Vaginitis

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis means you have inflammation in the vagina. However, you can develop one of several types of vaginitis, including:

• Yeast infection — an overgrowth of Candida (a fungus) causes a yeast infection
• Bacterial vaginosis — an overgrowth of the bacteria
• Atrophic vaginitis — develops when the vaginal lining becomes inflamed
• Trichomoniasis — caused by a parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis)

What causes vaginitis?

Bacteria and yeast naturally thrive inside the vagina. Much like your gut, these microorganisms have vital roles in protecting vaginal health. However, if they become imbalanced, an overgrowth occurs, causing inflammation and infection.

The vaginal microorganisms may become imbalanced due to:

• Antibiotics
• Douching
• Spermicides
• Other infections
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Using an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Hygiene products (vaginal sprays, bubble bath products, scented tampons, and others)
• Sexually transmitted infection (trichomoniasis)

Low estrogen levels (often after menopause) cause atrophic vaginitis. Without enough estrogen, the vaginal tissues weaken and thin, making them vulnerable to infections.

What are the symptoms of vaginitis?

Vaginitis causes one or more of the following:

• Vaginal itching or irritation
• Pain during sex
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Light bleeding (spotting)
• Vaginal discharge

Each type has a different discharge:

• Yeast infections — thick, white discharge (and intense itching)
• Bacterial vaginosis — foul-smelling (fish-like), grayish-white discharge
• Atrophic vaginitis — thin, yellow discharge (and, frequently, pain during sex)
• Trichomoniasis — greenish-yellow, frothy discharge

A vaginal discharge is one of the most identifiable symptoms for all types of vaginitis except atrophic vaginitis.

How is vaginitis treated?

The compassionate Cermak Immediate Care team prescribes your treatment based on the type:

• Yeast infection — antifungal medications (inserted in the vagina and/or oral)
• Bacterial vaginosis — antibiotics (inserted in the vagina or oral)
• Atrophic vaginitis — topical estrogen (placed in the vagina) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Trichomoniasis — antifungal and/or antibiotics, such as metronidazole or tinidazole

You might be familiar with over-the-counter OTC) antifungal medications for yeast infections. They may be all you need to cure the problem.

But if this is the first time you’ve had vaginitis, you should consider seeing a Cermak Immediate Care provider. They’ll diagnose the type and recommend the best treatment.

Walk into the nearest Cermak Immediate Care office for prompt vaginitis treatment. You can also call to schedule an appointment or book online to get exceptional care for vaginitis.