Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections, also known as vaginitis, are an inflammation of the vagina that can result in burning, discomfort, irritation, itching, discharge, and odor. Yeast Infection Vaginitis can be caused by bacteria, yeast, and other organisms. The healthy vagina is an ecosystem that maintains a balance between normal vaginal bacteria and the hormonal changes in the female body. If this balance is disrupted, vaginitis may occur. This healthy vaginal balance can be disturbed by various causes including: hormone level fluctuations, antibiotics, vaginal medications, contraception (topical and oral), douches, vaginal intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc.

The three most common types of vaginal infections include:

1. Vaginal Yeast Infections (Candida): Yeast infections are the most common type of vaginitis and are caused by a species of fungus known as Candida. In a healthy vaginal environment, a small number of yeast cells (Candida) exist along with a certain number of bacteria. When something causes a disturbance to the normal balance, the yeast cells can quickly multiply and take over, causing uncomfortable symptoms. Symptoms of a yeast infection include: vaginal itching, thick discharge, and inflammation or redness of the vulva and vagina. Yeast infections can be caused by being pregnant, certain conceptive pills, hormone therapy, antibiotics, or certain medical conditions (i.e. HIV or diabetes).

2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): Bacterial vaginosis occurs when normal bacteria found in the vagina (called lactobacilli) becomes imbalanced and is replaced by an overgrowth of infection-causing bacteria (i.e. gardnerella) resulting in the symptoms of the infection. Symptoms of BV include: a fishy vaginal odor, white/thick discharge, or slimy/clear discharge. It is not fully understood what causes the overgrowth or imbalance of certain types of bacteria in the vagina. However, certain factors may make developing BV more likely. These include having more than one sexual partner, having a female sexual partner, douching, smoking tobacco, having an IUD contraceptive device, or having a sexually transmitted disease.

3. Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection passed from one partner to another during intercourse. It is caused by a microscopic parasite (the protozoan parasite trichomonas vaginalis) usually found in the vagina or urethra. Although this disease is treated more commonly in women, trichomoniasis can also occur in men. Symptoms of trichomoniasis are similar to other vaginal infections and may include vulvar irritation/redness/swelling, itchiness, burning, smelly and foamy vaginal discharge, yellow discharge, grayish-green discharge, pain during urination, discomfort during intercourse, and abdominal pain.

In addition to these three vaginal infections, there are many other types of vaginitis including: Chlamydia vaginitis (STD), Gonorrhea (STD), non-infectious vaginitis (a reaction to an irritant or an allergic reaction), and viral vaginitis (viruses spread via sexual contact).

Vaginitis is often difficult to diagnose as there are so many possible causes involving different yet similar symptoms. In addition, a patient may have more than one type of vaginal infection at the same time. In some cases, a patient can be infected and have no symptoms. All of these vaginal infections can be treated, but the key to effective treatment depends on the correct diagnosis by an experienced health care provider. Treatment depends on the cause and type of the vaginal infection but commonly includes prescribed medication. For vaginitis caused by hormonal changes, the physician may treat the patient by prescribing estrogen to alleviate symptoms. Treating non-infectious vaginitis may involve a process of elimination in order to determine the source of irritation. For yeast infections, there are effective over-the-counter medications available, although it is advised to seek medical attention prior to self-diagnosis. Often, women think they have a yeast infection when in fact, it is an altogether different infection. Furthermore, there is a variety of other over-the counter-medications available on the market to treat symptoms of vaginitis such as discomfort, itching, and discharge. Again, it is important not to guess or self-diagnosis a vaginal infection.

If you recognize the symptoms of vaginitis or have additional questions or concerns, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers.