. Vaginitis can also be caused by irritation by chemicals present in the creams, sexually transmitted from partner, due to vaginal dryness and lack of estrogen.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
You should see a doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms like
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Vaginal discharge with a strong or foul smelling odor
- Irritation and swelling of the vagina and vulva
- Pain and burning sensations while urinating.
Some of the common type of vaginitis include:
- Candida or yeast infections
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Trichomoniasis
- Chlamydia and Gonorrhea
- Viral/ herpes vaginitis
- Non – infectious
- Atrophic vaginitis
CANDIDA VAGINITIS
Candida or yeast infections are the second most common cause of vaginitis. Candida albicans normally lives in the genital tract, mouth and digestive tract of all people. An infection occurs when the normally occurring candida increases and cause bothersome symptoms. This usually occurs in conditions like post-antibiotics taken for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), pregnancy, diabetes, after certain medications like immunosuppressives.
Symptoms include –
- Irritation/ itching/ burning sensation in and around the vagina
- Thick white curdy discharge.
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis or BV is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. BV is caused by a combination of several bacteria that typically live in the vagina. These bacteria seem top overgrow in the same way as candida when the vaginal pH balance is upset. There is decrease in the lactobacilli bacteria in the vagina.
BV is usually asymptomatic. But few individuals experience –
- Thin gray/ white vaginal discharge
- Fishy smelling odor from the vagina
- Itching/ burning sensation in and around vagina
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
TRICHOMIASIS
Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny single celled protozoan organism known as trichomonas vaginalis. This type of vaginitis is transmitted through sexual intercourse. For treatment to be effective, your sexual partner(s) must be treated at the same time as you’re treated. Symptoms include –
- Vaginal and vulval itching
- A frothy greenish yellow smelly discharge
- Discomfort in the lower abdomen
- Vaginal pain during intercourse.
CHLAMYDIA AND GONORRHEA
These bacterial infections are sexually transmitted infections (STI). Most people do not have any symptoms of Chlamydia or Gonorrhea and if they do appear, it might not be for several weeks.
However, symptoms include –
- White, green or yellow vaginal discharge
- Bleeding
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
VIRAL VAGINITIS
Sexually transmitted viruses are a common cause of vaginitis that lead to inflammation of the genitals. The most common type of viral vaginitis is Herpes Vaginalis and that caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
HERPES VAGINITIS
This is caused by the virus Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-2). The primary symptom of herpes vaginitis is pain associated with lesion or sores. These sores are usually visible on vulva and vagina and can only be seen during an examination by Gynecologist.
HPV VAGINITIS
This type of vaginitis is caused by the virus Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This causes warts on the genitals that are usually white or gray in colour. These are difficult to visualize unless found on PAP test or DNA test. These warts usually bleed and can cause itching of the vagina and surrounding area.
NON-INFECTIOUS VAGINITIS
This type of vaginitis typically occurs due to allergic reaction to chemical irritants. These include –
- Spermicides
- Seminal fluid
- Fragrances or cosmetics
- Latex condoms
- Sanitary pads
- Vaginal douches etc
These might cause sensitivity in certain susceptible individuals and cause symptoms like –
- Swelling and irritation of vagina and vulva
- Pain, burning sensations on the vulva.
ATROPHIC VAGINITIS
This type of inflammation is usually seen due to dryness of the vagina that occurs due to decrease in estrogen levels in the body like in menopause or post – pregnancy.
Symptoms include:
- Pain especially after sex
- Vaginal itching and burning
- Urinary urgency and frequency.
COMPLICATIONS
If a person doesn’t receive treatment for a vaginal infection, the infection might spread to other regions of the genital tract causing Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or endometriosis where the endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine cavity.
SUMMARY
Vaginal infections though not life threatening can be painful and will reduce a person’s ability to participate in normal day to day activities. It is important to see a doctor if you experience any vaginal discharge, any symptoms of infection or have a sexual partner with STI. Your doctor will be able to diagnose and treat you accordingly.
In case of any further queries, please be free to contact our experts at FERTILITY FOUNDATION/ SISU HOSPITAL.
