Vaginitis/Vaginal Infections

by Adelaide G. Nardone, MD,
Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Vaginitis simply means inflammation of the vagina.

Vaginitis affects all women of all ages, race and socioeconomic status and is a common reason for visits to a health care provider. In fact, it accounts for more than 6 million visits per year and an estimated one billion dollars of annual costs (for self treatments and doctor visits).

Vaginal inflammation/vaginitis often results from an infectious process such as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (most common) and yeast (Candida). It can also be caused by a sexual transmitted infection (STI) known as Trichomoniasis.

The American College of Ob/Gyn (ACOG) Clinical Management Guidelines for Ob/Gyn Practice Bulletin # 72 on "Vaginitis" (May 2006), states the following about vaginitis in "symptomatic" women:

• 22-50 % have Bacterial Vaginosis
• 17-39% have Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (yeast infection)
• 4-35% have Trichomoniasis (an STI).

However , 7-72% of women with vaginitis may remain undiagnosed. "In the undiagnosed group of women, symptoms may be caused by a broad array of conditions including atrophic vaginitis, various vulvar dermatologic conditions and vulvadynia"

Therefore, it ever so important to be properly evaluated and diagnosed by your gynecology provider.

Here are some tips that my help you undertand this topic……

It is normal for women to have a small amount of clear or cloudy discharge from the vagina. This keeps the vagina moist and healthy. This discharge is sometimes called physiologic leukorrhea and may be heavier at certain times and lighter at others. There are many organisms that "normally live" in the vagina in a delicate balance which is controlled by the presence of "good" bacteria called Lactobacilli. These bacteria maintain the vaginal pH in its normal range of 3.5 to 4.5. When something upsets the bacterial balance, (douching, sex, antibiotics, etc) then a vaginal infection can occur.

The most common complaints associated with vaginitis (regardless of the culprit) are: itching, odor, abnormal discharge, burning, irritation, dyspareunia (painful sex), dysuria (painful urination) or any combination of these symptoms.

It is important to understand that studies indicate that 2 out of 3 women with symptoms of vaginitis think they have a yeast infection when in fact they do not. Testing with the over-the-counter Vagisil® Screening Kit can help women screen for vaginal infections at home.

Vaginitis Dos:

• Do obtain instant relief of symptoms such as itching, burning, discomfort with the use of Vagisil® Satin (1% Hydrocortisone Creme) or Vagisil® Wipes
• Do alleviate odor and continue to keep fresh with the use of Vagisil Wipes and Vagisil® Wash
• Do test for vaginal infections at home with the Vagisil Screening Kit to help you know if you have a yeast infection or something more
• Do consult with your health care provide and remember, "When in doubt check it out"

Vaginitis Don't:

• Don't assume you have a yeast infection
• Don't have sexual relations until you know your diagnosis
• Don't hesitate to see your health care provider, but keep in mind that you can screen with the over-the- counter Vagisil® Screening Kit in the interim

For more information go to: http://www.vagisil.com