Vaginitis: Types, Causes, Symptom and Prevention

Vaginitis: Types, Causes, Symptom and Prevention-Vaginitis is a medical term used to describe various disorders that cause infection or inflammation of the vagina. Vulvovaginitis refers to inflammation of both the vagina and vulva (the external female genitals). These conditions can result from an infection caused by organisms such as bacteria, yeast, or viruses.

 

 In addition, irritations from chemicals in creams, sprays, or even clothing that are in contact with this area can result in vaginitis. In some cases, vaginitis results from organisms that are passed between sexual partners and from vaginal dryness and lack of oestrogen.

Vaginitis is common in adult women and uncommon in prepubertal girls.

 Types of Vaginitis

There are several types of vaginitis, depending on the cause.

The most common are:

Atrophic vaginitis: The endothelium, or lining of the vagina, gets thinner when estrogen levels decrease during the menopause, making it more prone to irritation and inflammation.

Bacterial vaginosis: This results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina. Patients usually have low levels of a normal vaginal bacteria called lactobacilli.

Trichomonas vaginalis: Sometimes referred to as trich, it is caused by a sexually transmitted, single-celled protozoan parasite, Trichomonas vaginalis. It may infect other parts of the urogenital tract, including the urethra, where urine leaves the body.

Candida albicans: A yeast that causes a fungal infection, known as vaginal thrush. Candida exists in small amounts in the gut and is normally kept in check by normal gut bacteria.

Risk factors of Vaginitis

Factors that increase your risk of developing vaginitis include:

• Hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy, birth control pills or menopause  

• Sexual activity 
• Having a sexually transmitted infection 
• Medications, such as antibiotics and steroids 
• Use of spermicides for birth control 
• Uncontrolled diabetes 
• Use of hygiene products such as bubble bath, vaginal spray or vaginal deodorant 
• Douching 
• Wearing damp or tightfitting clothing 
• Using an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control

 Causes of Vaginitis

The cause depends on what type of vaginitis you have:

Bacterial vaginosis:

 This most common cause of vaginitis results from a change of the normal bacteria found in your vagina, to overgrowth of one of several other organisms. Usually, bacteria normally found in the vagina (lactobacilli) are outnumbered by other bacteria (anaerobes) in your vagina. If anaerobic bacteria become too numerous, they upset the balance, causing bacterial vaginosis.

This type of vaginitis seems to be linked to sexual intercourse especially if you have multiple sex partners or a new sex partner but it also occurs in women who aren’t sexually active.

Yeast infections:

 These occur when there’s an overgrowth of a fungal organism usually C. albicans in your vagina. C. albicans also causes infections in other moist areas of your body, such as in your mouth (thrush), skin folds and nail beds. The fungus can also cause diaper rash.

Trichomoniasis:

This common sexually transmitted infection is caused by a microscopic, one-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This organism spreads during sexual intercourse with someone who has the infection.

In men, the organism usually infects the urinary tract, but often it causes no symptoms. In women, trichomoniasis typically infects the vagina, and might cause symptoms. It also increases a women’s risk of getting other sexually transmitted infections.

Noninfectious vaginitis:

Vaginal sprays, douches, perfumed soaps, scented detergents and spermicidal products may cause an allergic reaction or irritate vulvar and vaginal tissues. Foreign objects, such as tissue paper or forgotten tampons, in the vagina can also irritate vaginal tissues.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (vaginal atrophy): Reduced oestrogen levels after menopause or surgical removal of your ovaries can cause the vaginal lining to thin, sometimes resulting in vaginal irritation, burning and dryness.

Symptoms of vaginitis

Vaginitis signs and symptoms can include:

Change in color, odor or amount of discharge from your vagina Vaginal itching or irritation Pain during intercourse Painful urination

Light vaginal bleeding or spotting

If you have vaginal discharge, which many women don’t, the characteristics of the discharge might indicate the type of vaginitis you have. Examples include:

Bacterial vaginosis:

You might develop a grayish-white, foul-smelling discharge. The odor, often described as a fishy odor, might be more obvious after sexual intercourse.

Yeast infection:

The main symptom is itching, but you might have a white, thick discharge that resembles cottage cheese.

Trichomoniasis:

An infection called trichomoniasis (trik-o-moe-NIE-uh-sis) can cause a greenish-yellow, sometimes frothy discharge.

 Prevention of vaginitis

The following best practices will help prevent vaginitis:

Good hygiene, using a mild soap without irritants or scents

Wear cotton underwear

Avoiding douching and irritating agents, found in hygiene sprays, soaps, and other feminine products

Always wiping from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina

Wearing loose clothing

Practicing safe sex

Use antibiotics only when necessary

You can learn more about vaginal yeast infections here.