Gray
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 infection (STI). 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 STI. 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.
Felter's Materia Medica on Gray
The rhizome of Dryopteris Filix-mas and of Dryopteris marginalis, Asa Gray (Nat. Ord. Filices). World-wide ferns of the Northern Hemispheres. Dose, 1 to... / The rhizome of Dryopteris Filix-mas and of Dryopteris marginalis, Asa Gray (Nat. Ord. Filices). World-wide ferns of the Northern Hemispheres. Dose, 1 to 4 drachms. Common... / ...to be the toxic principle. Aspidium is seldom used; the oleoresin being preferred. The latter is also effectual against the hookworm ( Uncinaria americana).1
A gum-resin obtained from Garcinia Hanburii, Hooker filius (Nat. Ord.... / ...iam, Cochin-China, and Cambodia. Dose, 1 to 3 grains. Common Names: Gamboge, Camboge. Description.Grayish, orange-brown, cylindical fragments, without odor and acrid to the taste. In powder it is li... / ...be given, but repeated small doses in pills or in alkaline solutions, until results are obtained. Alkalies best counteract its drastic effects.1
Yellow wax bleached by exposure to air, light, and moisture. (See Cera Flava.) Common Name: White Wax. Description.A yellowish-white solid,... / ...ifera, Linné, or Common Honey Bee. Common Names: Yellow Wax, Beeswax. Description.A yellowish to gray-brown solid, of a honey-like odor and faint balsamic taste. It is brittle when cold and breaks ... / ...to them proper consistence and tenacity.1
The feculence of the juice of the fruit of Ecballium Elaterium (Linné), A. Richard. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) A trailing vine of southern... / ...uirting Cucumber, Wild Cucumber, Wild Balsam Apple. Description.Light, brittle, flat flakes, pale-gray with a greenish or yellowish tinge, a tea-like odor, and an intensely bitter taste. Principal C... / ...is preferred by some physicians, though elaterium, notwithstanding its impurities, seems to be more generally efficient than its derivative.1
An extract prepared from the leaves and twigs of Ourouparia Gambir (Hunter), Baillon (Nat. Ord. Rubiaceae). Sumatra, Ceylon, and countries... / ...Terra Japonica, Pale Catechu. Description.Irregular masses or cubes, reddish-brown, pale brownish-gray or light brown, friable, crystalline, and breaking with a dull earthy fracture, bitterish with ... / ...castor oil is advised, to be followed by the gambir alone, or with camphorated tincture of opium. It is seldom used in modern Eclectic practice.1
The resin of the wood of Guaiacum officinale, Linné, or of Guaiacum sanctum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Zygophyllaceae).... / ... Indian trees. Dose, 5 to 30 grains. Common Names: Resin of Guaiac, Guaiac. Description.Greenish, gray-brown fragments, masses or tears of a balsamic odor and slightly acrid taste. Usually admixed w... / ...a fourfold dilution of specific medicine, mixed with syrup and water. Stronger preparations than this diluted tincture precipitate heavily.1
The rhizome of Chamaelirium luteum, Gray (Helonias dioica, Pursh)-(Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Abundant in woodlands, meadows, and wet places in some parts of the United States. Dose,... / The rhizome of Chamaelirium luteum, Gray (Helonias dioica, Pursh)-(Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Abundant in woodlands, meadows, and wet places ... / ...aggravated by sexual weakness. It is also said to relieve the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, to prevent miscarriages, and to correct gastric complications of albuminuria.1
The dried tuberous root of Ipomoea jalapa, Nuttall; (Ipomoea purga, Hayne; Exogonium jalapa, Baillon; Exogonium purga, Bentham). Nat.... / ...s.1. Resina Jalapae, Resin of jalap. Yellowish-brown or brown masses or fragments, or a yellowish-gray or yellowish-brown powder, permanent, of a faint but peculiar odor, and somewhat acrid to the t... / ...that modification of the compound powder as advised by Locke are desirable forms in which to use jalap. Jalap alone purges in about 3 to 4 hours.1
...y; also some other parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Cultivated. Description.Rounded, flattened, grayish-brown masses, showing a dark-brown, lighter-streaked interior, and having a somewhat nauseou......is Ipecacuanhae et Opii, Powder of Ipecac and Opium (Compound Powder of Ipecac, Dovers Powder). A grayish-white or pale-brown powder containing 10 per cent each of opium and ipecac. (Ten (10) grains...1
The recently dried root and fruit of Phytolacca americana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Phytolaccaceae). North America, along roadsides and fences, and in... / ... fauces full and mucous surfaces pallid, sometimes livid, with swollen tonsils and whitish or ashen-gray tenacious exudate; aphthae; imperfect glandular secretion; faucial, tonsillar or pharyngeal ulc...1
The bark and berries of Ilex verticillata (L.) Gray, (Prinos verticillatus, Linné) (Nat. Ord. Aquifoliaceae). Moist woods and streams throughout the United States.... / The bark and berries of Ilex verticillata (L.) Gray, (Prinos verticillatus, Linné) (Nat. Ord. Aquifoliaceae). Moist woods and streams throughout t... / ...vermifuge. Tincture of black alder and specific medicine hydrastis form an excellent tonic in atonic dyspepsia, when debility is marked and there is a tendency to diarrhea.1
The bark of Rhamnus californica, Eschscholtz (Frangula californica, Gray), (Nat. Ord. Rhamnaceae). Sparingly in northern California and more abundant southerly... / The bark of Rhamnus californica, Eschscholtz (Frangula californica, Gray), (Nat. Ord. Rhamnaceae). Sparingly in northern California and more abundant southerly in the S...1
...eratrine, Veratria. A mixture of alkaloids obtained from the seeds of Schoenocaulon officinale, Asa Gray (Sabadilla officinarum, Brandt; Asagrea officinalis (Chamisso and Schlechtendal) Lindley; (Saba......a seeds) (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae). Tropical regions from Mexico to Venezuela. Description.A white or grayish-white, non-crystalline powder, without odor, but causing violent irritation and sneezing whe...1
Physician's Materia Medica on Gray
The leaf buds of POPULUs BALsAMIFERA CAND1CANs,(Ait.) Gray. Stimulant to mucous membranes, diuretic and anthelmintic. Use ful in catharrhal affections of respiratory and pi urinary tract, and as an antiscorbutic.2
The bark of ILBX VERTICILLATA ( L.) Gray. Astringent, bitter tonic, alterative, antiperiodic. Serviceable in cutaneous diseases, in diarrhea and all debilitated conditions; in dyspepsia combined with Golden-seal.2
The rhizome of CHAMAELIRIUM LUTEUM, (L.) Gray. Tonic, diuretic, anthelmintic. uterine tonic; in large doses, emetic.2
References
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.