15 Mar 2022 | 4 min Read
Sayani Basu
Author | 607 Articles
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.
Sexually transmitted viruses are a common cause of vaginitis and lead to inflammation of your genitals. The types of viral vaginitis are:
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.
Some common types of vaginitis are:
The symptoms of vaginitis are as follows:
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:
Here are some tips you should follow to prevent vaginitis:
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.
A
Suggestions offered by doctors on BabyChakra are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by BabyChakra is not intended or designed to replace your doctor's independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.