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Vaginitis: Trouble Down Below
by Susan Yudt, 01.22.03
Lately there's been a little trouble "down below." You pay a visit to your local health center. The verdict? You have vaginitis. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds — it simply means that something is causing an irritation in your vagina. And vaginitis is one of the most common reasons women seek health care — in fact, most women will have vaginitis at some point in their lives, and some may experience it more than once.
What Is Vaginitis?
One of the main symptoms of vaginitis is abnormal discharge. What exactly does that mean? Normal vaginal discharge is usually either thick and whitish or slippery and clear, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Normal vaginal discharge usually has a particular scent and doesn't cause itching or burning. However, if the odor changes or becomes unpleasant, or you experience itching or burning, it's possible you have vaginitis. Learn what's normal for your body, and if you notice any changes in your discharge, it's time to consult a clinician.
Vaginitis can be caused by
- infections
- bacterial imbalance
- sexual activity
- irritants
- allergies
- lack of estrogen (usually not a problem for teens)
- combinations of the above
Vaginitis is caused by three different infections: trichomoniasis, candidiasis, and bacterial vaginosis.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that is passed by exchanging fluids through vaginal intercourse, sharing sex toys, and mutual masturbation (if fluids from one partner are passed to the genitals of the other). Many women have no symptoms, and men rarely do. Sometimes the symptoms can take years to appear. Symptoms include
- a frothy, musty smelling discharge
- itching in and around the vagina
- a need to urinate more frequently than usual
- spotty bleeding in the discharge
You might know candidiasis by its more common name — a yeast infection. Healthy women have yeast in their vaginas, but sometimes, when the normal condition of the vagina is changed, the yeast overgrows. This may happen if
- you are taking certain antibiotics
- you are pregnant
- you have diabetes
- you have an immune deficiency
- you have hormonal changes
The symptoms of candidiasis include
- a thick, white, odorless, vaginal discharge
- a white coating of the vagina
- itching, irritation, and redness of the vulva and vaginal opening
Most of the time, yeast infections are easily treated with certain creams and/or medications. Men can sometimes get yeast infections, too, if the conditions in the urethra are changed.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is also caused by the overgrowth of several kinds of bacteria. Usually there is a heavy vaginal discharge that is grayish, frothy, and has a "fishy" odor. BV can be set off or made worse by having unprotected vaginal intercourse, which can upset the balance of normal bacteria in the vagina. Like yeast infections, BV can be treated with creams and/or medications.
Yeast, BV, and trichomoniasis develop more quickly in moist areas. In order to reduce your risk of getting vaginitis
- Keep your genital area as dry as possible.
- Wear cotton underwear.
- Avoid wearing jeans or pants that are too tight.
- Wash your vulva regularly with mild soap and water; rinse well, and dry thoroughly after washing.
- Don't share towels; let towels dry between uses.
- Don't sit around in a wet bathing suit.
Certain objects and chemicals can irritate the vagina and cause vaginitis. Do not leave tampons or contraceptives in your vagina longer than recommended. Douches, so-called "feminine hygiene deodorants," and perfumed soaps can cause vaginitis. Allergies to latex and certain medications can also lead to vaginal irritation.
If you think you have vaginitis, it's a good idea to refrain from sex play until you've been treated — it may make your symptoms worse and interfere with the treatment. Tampons may aggravate vaginitis, so it's best to stick with pads if you have vaginitis during your period.
Remember — getting familiar with your body — its cycles, fluids, lumps, bumps, and smells — is an important step in maintaining your health. You shouldn't try to diagnose yourself, but if you notice that something looks, feels, or smells different, talk to a clinician who can help you stay healthy. |
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