Different Types of Vaginitis

By Kristi Patrice Carter

Vaginitis is one of the more common and widely experienced afflictions of the female body. Anything related to the genital area can be difficult to deal with, and from suspicion to diagnosis to treatment and cure, vaginitis is nothing simple to deal with.

First off, there are several varieties of vaginitis that any woman could be diagnosed with. The first step to treating vaginitis is being able to get a correct diagnosis of the type you are dealing with. In fact, it is highly possible that more than one type of vaginitis is present in the body at one time. However, once a diagnosis is made, the correct treatments can be prescribed, whether over-the-counter, prescription or a combination.

The most common form of vaginitis is candida albicans, more commonly known as a yeast infection. More than ¾ of all women in the world are bound to have a yeast infection at least once during the span of their lifetime. In most cases, candida albicans is easily cured with over-the-counter medications such as Mycelex-7. Medical advice from a doctor should be sought for first-time infections. If the infection is left untreated or worsens, a medical professional is needed to obtain a stronger medication, such as prescription strength Miconazole, than one would be able to purchase over the counter. Usually, one can self-diagnose subsequent yeast infections; a thick white discharge, itching, burning and swelling usually indicate a yeast infection.

Atrophic vaginitis is yet another one of the more common types of vaginitis, but it is a bit more severe than the common or even advanced yeast infection. Atrophic vaginitis is a condition that occurs when the level of estrogen changes for some reason in a woman’s body. This causes the tissues in the vagina to swell or shrink, or act otherwise abnormally, and causes the whole area to be inflamed. Usually, atrophic vaginitis occurs sometime during or near a pregnancy, as this is usually the time when estrogen levels tend to fluctuate. Breastfeeding can also trigger atrophic vaginitis, as it stimulates production of estrogen as well. About 40% of women who are postmenopausal will show signs of atrophic vaginitis because of estrogen deficiency. Fortunately, atrophic vaginitis is also easy enough to diagnose yourself, although you should to visit a doctor to get a formal diagnosis. Similar to other vaginal infections, it is characterized by a slight discharge, a strange odor, itching, burning, swelling or inflammation, and difficulty having intercourse due to pain or discomfort. Even bleeding can be an indicator of atrophic vaginitis or other more serious conditions, which is why it is important to always consult your medical professional for proper diagnosis. There are a variety of ways to treat atrophic vaginitis. Estrogen replacement therapy is recommended for some patients, especially those who are experiencing the condition as a result of being close to or experiencing menopause. Estrogen treatment can be in the form of tablets, vaginal creams or rings.

Another form of vaginitis is bacterial vaginosis. It is characterized by a grayish-white discharge that often has a foul, fish-like odor. The odor is most prevalent following sexual intercourse. After a doctor confirms the diagnosis, he or she may prescribe Metronidazole in one of three forms: tablet, vaginal gel or cream.

Metronidazole is also used as a treatment for trichomoniasis. A rather frothy, greenish yellow discharge is an indicator of the presence of this infection.

Vaginitis can be a serious condition and can severely affect your reproductive organs if you don’t get it treated. However, it is fairly easy to determine if you are dealing with a form of vaginitis and get a proper diagnosis for the best treatment. These infections can prove to be very uncomfortable if not promptly treated.