Vaginitis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

If you’ve been experiencing vaginal itching, pain, and discharge, you may have vaginitis. To help you confirm whether what you are experiencing is indeed vaginitis and what your course of action should be, we have compiled a guide on the topic. Read on below to learn more.

What Causes Vaginitis?

The most common form of vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, happens when there's an imbalance between the "harmful" and the "good" bacteria you can find in a woman's vagina. Many things can tip the balance of bacteria, such as:

Douching
Taking antibiotics
Having unprotected sex
Having multiple sexual partners

How Do I Know if I Have Vaginitis?

Below are a few symptoms and signs of vaginitis:

Vaginal irritation or itching
Pain during sex
Painful urination
Change in amount, odor, or color of vaginal discharge

How Do I Prevent Vaginitis?

The best way to prevent vaginitis is to keep yourself clean and dry. But you shouldn’t do so by using perfumed soaps or vaginal sprays; also, douching is not recommended, as it may cause further irritation.

Avoid clothes that hold in moisture and heat. Tight jeans, gym shorts, nylon underwear, leggings -- these may all lead to vaginal yeast infections.

How Is Vaginitis Treated?

A crucial part of proper treatment is a proper diagnosis. Self-diagnosis is not recommended as many of the same symptoms can exist in different types of vaginitis.

To help your healthcare provider treat you, it would be best to note down what symptoms you experience and when they occur. Additionally, you’re going to want to provide a clear description to your provider of the consistency, color, smell, and amount of any abnormal vaginal discharge.

Note that it’s generally recommended to avoid sex for at least 24 hours before your doctor’s appointment.

When Should I See a Doctor?

It would be wise to see your doctor if you've been experiencing any unusual vaginal discomfort. You'll need to go, especially if:

You have chills, pelvic pain, or a fever.
You’ve had a vaginal infection in the past.
You’re experiencing unpleasant vaginal discharge or itching.
You have multiple sex partners or a new partner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the Tri-cities (Richland, Pasco, Kennewick) and you believe you have a form of vaginitis, contact Complete Healthcare for Women right away for OB-GYN services to make an appointment.

Before the day of your appointment, take note of your symptoms and list down any relevant information that may help the doctors treat you.

On the day of your appointment, Richard Lorenzo, DO, or female provider Kortney Jones, ARNP will be able to give you a proper diagnosis and recommend an individualized treatment plan for you. Please call (509) 392-6700.

References

Cassoobhoy, A. (2002, February 6). Vaginitis (Vaginal Infections). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/sexual-health-vaginal-infections

Cleveland Clinic. (2018, November 6). Vaginitis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis

MedlinePlus. (2021, March 3). Vaginitis. Vulvovaginitis | MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/vaginitis.html

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, November 13). Vaginitis - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354707

Complete Healthcare for Women - Obstetrics and Gynecology

(509) 392-6700

Richard Lorenzo, D.O.

Kortney Jones ARNP

Author

Richard Lorenzo, DO Dr. Lorenzo is also a Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He provides gynecological and obstetric services, including prenatal care, pregnancy care, infertility, and gynecology. Dr. Lorenzo is proficient in advanced surgical techniques, including minimally-invasive procedures, as well as surgery for abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, and hysterectomy. He has specialized training in high-risk obstetrics and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including minimally invasive hysterectomy.