Vagina
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis, also called vulvovaginitis, is an inflammation or infection of the vagina. It can also affect the vulva, which is the external part of a woman's genitals. Vaginitis can cause itching, pain, discharge, and odor.
Vaginitis is common, especially in women in their reproductive years. It usually happens when there is a change in the balance of bacteria or yeast that are normally found in your vagina. There are different types of vaginitis, and they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
What causes vaginitis?Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15-44. It happens when there is an imbalance between the "good" and "harmful" bacteria that are normally found in a woman's vagina. Many things can change the balance of bacteria, including:
- Taking antibiotics
- Douching
- Using an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Having unprotected sex with a new partner
- Having many sexual partners
Yeast infections (candidiasis) happen when too much candida grows in the vagina. Candida is the scientific name for yeast. It is a fungus that lives almost everywhere, including in your body. You may have too much growing in the vagina because of:
- Antibiotics
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes, especially if it is not well-controlled
- Corticosteroid medicines
Trichomoniasis can also cause vaginitis. Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by a parasite.
You can also have vaginitis if you are allergic or sensitive to certain products that you use. Examples include vaginal sprays, douches, spermicides, soaps, detergents, or fabric softeners. They can cause burning, itching, and discharge.
Hormonal changes can also cause vaginal irritation. Examples are when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or when you have gone through menopause.
Sometimes you can have more than one cause of vaginitis at the same time.
What are the symptoms of vaginitis?The symptoms of vaginitis depend on which type you have.
With BV, you may not have symptoms. You could have a thin white or gray vaginal discharge. There may be an odor, such as a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex.
Yeast infections produce a thick, white discharge from the vagina that can look like cottage cheese. The discharge can be watery and often has no smell. Yeast infections usually cause the vagina and vulva to become itchy and red.
You may not have symptoms when you have trichomoniasis. If you do have them, they include itching, burning, and soreness of the vagina and vulva. You may have burning during urination. You could also have gray-green discharge, which may smell bad.
How is the cause of vaginitis diagnosed?To find out the cause of your symptoms, your health care provider may:
- Ask you about your medical history
- Do a pelvic exam
- Look for vaginal discharge, noting its color, qualities, and any odor
- Study a sample of your vaginal fluid under a microscope
In some cases, you may need more tests.
What are the treatments for vaginitis?The treatment depends on which type of vaginitis you have.
BV is treatable with antibiotics. You may get pills to swallow, or cream or gel that you put in your vagina. During treatment, you should use a condom during sex or not have sex at all.
Yeast infections are usually treated with a cream or with medicine that you put inside your vagina. You can buy over-the-counter treatments for yeast infections, but you need to be sure that you do have a yeast infection and not another type of vaginitis. See your health care provider if this is the first time you have had symptoms. Even if you have had yeast infections before, it is a good idea to call your health care provider before using an over-the-counter treatment.
The treatment for trichomoniasis is usually a single-dose antibiotic. Both you and your partner(s) should be treated, to prevent spreading the infection to others and to keep from getting it again.
If your vaginitis is due to an allergy or sensitivity to a product, you need to figure out which product is causing the problem. It could be a product that you started using recently. Once you figure it out, you should stop using the product.
If the cause of your vaginitis is a hormonal change, your health care provider may give you estrogen cream to help with your symptoms.
Can vaginitis cause other health problems?It is important to treat BV and trichomoniasis, because having either of them can increase your risk for getting HIV or another sexually transmitted disease. If you are pregnant, BV or trichomoniasis can increase your risk for preterm labor and preterm birth.
Can vaginitis be prevented?To help prevent vaginitis:
- Do not douche or use vaginal sprays
- Use a latex condom when having sex. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms.
- Avoid clothes that hold in heat and moisture
- Wear cotton underwear
Vagina FDA Approved Drugs
- Treatment of moderate to severe vaginal dryness and pain with intercourse, symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, associated with menopause.
- Treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.
- Intravaginal prasterone (dehydroepiandrosterone) at a daily dose of 6.5mg for the treatment of dyspareunia, a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, due to menopause.
G And W LabsDec 19, 2007
G And W Labs IncJan 19, 2011
TaroJul 18, 2006
TolmarJul 13, 2006
Taro PharmMar 14, 2017
Alembic Pharms LtdMar 13, 2009
Allied Pharma IncJul 16, 1986
Appco Pharma LlcSep 23, 2015
Aurobindo Pharma LtdMay 29, 2015
Flamingo PharmsMay 16, 2016
Orit Labs LlcJun 20, 2017
Strides PharmaMay 25, 2016
Teva Pharms UsaNov 6, 1984
Unichem Labs LtdJan 22, 2014
Vivimed LabsJan 29, 1985
Watson LabsDec 20, 1984
Zydus Pharms Usa IncNov 16, 2016
Par PharmJan 29, 2004
PlivaDec 6, 1984
Watson Labs IncFeb 8, 1985
HospiraNov 18, 1983
Mylan Labs LtdMay 9, 2017
- Treatment of bacterial vaginosis with metronidazole gel.
- Treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
- Treatment of dyspareunia associated with menopause.
- Treatment of vaginal symptoms of urogenital atrophy by orally administering ospemifene with food to enhance bioavailability of ospemifene.
Felter's Materia Medica on Vagina
...ordee. A suppository of belladonna relieves spasmodic dysmenorrhea and may be applied either in the vagina or the rectum. A similar application, with or without tannin or geranium, may be inserted int...... or the rectum. A similar application, with or without tannin or geranium, may be inserted into the vagina for painful menstruation, with leucorrhoea. The liniment and the ointment may be used as anti...1
The rhizome of Acorus Calamus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Acoraceae). Common in wet and muddy grounds everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Dose, 5 to 40... / ...d scalds (to lessen scarring), acne, ulcerative skin diseases, vaginitis, cervicitis, endometritis, vaginal abrasions, erosion of the os uteri, non-specific urethritis, gonorrhea, leucorrhoea, lacerat... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
The florets of Calendula officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). Southern Europe and the Orient; largely cultivated as a garden flower. Dose,... / ...d scalds (to lessen scarring), acne, ulcerative skin diseases, vaginitis, cervicitis, endometritis, vaginal abrasions, erosion of the os uteri, non-specific urethritis, gonorrhea, leucorrhoea, lacerat... / ...value in all of the local conditions named it has been much overrated, and its real medicinal worth obscured by extravagant praise.1
An oleoresin derived from species of Copaiba growing in South America. Dose, 5 to 30 drops. Description.A viscid, pale-yellow or brownish-yellow... / ...reason it is more effectual in the male than the female in whom at least a part of the infection is vaginal. It is also less valuable by injection than when used internally. The foregoing treatment is...1
The leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus, Labillardiere. Collected from the older parts of the tree. (Nat. Ord. Myrtaceae.) A native tree of Australia;... / ...ncerous surfaces they mask the fetid odor and give some relief from pain. The following is an ideal vaginal wash for offensive leucorrhea: Rx. Sea Salt, 1 lb.; Fluidextract of Eucalyptus or Specific M... / ...Used according to indications as given above, eucalyptus is a very satisfactory and pleasant medicine. It is best given in syrup or glycerin.1
The plant Frankenia salina, Chamisso and Schlectendal (Nat. Ord. Frankeniaceae) Native of California and sandy soils of adjacent Pacific... / ...njection or spray, for catarrhal diseases and other discharges from the mucous membranes, diarrhea, vaginal leucorrhea, gonorrhea, and gleet, and the different types of catarrh. It is little used.1
The dried rhizome and roots of Gelsemium sempervirens (Linné,) Aiton (Nat. Ord. Loganiaceae). Dose, 1/10 to 1 grain. Common Names: Yellow... / ... contracted tissues; convulsions, with hyperaemia; thin, dry, unyielding os uteri, with dry and hot vaginal walls. Action.Gelsemium acts chiefly upon the spinal cord, first impressing the sensory tr... / ...great restlessness and excitation are the classic indications for it as first formulated by Scudder, and these stand among the truest of speci1
The bark of the root and the hairs of the seed of Gossypium herbaceum, Linné, and of other species of Gossypium (Nat. Ord. Malvaceae). An Asiatic... / ...n cotton. If allowed to become stiff and hard it acts as any other foreign body. Cotton is used for vaginal tampons, but they should be removed after a few hours use, as they become exceedingly foul a...1
The plants Impatiens pallida, Nuttall; and Impatiens capensis, Meerb., (Nat. Ord. Balsaminaceae). Moist shady places and rich soils in the United... / ...mucous discharges. It has long been valued in chronic catarrhal states of the bronchi, bladder, and vagina, and particularly in chronic endometritis with discharge of glairy mucus. It relieves some ca... / ...symptoms is concerned, is unquestioned, but so far we are skeptical concerning its power to destroy the tubercle bacillus within the body.1
The leaves, tops, and seeds of Lobelia inflata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Lobeliaceae). Abundant in the United States. Dose, 1 to 60 grains. Common... / ...truction; hysterical convulsions; rigid os uteri with thick doughy and unyielding rim; perineal and vaginal rigidity during labor; angina pectoris (full doses). Action.Lobelia apparently acts upon t...1
Cacao Butter, Oil of Theobroma, Butter of Cacao. A concrete fixed oil expressed from the roasted seeds of Theobroma Cacao, Linné (Nat. Ord. Sterculiaceae), South... / ...ture of the body it is an admirable base for suppositories for applying local medication in rectal, vaginal and uterine disorders.1
The rhizome and roots of Sanguinaria canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Papaveraceae), gathered in autumn after the leaves and scape have died to the... / ... less frequently of larynx, trachea, and bronchi, occasionally of stomach and rectum, and rarely of vagina and urethra; mucous membrane looks red and irritable; nervousness, redness of nose, with acri... / ...in debilitated subjects. When due to vicarious menstruation, hemorrhage from the lungs is said to have been controlled by it. It may be used als1
...ul sensations; uterine enlargement, with uterine or cervical leucorrhea and impairment of function; vaginal prolapse; slight uterine prolapse; pelvic weight and vascular engorgement; increased flow of......axed condition of the female generative tract, with or without mucous or mucopurulent discharge, or vaginal or uterine prolapse, is the direct indication for its selection. Atony is the key to its use...1
The branchlets and leaves of Thuja occidentalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Cupressaceae). Indigenous to Canada and the United States, on the rocky borders... / ...m poisonous consequences through absorption. Howe's method was as follows: Tap and drain the tunica vaginalis testis, and inject two drachms of a solution of specific medicine thuja (one part) in warm... / ...when home treatment is carried out, and constitutional remedies administered when conditions warrant them. Internal. Thuja is stimulant, subas1
A parasitic fungus, Ustilago segetum Bull (Ustilago Maydis), developed on the fruit of Zea Mays, Linné, or Indian Corn (Nat. Ord. Fungi-Ustilagineae).... / ...n women with lax pendulous abdomen, weak and flabby enlarged uterus, and full toneless perineal and vaginal tissues. It is little used, but undoubtedly could be restudied with advantage.1
Physician's Materia Medica on Vagina
The bark of TSUGA CANADENSIS, (L.) Carr. Astringent, hemo static. Locally applied in relaxed conditions of the vagina or rectum, gangrenous wounds, unhealthy ulcers, etc,2
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Vagina
Habitual abortion may be due to syphilis, to endo-metritis or uterine displacement. to undue... / ...s fail, an aseptic tampon must be introduced and fluid extract of ergot must be given, the after treatment consisting of antiseptic irrigation of the vagina and if necessary of the uterus. absolute rest and small doses of ergot and quinine. Ergot must al ways be used with proper caution, and only a ...2
Improve general health by appropriate medication, exercise, etc. Uterine tonics will be generally useful. Local treatment may be by vaginal douche or by use of vaginal suppositories (preferably Iodosyl Ovoids, N., B. & Co.), the most useful remedies in this connection be ing boric acid, zinc acetate or sulphocarbolate, hydrastine, Iodosyl, alum, carbolic acid and belladonna.2
Irrigate the uterine cavity thoroughly with mercuric chloride solution (1:2000); if necessary employ curette (with caution) to remove decomposing substances; touch ulcerated spots in vagina with solu tion ol silver nitrate, 10 per cent. Sustain the patient, giving alco— holic stimulants freely; treat complication of peritonitis on general principles; if infection extends to bladder, irrigate well with strong solution of boric acid, or with corrosive sublimate, 1:8000.2
References
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.