What are vaginal infections?
Vaginal infections are extremely common. Most women will experience this condition at some point. Symptoms can include unusual vaginal discharge, itching, burning, pain, and a strong odor.
Although some vaginal infections are linked to sexually transmitted infections, many common types are not. Some women seem to be more susceptible to vaginal infections, though the reasons for this are not entirely clear.
Symptoms of a vaginal infection
Common symptoms include:
- Vaginal itching, as well as irritation in the vulva
- A burning sensation, especially during sexual intercourse
- Discomfort while urinating
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Vaginal pain and soreness
- Vaginal rash
- Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
- Watery vaginal discharge
Complicated vaginal infection
You might have a complicated vaginal infection if:
- You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling, and itching that leads to tears, cracks, or sores
- You have four or more yeast infections in a year
- Your infection is caused by a less typical type of fungus
- You’re pregnant
- You have uncontrolled diabetes
- You have a weakened immune system because of certain medications or conditions, such as HIV infection
If you experience vaginal discomfort around the time of menopause, you may have a condition called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), also called vaginal atrophy.
How are vaginal infections diagnosed?
Dr. Aliabadi may ask questions to help diagnose the infection and narrow down the cause, including questions about your:
- Symptoms and health history
- Sex partners
- Use of scented vaginal products
Depending on your symptoms, she might also:
- Perform a pelvic exam to look for irritation and inflammation
- Collect a sample of vaginal discharge to send out for analysis
- Swab your cervix or take a urine sample to test for STIs
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis is a generalized term that gynecologists use to refer to infections or inflammation of the vagina.
This category includes:
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Yeast infections (also called vaginal candidiasis)
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Trichomona vaginosis
- Allergic reactions (also known as non-infectious vaginitis)
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) vs. yeast infection
Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections are due to an imbalance of the tiny microorganisms found in your vagina. Both vaginal yeast (candida albicans) and bacteria work in harmony to keep your vagina healthy. However, an overgrowth of one or more of these microorganisms could cause some uncomfortable symptoms, including vaginal itching and discharge.
It’s important to diagnose your problem accurately to get the proper treatment. Treatments for yeast infections may aggravate a case of bacterial vaginosis.
Both vaginosis and yeast infections can cause a white, cloudy, or grayish discharge. So how can you tell the difference?
Symptoms of yeast infection
Symptoms of a yeast infection include:
- Itching or burning
- White discharge that resembles cottage cheese
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, on the other hand, include:
- A fishy odor and discharge that has the consistency of yogurt and doesn’t cause vaginal irritation or itchiness
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginitis and results from a change of the normal bacteria found in your vagina to overgrowth of one of several other organisms.
Usually, bacteria normally found in the vagina (lactobacilli) are outnumbered by other bacteria (anaerobes) in your vagina. If anaerobic bacteria become too numerous, they upset the balance, causing bacterial vaginosis.
Risk factors for yeast infections
Factors that increase your risk of developing a yeast infection include:
- Antibiotic use: Yeast infections are common in women who take antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which kill a range of bacteria, also kill healthy bacteria in your vagina, leading to overgrowth of yeast.
- Increased estrogen levels: Yeast infections are more common in women with higher estrogen levels — such as pregnant women or women taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills or estrogen hormone therapy.
- Uncontrolled diabetes: Women with poorly controlled blood sugar are at greater risk of yeast infections than women with well-controlled blood sugar.
- Impaired immune system: Women with lowered immunity — such as from corticosteroid therapy or HIV infection — are more likely to get yeast infections.
Sexually transmitted infections
Sexual activity can introduce new bacteria into the vagina.
Sexually transmitted infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are viral and bacterial infections that are transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex.
The diseases that commonly cause vaginitis include:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Trichomoniasis
- Herpes
- HPV – the virus that causes genital warts
Even if you don’t have symptoms, sexually active adults should get tested regularly for STIs, especially if they have multiple sexual partners. Some cases don’t present with any symptoms, and it’s not uncommon for someone to transmit infection without even realizing they are carrying it.
Each of these STIs could cause permanent damage to your reproductive system if left untreated. They may affect your fertility or increase your chances of developing cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer.
Allergies or Irritations
Sometimes symptoms like itching, burning, and discharge are caused by other non-infectious irritants, such as:
- Vaginal sprays, douches, and feminine deodorants
- Detergents and fabric softeners
- Fragrances in soaps
- Bubble baths
- Spermicides
- Scented tampons
Treatment for vaginitis
Treating vaginitis starts with getting a proper diagnosis. While these conditions often present with similar symptoms, they all have different causes and require different treatments.
Even if you think you know what’s causing your symptoms, it is best to make an appointment with your healthcare professional.
Treatment for vaginal infections depends on the cause and may include:
- Antibiotics, such as metronidazole or clindamycin, are often prescribed to treat Bacterial vaginitis
- Antifungal medication, including creams or suppositories to treat a yeast infection
- Butoconazole and clotrimazole to treat fungal infections
- Cortisone cream for irritation
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions
- If your vaginitis is caused by hormonal changes, your doctor might prescribe topical estrogen cream for low estrogen levels
Before you visit a woman’s healthcare doctor, take note of your symptoms. Avoid douching and vaginal intercourse for a couple of days before the appointment. Also, try to avoid using over-the-counter treatments. Some treatments for one condition may exacerbate the cause of another, making it more difficult to diagnose the problem.
Tips for promoting a healthy vagina
Tips for promoting a healthy vagina include:
- Wear comfortable, breathable underwear made from natural fibers like cotton or underwear with a cotton crotch. Avoid tight-fitting pants and pantyhose, as they can lead to a warm and moist environment that allows yeast overgrowth.
- Always change out of wet bathing suits after swimming.
- Using condoms is one of the most effective ways to prevent STIs. Even if your partner has no symptoms or if you are using other contraceptives, it’s important to use condoms as a barrier to infections.
- Attend your yearly check-ups at the gynecologist’s office and get regular pap smears
- Take probiotics or eat more yogurt. These can help boost the levels of healthy bacteria in your body.
At the very forefront of women’s health in Los Angeles – Dr. Aliabadi
Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi routinely appears among the top OB/GYNs in the country’s physician rankings. This success was earned following years of exacting training, as well as decades of building and nurturing one-on-one relationships with every woman who comes to her practice.
We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.
The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi and the Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and downtown Los Angeles.
Sources
Vaginal yeast infections | Office on Women’s Health https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/vaginal-yeast-infections#:~:text=Most%20women%20will%20get%20a,think%20you%20have%20an%20infection.
FAQs: Vaginitis. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vaginitis. Accessed Sept. 4, 2021.
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