Vaginitis is inflammation on the vagina markedwith itching in vaginal discharge and discharge. The vaginal discharge experienced by people with vaginitis smells bad.
The vagina continuously produces fluids naturally. The amount and texture of vaginal discharge can change throughout the menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is normal for a woman to experience vaginal discharge, but normal vaginal discharge should be odorless.
Vaginitis can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases. This condition needs to be treated immediately, especially in pregnant women, because of the risk of causing babies to be born prematurely or born with low body weight.
Symptoms of Vaginitis
Symptoms of vaginitis vary, but the most common are:
- White or greenish-yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor
- Itching in the vaginal area or around it, for example on the vulva or labia majora.
- Redness and pain around the vagina (vulvitis).
- Spotting or bleeding from the vagina.
- Pain when urinating and having sex.
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Immediately consult a doctor if the above symptoms appear, especially if:
- The symptoms experienced are disturbing.
- Symptoms are accompanied by fever, chills, and pelvic pain.
- Multiple sexual partners.
Causes of Vaginitis
Many factors can cause vaginitis. But in most cases, vaginitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
The presence of bacteria in the vagina is actually a normal thing, as long as the amount is balanced. Vaginitis occurs when there is an imbalance between the number of “good” bacteria and “bad” bacteria in the vagina.
Apart from a bacterial infection, other causes of vaginitis are:
- Yeast infection, due to the overgrowth of yeast in the vagina.
- Pinworm infection that spreads from the anus
- Irritation or allergic reaction to the vagina, for example due to the use of feminine hygiene.
- Sexually transmitted diseases, such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and genital herpes.
- Thinning of the vaginal walls due to decreased levels of estrogen, for example after menopause or after surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy).
Vaginitis Risk Factors
There are a number of factors that can increase a woman's risk of developing vaginitis, including:
- Multiple sexual partners.
- Suffering from uncontrolled diabetes.
- Do vaginal douching or cleaning the inside of the vagina.
- Often wears pants that are damp or tight.
- Using spiral birth control or spermicide.
- Use feminine hygiene products.
- Side effects of medications, such as antibiotics or corticosteroids.
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or birth control pills.
Vaginitis Diagnosis
To confirm vaginitis, the doctor will first ask the patient's symptoms and whether the patient has suffered from the same complaint before. Then, the doctor will perform the following examinations:
- Examination of vaginal acid and alkaline levels, also known as vaginal pH.
- Examination of the inside of the vagina, to see signs of inflammation.
- Examination of vaginal fluid samples in the laboratory, to determine the cause of vaginitis.
- Examination of tissue samples.
Vaginitis Treatment
Treatment of vaginitis depends on the underlying cause. In general, these treatments include:
Administration of antibiotics
Metronidazole and clindamycin is the most commonly used antibiotic for bacterial vaginitis.
Administration of antifungal drugs
Vaginitis due to yeast infection can be treated with antifungal drugs, such as: miconazole, clotrimazole, or fluconazole.
Hormone replacement therapy
Hormone replacement therapy is used to treat vaginitis triggered by a decrease in the hormone estrogen.
Meanwhile, to treat vaginitis caused by irritation or allergies, the doctor will advise the patient to avoid triggers, such as vaginal cleansing soap or latex-based condoms. In addition, the doctor can also give medicines to relieve inflammation and itching.
Vaginitis Prevention
Vaginitis can be prevented by taking a number of simple steps below:
- Clean the vagina with water without using soap, and avoid washing the inside of the vagina.
- Always clean the vagina from front to back after each bowel movement, and make sure to wipe the vagina until it is completely dry.
- Avoid using objects that can cause irritation or allergies to the vagina, such as sanitary napkins containing fragrance or vaginal cleansing soap.
- Practice safe sex by using condoms and do not change partners.
- Use warm water if you want to soak, not water that is too hot.
- Choose underwear that is not tight and made of cotton.
- Control blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.