Vaginitis

Any irritation in the vaginal area is called vaginitis. The symptoms are:

• itching

• redness

• burning with urination or

• unusual vaginal discharge

There are many causes for vaginitis. The causes may include:

• douches and feminine sprays

• tampons or certain soaps

• chemicals such as Nonoxynol-9 in birth control foams, jellies, or lubricants

• sexually transmitted diseases

• yeast infections and

• usage of certain types of medications, particularly antibiotics

Women who are prone to vaginitis are:

• pregnant women

• those on certain kinds of birth control medicines

• women who have gone through menopause

• women with diabetes and

• women with HIV

Since there can be so many causes, the healthcare provider must first find the cause in order to provide the correct treatment. A sample of the vaginal secretions may help in finding the cause. Treatment may be started before the results of the vaginal secretions sample are known, for this may take a few days. Sometimes, the healthcare provider will want to treat the sexual partner as well.

Do not use over-the-counter medications without the approval of your healthcare provider. It could be the wrong treatment. To treat vaginitis, you need to contact your healthcare provider.

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