Vaginitis is the term used when there is an infection or inflammation in the vagina. Due to the very limited vocabulary of the vagina, both present very similarly in symptoms of irritation, itching, burning, and/or a change in discharge. Most women immediately think that if there is itching and discharge it must be yeast, but it could be a number of other conditions that have very similar symptoms. The only way to get an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment is to schedule an appointment for evaluation. Although yeast infections and bacterial infections are responsible for 90% of the cases of vaginitis, evidence shows that when women self-diagnose, we are only correct roughly 30% of the time.
The vagina harbors greater than 50 different species of bacteria. The most prevalent being lactobacilli, the protective bacteria that is responsible for maintaining the normal flora and balancing the pH to reduce incidence of infection. Typically the vagina is like a self-cleaning oven as long as there are enough lactobacilli present to do their job. While the body works to resume the normal ecosystem in the vagina, symptoms of increased discharge are typically present which may lead to irritation and possibly itching. Inappropriate or inadequate treatment can eliminate the lactobacilli and render the vagina defenseless against infection.
Here are a few helpful tips to reduce the risk of infection or the recurrence following treatment:
- Wear cotton panties- Bacteria and yeast thrive in a dark, moist environment. Cotton allows for air exchange and reduces the risk of infections.
- Condoms- it is obvious that condoms reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, but they can also help to reduce the occurrence of vaginitis. Semen can change the pH in the vagina for up to 8 hours; therefore eliminating the exposure will reduce infection. For women with recurrent vaginitis condoms have been shown to have a cure rate of up to 50%.
- Unscented products- reduce/eliminate the use of scented products such as tampons, pads, wipes, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and bath soaps and body washes. These products may contain irritants that lead to vaginitis.
- Take a probiotic daily- Probiotics help to maintain the normal flora and pH in the vagina and restore adequate lactobacilli to prevent infection. Good probiotics that target the vagina are Acidophilus, Provella and Rephresh. You can find Acidophilus and Rephresh over the counter at most drug stores and the Provella is behind the pharmacy counter but does not require a prescription.
- DO NOT DOUCHE!- Douching can actually increase your risk of infections.
MAR