Vaginitis Causes and Cures

No woman likes to deal with dreaded vaginitis problems but it happens to the best of us. In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons women see their healthcare providers.*

Vaginitis is really a general term for any infection or inflammation of the vagina. For the most part it’s caused by an imbalance of the normal bacteria in the vagina. In other words, the “good” bacteria normally present in the vagina are overtaken by an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria.

Before you can treat vaginitis, you need to know what kind it is. There are several types and each comes with its own symptoms and cures. Here are the top four most common types, along with their causes, symptoms and their cures. **

Type: Yeast infection.

Cause: The most familiar type of vaginitis, yeast infections occur when too much of the fungus Candida grows in the vagina.

Symptoms: Thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese. The discharge can be watery and often has no smell. Typically accompanied by itching and redness in the vagina and vulva area.

Cure: Treated with anti-yeast cream or suppository placed inside the vagina. While over-the-counter medicines are readily available, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider the first time you have symptoms of a yeast infection to confirm the diagnosis.

Type: Bacterial vaginosis.

Cause: Common in women of reproductive age, it’s caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that are usually present in the vagina.

Symptoms: Thin, milky discharge that may have a “fishy” odor. Sometimes women will have no symptoms and only discover they have bacterial vaginosis during a routine exam.

Cure: Treated with an antibiotic prescribed by your healthcare provider that eliminates bad bacteria but leaves the good.

Type: Trichomoniasis.

Cause: Sexually transmitted disease caused by a single-cell parasite.

Symptoms: Itching, burning and soreness of the vagina and vulva, along with burning during urination. However, many women do not develop any symptoms.

Cure: Should be treated with antibiotics by a healthcare provider right away. It is important to avoid sexual contact until undergoing treatment to prevent spreading the infection. Sexual partners will need treatment as well.

Type: Noninfectious vaginitis.

Cause: Allergic reaction or irritation from vaginal sprays, douches, spermicidal products, perfumes, soaps, detergents or fabric softeners.

Symptoms: Burning, itching or vaginal discharge.

Cure: Discontinue use of the product(s) causing the allergic reaction or irritation. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe medicated cream to help reduce the symptoms.

From Uggh! to Ahhh!

Because each type of vaginitis requires a different treatment, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to be sure you get the right cure for the condition. And don’t forget to schedule regular gynecologic exams since some forms of vaginitis have no symptoms at all.

*American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
**National Institutes of Health.