Everything You Should Know About Vaginitis

Vaginitis is a swelling or infection of the vulva, and vagina that results in discharge, itching and pain. It is a common problem that affects women of all ages. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, up to a third of women develop vaginitis at some point in life.

Studies suggest that these are most common during your reproductive years, or late teens to early 40s. Vaginitis can result from an infection caused by organisms like bacteria, yeast, or virus.

Irritations from chemicals in creams or even clothing that come in contact with this area can also result in vaginitis. Vaginitis also results from organisms that are passed between sexual partners, vaginal dryness, and lack of estrogen. Here’s everything to know about vaginitis.

Viral Vaginitis And Non-infectious Vaginitis

Sexually transmitted viruses are a common cause of vaginitis and lead to inflammation of your genitals. The types of viral vaginitis are:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV): It is spread by sexual contact and leads to painful sores.
• Low risk human papillomavirus (HPV): It leads to the development of condyloma (genital warts), and can be transmitted through anal, vaginal, or oral sex. This virus can cause painful warts to grow in your vagina, rectum or vulva.

You can have an allergic reaction that causes vaginal irritation without an infection. The most common cause is irritation from vaginal sprays, spermicidal products, perfumed soaps, and sexual lubricants.

What Are the Most Common Types of Vaginitis?

Some common types of vaginitis are:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV): BV often causes a thin greyish-white, green, or yellow discharge. This discharge can have a fish-like odour and becomes stronger after penetrative vaginal sex.

• Yeast infections: It causes vaginal and vulval itching, soreness, and burning. With yeast infections, you might also notice swelling in the folds of skin on the exterior of your vagina. The discharge will usually be white and lumpy. It can have a texture that resembles cottage cheese.

• Trichomoniasis: Such an infection causes both vaginal itching and a fish-like odour. You might also notice swelling and irritation in your vagina and vulva. Other symptoms of trichomoniasis can be pain during vaginal sex, lower abdominal pain along with burning, and pain during urination.

• Atrophic vaginitis: Although atrophic vaginitis is not an infection, it can increase your chances of developing vaginal infections and UTIs. It can also cause vaginal itching and burning.

Symptoms Of Vaginitis

The symptoms of vaginitis are as follows:

• Vaginal soreness and discomfort
• Vaginal itching and burning
• Swollen or inflamed skin around vagina and vulva
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Vaginal bleeding or spotting
• Change in the amount and colour of vaginal discharge

Diagnosis of Vaginitis 

You can use an at-home vaginal pH test to help identify a yeast infection or BV.

If you are having regular vaginal infections, it is recommended to go to the doctor. They might ask you:

• if you use scented period products
• whether you had vaginal infections in the past
• whether you use condoms during sex
• wash your vagina with soap

Ways to Prevent Vaginitis

Here are some tips you should follow to prevent vaginitis:

• Avoid using vaginal deodorants, and any scented sprays or perfumes on or in your vagina.
• Avoid using scented period products.
• It is recommended to wash sex toys after each use, according to their care instructions.
• Bathe in plain water only. Try to avoid bubble baths and scented body washes as these can affect vaginal pH.
• You can wear cotton underwear, or underwear with a cotton crotch that ensures optimum airflow and prevents vaginal irritation.
• Instead of the perfumed fabric softener, you can use an unscented detergent, or the one that has been designed for sensitive skin

Treatment for vaginal infections depends on the cause of the infection. 

Although it is common for most women to have vaginitis at least once in their life, vaginitis during pregnancy needs attention. 

It can increase your baby’s risk for premature birth and low birthweight. Doctors might prescribe antifungal creams to treat a yeast infection, or oestrogen creams and tablets to help treat severe vaginal dryness.