|
Vaginitis and Vaginal Yeast Infections
Most women, normally, will have a slight vaginal discharge. The amount and consistency of the discharge can change with the time of the menstrual cycle. A normal acid-alkalai balance should exist within the vagina. If this balance is disturbed, bacteria can grow in increased quantities, causing irritation and inflammation of the vaginal walls. This condition is known as vaginitis.
The Causes of Vaginitis
The three primary causes of vaginitis in adults are Candida (yeast), Trichomonas, and Gardnerella vaginalis. All would be unusual in prepubertal girls because the vaginal mucosa is more resistant to infection before puberty. The most common cause of vaginitis in the pubertal girl, both before and after the onset of the first mense, is candidiasis (yeast infection). Although Gardnerella can be cultured from asymtomatic girls, clinical infection (those with symptoms) with Gardnerella usually indicates sexual contact. Infection with gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomonas, genital herpes, and condyloma acuminata also indicate sexual activity.
Other Factors
The taking of oral antibiotics can affect the normal bacterial population that is present in the vagina, leading to secondary infection with yeast (fungus). Douching, lack of sleep, poor diet, birth control pills, diabetes, vaginal cuts or abrasions, and pregnancy all have been implicated in the development of vaginitis. Contact vaginitis can develop with exposure of the vaginal mucosa to a chemical irritant or an allergen. Common examples include: scented douches, soaps, bubble baths, deodorants, perfumes, dyes and scents on toilet paper, tampons, and pads, feminine hygiene products, topical vaginal antibiotics, tight slacks and panty hose, and tight elastic underwear. Diagnosis can only be made after an infectious cause is first excluded. Most cases resolve after the causative agent is withdrawn. Cool sitz baths and topical corticosteroid creams can promote healing. Common symptoms of bacterial (Gardnerella) vaginitis include: copius vaginal discharge (fishy smelling or colored gray-white discharge) with mild itching. Candidal vaginitis symptoms include itching and chafing of the thighs, and painful or frequent urination. Vaginal yeast (fungal) infections most often result in a cheesy, white (curd-like) discharge accompanied by intense itching. Trichomonas may be asymptomatic in up to 50% of females harboring the organism. The discharge is described as gray to yellow-green and frothy. Iching and vaginal pain are commonly present. Evaluation is by history and physical examination (pelvic examination). Cultures of the discharge can be taken for identification of bacteria or yeast. Cultures for sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia and gonorrhea) may also be performed. Your doctor will notify you if these tests are positive (usually in 1-3 days). Treatment includes warm water sitz baths with complete drying afterward. Oral antibiotics will be necessary for vaginitis secondary to a bacterial infection. Those with Gardnerella or Trichomonas will require treatment with metronidazole (500mg twice a day for 7 days). Clindamycin has been recommeded in the pregnant female. Those patients thought to have a fungal or yeast vaginitis may obtain a
nonprescription antifungal cream (Gyne-Lotrimin), to apply several times a day. Vaginal suppositories are also available. Women susceptible to yeast vaginitis may benefit from eating yogurt, which contains harmless bacteria, that can restore the normal vaginal environment. Failure of a vaginal infection to improve, after 5-6 days of using an anti-fungal cream, will require evaluation by your gynecologist.
TIPS TO AVOID VAGINAL INFECTIONS
1. AVOID IRRITATING SOAPS, BUBBLE BATHS, AND SPRAYS.
2. WEAR COTTON UNDERWEAR (nylon and some synthetic fabrics retain moisture, leading to infection).
3. CHANGE TAMPONS OFTEN. SOMETIMES DOUCHING AFTER YOUR PERIOD WILL HELP REMOVE ANY RETAINED MATERIAL FROM TAMPONS STILL IN THE VAGINA.
4. WOMEN WITH A HISTORY FOR YEAST INFECTIONS MAY WISH TO USE AN ANTI-FUNGAL CREAM (Gyne-Lotrimin), IF THEY ARE TAKING AN ANTIBIOTIC (for what ever reason).
5. MAKE SURE SEXUAL PARTNERS ARE CLEAN, USE OF CONDOMS CAN DECREASE INFECTIONS.
6. KEEP EXTERNAL GENITALIA CLEAN AND DRY. DRY CAREFULLY AFTER BATHING.
7. WIPE THE ANUS FROM FRONT TO BACK TO AVOID BACTERIAL CONTAMINATION.
Hope this article will provide you information about vaginitis and vaginal yeast infections.
|
