Vaginitis: Causes, Types, Symptoms, Treatments

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is a condition that involves inflammation or infection of the vagina, which is the muscular canal that extends from the external genitals to the cervix. This condition can cause discomfort and requires attention to ensure proper care and treatment.

What are the causes of vaginitis?

1) Infections

The most common cause of vaginitis is infection. This can come in different forms:

• Bacterial vaginosis: This occurs when there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the vagina.
• Yeast infection: This is typically caused by Candida species, such as Candida albicans. 
• Trichomoniasis: This is caused by a parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis) and is often sexually transmitted.

2) Hormonal changes

Fluctuations in hormone levels, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause, or while taking hormonal contraceptives, can make women more prone to developing vaginitis.

3) Irritants 

Certain products or behaviours can irritate the vagina and raise the risk of vaginitis. These could be:

• Douching
• Using scented soaps, bubble baths, or feminine hygiene products
• Wearing tight-fitting or non-breathable clothing
• Allergic reactions to latex condoms, spermicides, or other vaginal products

What are the symptoms of vaginitis?

When it comes to vaginitis, the signs and symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, they commonly include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge (changes in colour, odour, consistency)
• Vaginal itching or irritation
• Pain or discomfort during urination or intercourse
• Redness or swelling of the vaginal area
• Burning sensation while urinating

These indicators can be key to identifying the type of vaginitis, and thereby guide appropriate treatment.

Types of vaginitis

1) Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

• Bacterial vaginosis is the most common type of vaginitis that occurs due to an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota, as a result of overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
• Symptoms may include thin, grayish-white vaginal discharge with a fishy odour and itching and irritation in the vaginal area. 
• It is not typically associated with inflammation or pain and is often asymptomatic.

2) Yeast infection (Candidiasis)

• Caused by an overgrowth of yeast.
• Symptoms may include thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge and itching, burning and redness of the vaginal area.
• It is common and can occur in women of all ages, especially during pregnancy, menstruation, or while taking antibiotics.

3) Trichomoniasis

• Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
• Symptoms may include: Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a foul odour, Itching and redness of the vaginal area and discomfort during urination or intercourse.
• It is transmitted through sexual contact and can cause symptoms in male sexual partners.

4) Atrophic vaginitis

• Atrophic vaginitis occurs due to the thinning and inflammation of the vaginal tissues, often resulting from hormonal changes associated with menopause.
• Symptoms may include vaginal dryness and itching, burning, and discomfort during intercourse.
• More common amongst postmenopausal women and may occur alongside other symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood changes.

5) Chemical vaginitis

• Can occur due to exposure to irritants or allergens, such as douches, scented soaps, bubble baths, spermicides, or latex condoms.
• Symptoms may include: vaginal irritation and itching, redness and discomfort. 
• Avoiding exposure to irritants and practising good hygiene can help prevent chemical vaginitis.

6) Mixed infections

• Caused by a combination of factors, such as bacterial vaginosis coexisting with a yeast infection or other types of infections. 
• Symptoms can overlap and require tailored treatment based on the specific pathogens involved.

FAQs

Who is at risk of vaginitis?

Several factors may increase the risk of developing vaginitis, including:

• Sexual behaviour

  • Having multiple sexual partners or not using condoms during sexual intercourse
  • Having  poor personal hygiene practices

• Medical factors

  • Using antibiotics or corticosteroids

• Health conditions

  • Diabetes or other conditions that weaken the immune system

How is vaginitis diagnosed?

To diagnose vaginitis, your healthcare provider may do the following:

• Physical examination 

  • Perform a pelvic examination to assess the vaginal and cervical tissues for signs of inflammation, discharge, or lesions.

• Vaginal swab 

  • Collect a swab of vaginal discharge to examine under a microscope or send it to a laboratory for culture to identify the causative organism.

• pH testing

  • Measure vaginal pH to differentiate between types of vaginitis (e.g.bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection).

These diagnostic methods can help healthcare providers identify the specific type of vaginitis and tailor treatments accordingly.

What are the complications of vaginitis?

Vaginitis, if left untreated can lead to several complications, such as:

• Recurrent or chronic infections
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (if caused by sexually transmitted infections)
• Increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV
• Psychological distress and decreased quality of life due to persistent symptoms

What are the treatments for vaginitis?

Treatments for vaginitis depend on the underlying cause and may include:

• Antibiotics

  • Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial vaginosis or other bacterial infections.

• Antifungal medications

  • Antifungal creams, suppositories, or oral medications are used to treat yeast infections.

• Antiparasitic medications

  • Medications such as metronidazole or tinidazole can be used to treat trichomoniasis.

• Topical steroids

  • Steroid creams may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching.

• Avoidance of irritants

  • It's essential to avoid irritants such as douching, scented products, and tight-fitting clothing.