How to Handle Your Vaginitis

There are several reasons why you may be itchy “down there,” and theycould all be vaginitis. The condition, usually caused by a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection, has a few different sub-types:

·         Most famously, vaginitis can be caused by a yeast infection, which results from a naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans.

·         Bacterial vaginosis results from overgrowth of one of several organisms normally present in your vagina.

·         A parasite commonly transmitted by sexual intercourse can cause the vaginitis known as trichomoniasis.

·         Later in life you may experience vaginal atrophy which results from reduced estrogen levels after menopause.

You will likely not need to see a doctor every time you have vaginitis. Make an appointment only if you have:

·         Never had a vaginal infection, and so need to establish a baseline

·         A vaginal infection that appears to be different from those you have had before

·         A particularly unpleasant vaginal odor.

·         A recent new partner, or have had multiple sex partners.

·         A fever

·         Completed a course of over-the-counter anti-yeast medication and your symptoms persist

In order that she may diagnose your condition, your doctor may perform a pelvic exam, and collect a sample of your discharge for lab analysis.

Treatment will be determined by what type of vaginitis is diagnosed:

·         Yeast infections may be treated topically with an anti-fungal cream, or an oral medication such as fluconazole.

·         Bacterial vaginosis is typically addressed by metronidazole tablets taken orally, metronidazole gel or clindamycin cream applied to your vagina. The prescription will usually call for a dosage once or twice daily for a period of about a week.

·         Trichomoniasis is handled by either metronidazole or tinidazole pills.

·         Vaginal atrophy, also referred to as a thinning of the vaginal lining, can be countered effectively via the administration of estrogen delivered orally or topically.

Here's a maintenance tip: Don't douche. Vaginas do not require cleansing other than normal bathing, and frequent douching disrupts the normal organisms that reside in the vagina and can actually increase your risk of vaginal infection.

Sources: The Mayo Clinic