Vaginitis

Causes and risk factors

Vaginitis may be infectious or non infectious. Infection caused due to bacteria, fungi or yeast is the most common cause of Vaginitis. Sexual intercourse is the most common medium of spread of infection. Vaginitis can also occur after menopause due to reduced estrogen levels. It is called as atrophic Vaginitis. Uncontrolled diabetes, intra uterine devices implantation or use of certain medications and steroids can also lead to Vaginitis. Use of tight fitting, unclean or damp innerwears, use of vaginal deodorants or sprays can lead to infection of the vagina. Poor vaginal hygiene in young and elderly women. Above are some of the types of non infectious Vaginitis.

Clinical presentation:

Itching, burning and discharges from vagina are the cardinal symptoms of Vaginitis. The discharges are offensive. The women complaint of pain or burning during micturation.Dyspareunia (painful coitus) is the other symptoms with which the patients comes up. On examination swelling and redness of the labia majora and labia minor is seen. Involvement of vulva leads to vulvovaginitis.

Investigations:

Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination of the vagina carried out by the gynecologist. In order to confirm the diagnosis certain investigations can be advised. Testing of the vaginal discharges can be suggested. Routine blood test, urine routine and Ultrasonography or the abdomen and pelvis are other investigations suggested.

Treatment:

Depending upon the causes of vaginal infection medications is prescribed. Anti bacterial or anti fungal medications in form of oral or topical form for bacterial and fungal infections respectively are advised .For vaginal atrophy or non infectious form estrogen in form of cream or tables is prescribed .Maintaining of good vaginal hygiene and safe sexual practice is necessary. During active infection unprotected sexual activity should be avoided. Use of mild soaps for cleaning the vaginal area and proper drying should be done. The area must be clean from front to back. Moist inner wares should be changes after exercises or swimming. Use of irritating agents and douching at vaginal region must be avoided. Use of acidophilus supplement, intake of garlic avoiding intake of alcohol, refined food are the measures which needs to be implemented in diet.

Other Modes of treatment:

Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.