Vaginitis refers to the inflammation and irritation of the vagina, which can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as itching, burning, and abnormal discharge.

Types of Vaginitis

There are four particular forms of vaginitis. Each form will exhibit similar symptoms but the cause will depend on the exact type of vaginitis. The four types include:

• Yeast Infections- When yeast cells in the vagina multiply and take control, yeast infections—which are very common—occur. Typically, hormone therapy or even antibiotics that alter vaginal activity can result in yeast infections. A yeast infection can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as diabetes or HIV. 

• Bacterial Vaginosis- Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted.  This bacteria normally exists in the vagina, but when it multiplies very quickly it can lead to worsening symptoms. This can happen due to douching, using scented products, or having multiple sexual partners. 

• Trichomoniasis- Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause itching, burning, and discharge. It is caused by a parasite and can be treated with antibiotics. 

• Atrophic Vaginitis- Atrophic vaginitis occurs when there is a decrease in estrogen levels, typically during menopause. This can cause dryness and irritation in the vaginal area. 

• Other causes of vaginitis include irritants such as soaps or laundry detergents, allergies to condoms or spermicides, and even stress.

Symptoms of Vaginitis

Despite the many forms of vaginitis, their symptoms remain relatively the same to one another. Common symptoms of vaginitis include the following:

• Vaginal odor

• Redness, swelling, or itching of the vagina

• Light bleeding or spotting

• A change in the coloring of your vaginal discharge such as grey, green, or yellow discharge

• Pain during sex

• Painful urination

Vaginitis is not always something that needs to be checked out by a doctor. This is especially true if you know the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection, have had one before, and are not pregnant. For yeast infections, over the counter treatments should be the first treatment.

If you have any of the following symptoms of vaginitis, you should definitely see your gynecologist for advice and treatment:

• You have never had a vaginal infection

• You have had multiple sex partners or a new partner

• You have a fever, chills, or pelvic pain

• You have completed an over-the-counter treatment but your symptoms persist or worsen

Treatment Options for Vaginitis

Treatment for vaginitis depends on the particular type of vaginitis that you are diagnosed with.

Yeast infections can be effectively treated with over the counter medications. However, more serious cases may require antifungal cream, suppository, or antifungal tablets.

Both bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are typically treated using antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. In the case of trichomoniasis it is especially important that both you and your sexual partner receive treatment.

Atrophic vaginitis is often treated using topical estrogen therapies. There are several different types available, so it is important that you and your doctor decide together which one will be right for you.

Prevention

There are several ways in which you can reduce your risk of becoming infected with vaginitis. Best practices for vaginitis prevention include:

• Avoid douching

• Use non-scented pads/ tampons

• Avoid baths with salts or soaps

• Avoid feminine sprays, washes, perfumes such as Summer’s Eve, Vagisil, and Honeypot

• Change undergarments immediately after exercise

• Cleanse only with a mild, unscented soap externally when showering.

• Avoid tight clothes, thongs, synthetic underwear, pantyhose, Spanx

• Rephresh Vaginal Gel (located in the Feminine care aisle) as needed after intercourse, exercise, and menstrual cycles