Diseases

Vaginitis due to STDs can be prevented by practicing safe sex or abstinence. It is not possible to prevent all cases of yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Attention to hygiene practices and avoiding spread of fecal material to the vagina may help prevent vaginitis in young girls.

The symptoms and signs of vaginitis strongly suggest the diagnosis. At the time of diagnosis, a pelvic examination is typically performed that may include removal of a sample of vaginal discharge. The sample may be viewed under the microscope to look for Trichomonas organisms, or it may be sent to a laboratory for culture or other specialized tests to identify infectious organisms.

The risk factors for vaginitis depend upon the type of vaginitis.Risk factors for STDs include multiple sexual partners and unprotected intercourse.Some of the known risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include cigarette smoking, multiple sex partners, douching, and using IUDs for contraception.Risk factors for yeast infection are varied. They can include suppression of the immune system either due to cancer or other conditions, or by taking immune-suppressing medications. Antibiotic use is another known risk factor. Pregnancy, diabetes, taking oral contraceptives, and douching can all increase a woman's likelihood of developing yeast vaginitis.

Vaginitis causes irritation of the vagina that can result in burning, itching, or pain. Vaginal discharge is another common symptom of vaginitis. Other common symptoms include pain during sexual intercourse or urination and a vaginal odor.It is also possible to have vaginitis or an STD without experiencing any symptoms.

Infectious causes of vaginitis include bacteria, yeast, and Trichomonas.

• Bacterial vaginosis is the most common bacterial infection that causes vaginitis. This condition results from an imbalance in the bacteria normally present in the vagina. It is not clear if sexual activity plays a role in the development of bacterial vaginosis, and some experts believe it can occur in women who have not had sexual contact. The STDs gonorrhea and Chlamydia are other bacterial causes of vaginitis.
• Yeast infections, such as Candida infection, are a common cause of vaginitis. Yeast infections are not considered to be STDs.
• Trichomonas ("Trich") is a parasitic infection that is transmitted through sexual contact.
• Non-infectious causes of vaginitis include physical or chemical irritation, such as:
  • Douches, soaps, or fragrances
  • Spermicides
  • Reduced estrogen levels around the time of menopause

Vaginitis in young girls has also been described and is thought to arise from poor hygiene practices that allow the spread of fecal bacteria from the anal area into the vagina.

Most cases of vaginitis do not cause long-term problems when properly treated. If untreated, vaginal infections may spread to other pelvic organs, a condition known as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can be serious and result in impaired fertility. Sometimes, vaginitis recurs even after successful treatment, and another course of treatment is necessary.STDs that occur in pregnant women should also be promptly treated to avoid complications for the mother or baby.

The treatment for vaginitis depends upon its cause. Infectious vaginitis is treated with antibiotic medications. Bacterial vaginitis is treated either with oral antibiotics, intra-vaginal antibiotic creams, or injections (shots) of antibiotics. Treatment guidelines are always updated to reflect the patterns of resistance to antibiotics of circulating bacterial strains.

Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina that often occurs in combination with inflammation of the vulva, a condition known as vulvovaginitis. Vaginitis is often the result of an infection with yeast, bacteria, or Trichomonas, but it may also arise due to physical or chemical irritation of the area. Not all infections that cause vaginitis are considered sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but some STDs cause vaginitis.