Vaginitis is an infection or irritation of a woman’s vagina and vulva caused by various factors, including bacteria, parasites, allergies, and irritants. It can lead to fertility problems and other health issues, so women should seek medical attention. Prevention includes good hygiene, a healthy diet, and avoiding harsh products.
Vaginitis, properly called vulvovaginitis because it often involves the vulva as well, is an infection or irritation of a woman’s vagina and vulva. There are numerous causes of vaginitis, affecting women of all ages and levels of sexual activity. Many women will get a vaginal infection at least once in their life and it shouldn’t be an embarrassment. Since untreated vaginitis can lead to fertility problems and other health problems, women should always see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Many women associate yeast infections with vaginitis and use the terms interchangeably. A yeast infection, also called candidiasis, is just one type of vaginal infection. The condition can also be caused by bacteria, parasites, allergies and irritants. This is why it is important not to self-medicate for this condition, because treating yourself with the wrong medication will not eliminate the condition. Symptoms of the problem include itching, burning, unusual discharge, painful urination, or bleeding.
One of the most common forms of this condition is bacterial vaginitis or BV, caused by a bacterial infection or an imbalance in the bacterial flora of the vagina. It can be treated with antibiotics and some natural techniques, such as introducing beneficial bacteria into the vaginal environment. Candidiasis, or a yeast infection, is treated with antifungal medications. Trichomoniasis or ‘trich’ is a form of vaginal infection caused by parasites and usually seen as a sexually transmitted infection, as it is passed from person to person. Antibiotics are used to treat trich.
The condition can also be caused by a foreign body in the vagina. Symptoms are usually relieved when it is removed, although a soothing cream may be prescribed to promote healing. Women can also develop vaginitis as an allergic response, usually due to the use of scented products.
Prevention of vaginitis is relatively simple. Women can reduce the likelihood of infection by eating a healthy diet, practicing good genital hygiene, and avoiding harsh soaps and perfumed products. It’s also important to refrain from showering, as a shower can disturb the bacterial balance of the vagina. Cleaning from front to back, wearing loose clothing and natural fibers, and using a protective barrier during sexual activity will also reduce the risk of a vaginal infection. Eventually, despite a woman’s best efforts, she may still become infected. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent long-term problems and to catch the condition early, making it much easier to cure.
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