VAGINITIS
OVERVIEW


Summarily,

Normal anatomy and vaginitis

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is a medical term that describes various disorders that cause your vagina to become infected or inflamed. Vulvovaginitis refers to inflammation of both the vagina and vulva (the external female genitals). These conditions can result from an infection caused by organisms like bacteria, yeast or viruses. Irritations from chemicals in creams, sprays or even clothing that come in contact with this area can also result in vaginitis. In some cases, vaginitis results from organisms that are passed between sexual partners, vaginal dryness and lack of estrogen.




What are the most common types of vaginitis?

The most common types of vaginitis are:

Candida or “yeast” infections.
Bacterial vaginosis.
Trichomoniasis vaginitis.
Chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Viral vaginitis (herpes).
Non-infectious vaginitis.
Atrophic vaginitis.
What are candida or “yeast” infections?
Most people think of yeast infections when they hear the term vaginitis. Yeast infections are the second most common cause of vaginitis and are caused by one of the many species of fungus called candida. Candida normally live in your vagina, as well as in the mouth and digestive tract of all people, regardless of gender. An infection occurs when the normally occurring candida increases and cause bothersome symptoms.

If yeast is normal in your vagina, what makes it cause an infection? Usually, infection occurs when a change in the delicate balance in your system takes place. For example, you may take an antibiotic to treat a urinary tract infection, and the antibiotic kills “friendly” bacteria that normally keep the yeast in balance. As a result, the yeast overgrows and causes the infection. Other factors that can upset the delicate balance include pregnancy, which changes hormone levels, and diabetes, which allows too much sugar in your urine and vagina. Another category of medications that may allow overgrowth of candida is immunosuppressives or biologics.

What is bacterial vaginosis?

Although “yeast” is the name most people know, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is actually the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age (who haven’t gone through menopause yet). Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a combination of several bacteria that typically live in your vagina. These bacteria seem to overgrow in much the same way candida does when the vaginal pH balance is upset.

Because bacterial vaginosis is caused by bacteria and not by yeast, medicine that is appropriate for yeast is not effective against the bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis. In fact, getting treated for the wrong condition can make symptoms worse.

Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it’s seen more often in sexually active people. Risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include:

New or multiple sexual partners.
Douching.
Cigarette smoking.

What are trichomoniasis, chlamydia and viral vaginitis?

Your vagina can become irritated because of infections caused by sexually transmitted parasites, bacteria or viruses. The most common STIs that cause vaginitis are trichomoniasis, chlamydia and viral vaginitis.

What is trichomoniasis?

Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny single-celled organism known as a protozoa. When this organism infects your vagina, it can cause unpleasant symptoms like vaginal itching and a smelly discharge. This type of vaginitis is transmitted through sexual intercourse, but it can be spread through vulva-to-vulva contact, too. For treatment to be effective, your sexual partner(s) must be treated at the same time you’re treated. All partners should abstain from sex for seven days after all sex partners have been treated. All intimacy gadgets should be properly disinfected based on the manufacturer’s direction.

What is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Chlamydial vaginitis is most common in young adults aged 15 to 24 who have multiple sexual partners. Routine chlamydia screening is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) annually for sexually active women aged 24 and younger, and also at any age if you have multiple sexual partners, or are at risk.

While chlamydia infections are treatable with antibiotic medications, the best treatment for chlamydia is prevention. Correct and consistent use of condoms and dental dams will decrease your risk of contracting not only chlamydia, but other sexually transmitted infections as well. Gonorrhea, another bacterial STI, can also cause vaginitis symptoms. It often occurs with chlamydia. Sex partners should be tracked and treated appropriately to avoid re-infection.

What is viral vaginitis?


Sexually transmitted viruses are a common cause of vaginitis that lead to inflammation of your genitals. The most common type of viral vaginitis is herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes simplex virus is often just called a herpes infection. These infections are spread by sexual contact and often lead to painful sores. Herpes outbreaks are often associated with stress or emotional distress. You can also get herpes that affects your mouth-pharynx through MouthAction.
Low risk human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to the development of condyloma, referred to as genital warts, and can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or MouthAction. This virus can cause painful warts to grow in your vagina, rectum, vulva or groin. Although it doesn’t offer 100% protection, using a barrier contraceptive, like a condom or dental dam, can help reduce your risk of contracting these and more serious infections, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can lead to AIDS.


What is non-infectious vaginitis?

You can have an allergic reaction that causes vaginal irritation without having an infection. The most common cause is an allergic reaction or irritation from vaginal sprays, douches or spermicidal products. However, the skin around your vagina can also be sensitive to perfumed soaps, feminine products and wipes, lotions, sexual lubricants, detergents and fabric softeners. In addition, the long-term use of over-the-counter (OTC) topical products to help block odor and itch can cause vaginitis.


What is atrophic vaginitis?

Atrophic vaginitis, also referred to as genitourinary syndrome of menopause and vulvovaginal atrophy, is a non-infectious form of vaginitis that results from a decrease in your hormones. If you have it, your vagina becomes dry or atrophic. This occurs primarily during perimenopause and postmenopause — which occurs either naturally or surgically (removal of ovaries). Breastfeeding and postpartum states can also contribute to atrophy. Medications such as aromatase inhibitors (used in breast cancer) or Lupron Depot® (used in endometriosis) can drastically lower estrogen levels and cause atrophy. FOR TREATMENT AND QUESTIONS CONTACT THESE NUMBERS 09034543568 OR 08038220168