Vaginal Infection

Description

# Vaginitis is an inflammatory condition of the vagina. It is the most common problem found in women of all ages. It causes distress and discomfort in women. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, sexually transmitted disease, most commonly trichomoniasis.

# Most men with trichomoniasis may not have any symptoms, so the infection cannot be diagnosed in either partner until the woman has symptoms of vaginitis. One of the most common types of vaginitis is yeast infection, usually called candidiasis. Various microorganisms normally populate the vagina and prevent infection. If a woman takes antibiotics to treat an infection, even if it is not for vaginitis, the antibiotics can kill both the bad and the good microorganisms, ultimately creating various imbalances in the body, including yeast infections.



Causes

# Bacteria (bacterial vaginosis)
# Protozoa (trichomoniasis)
# Yeast infection (candidiasis)



Symptoms

# Non-bloody vaginal discharge (leukorrhea)
# Vaginal odors
# Vulva irritation



Diagnosis

Examine a sample of vaginal secretion through a microscope, either stained or in special lighting, for evidence of infection forms.



Treatment

Various effective drugs are available for treating vaginal infections and accompanying vaginitis.
# Bacterial vaginitis: metronidazole, clindamycin
# Trichomoniasis: metronidazole. Candidiasis: Antifungal creams, tablets, or suppositories (i.e., Butoconazole, Biconazole, Clotrimazole, and Tioconazole)