Around one-third of all women will at some point in their lives experience an inflammation of the vaginal lining known as vaginitis.  This uncomfortable, itchy and sometimes painful condition is not considered a major threat to a woman’s health but it does need to be addressed with her doctor.

Structure of the vagina

The vagina is a muscular and tubular canal connecting the cervix (entrance to the uterus) with the vulva (folds of skin around the vaginal and urethral openings).  It is part of the female reproductive system that is contained inside a woman’s body and is what a baby being born will pass through – the birth canal – on its’ entrance into the world.  The average vagina is about 3-4 inches long, however it can expand when sexually aroused or to accommodate a baby passing through as it is very elastic. 

Normally, the vagina is designed to keep itself clean with help from natural secretions or discharge.   It is normal for a woman to produce clear or white secretions from the vagina – a healthy discharge should not have a strong smell or color.  The amount and texture of the discharge will vary depending on a woman’s monthly cycle and her stage of life.

What is vaginitis?

There are three types of inflammation of the vagina or vaginitis:

1.      Bacterial vaginosis

This type has no specific causes but is due to various types of bacteria that have multiplied in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age – women who have never had sex rarely develop it so it is believed to be associated with sexual intercourse.

Symptoms – A thin, watery discharge, heavier than usual.  The color may be grayish white or yellow with a strong fishy odor.  There can also be mild burning or irritation of the vulva and vagina.

2.      Yeast infection

This type is caused by fungi found normally growing in the vagina.  Candidiasis is the most common yeast infection.  One cause of this type is taking antibiotics that can increase the risk of a yeast infection since it kills vaginal bacteria which usually reduce the growth of candida.  Other causes can be birth control pills disrupting the vaginal chemistry, women with diabetes possibly due to a high sugar level in the vagina promoting yeast growth, women who are pregnant, and women who have a weakened immune system. 

Symptoms – Odorless, white, thick discharge (texture like cottage cheese), with possible redness along with itching and burning sensations.

3.      Trichomoniasis

Tiny protozoan parasites can cause the third type of a vaginitis called trichomoniasis.  It is usually passed through sexual contact.

Symptoms – Yellow-gray or green-tinged discharge with an intense odor, there can be vaginal and vulvar pain and itching especially on urination, along with redness and swelling of the vulva.

Treating vaginitis

Anytime a woman develops any of the symptoms of vaginitis, she needs to see her doctor as soon as possible. It needs to be ruled out that the symptoms are not related to a type of sexually transmitted disease.  The doctor will perform a pelvic exam along with taking a sample of the vaginal discharge to be tested by a laboratory. 

Depending on which type of vaginitis it is confirmed to be, will depend on how it is treated.  Mild cases of vaginitis may be treated by simply avoiding any irritants or using proper hygiene.  Otherwise, medications can be prescribed to treat vaginitis.

Preventing vaginitis

All women should practice the following steps to reduce the chance of developing vaginitis:

·         Every day shower or bathe using a mild, unscented soap to gently wash the vaginal area and dry thoroughly.

·         Women do not need to use vaginal sprays, douches, or scents.  These can irritant the vagina plus the vagina cleanses itself so there is no need for these products.

·         After swimming or exercising, dry the vaginal area to avoid moisture buildup.

·         Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectum to the vagina.

·         Wear underwear with a cotton crotch and avoid wearing tight clothing.  Tight clothing can trap moisture in the genital area.

·         A woman who has vaginitis should have her partner wear a condom during sexual intercourse.

·         Always finish completely taking any medication prescribed for vaginitis following the doctor’s instructions even if the symptoms have disappeared.