Vagina Infections (Vaginitis)

Vaginal infection is a disease characterized by redness, itching, discharge and pain in the vagina. It usually develops due to a disruption of the bacterial balance normally found in the vagina or an infection. Sometimes after menopause, it can also develop due to decreased estrogen levels. The most common causes of vaginal infection are as follows;

– Bacterial vaginitis. This type of vaginitis is usually caused by an overgrowth of one of the microorganisms normally present in the vagina. This disrupts the natural balance. Sometimes pregnant women can get bacterial vaginitis without realizing it.

– Fungal infections. In fact, the fungus called Candida albicans, which is normally found here, causes this type of vaginitis. Approximately 75% of women will have this yeast infection once in their entire life.

– Trichomonas infection. This microorganism, a type of parasite, is usually sexually transmitted.

– Atrophic vaginitis. It occurs when the estrogen level decreases in the period after menopause. The vaginal tissue becomes thinner and drier. This causes itching, burning and pain.

What are the Symptoms and Signs

– Changes in the color, odor or amount of vaginal discharge

– Itching or discomfort in the vagina

– Pain during sexual intercourse

– Painful urination

– Mild vaginal bleeding

There may also be different symptoms depending on the type of vaginitis. In bacterial vaginitis, there is an off-white, foul-smelling discharge. This odor is described as the smell of stale fish and may be more pronounced after sexual intercourse. In fungal infection, itching is more common. There is a dark white discharge in the shape of a milk cut. Trichomonas infection causes a greenish, foamy discharge.

Why They Happen

Bacterial vaginitis is caused by an overgrowth of one of the many microorganisms that normally exist in the vagina. The number of good bacteria in the vagina is higher than the number of bad bacteria. If this situation is reversed, the balance is disturbed and bacterial vaginitis occurs. It can develop in those who have sexual intercourse as well as those who do not have sexual intercourse. However, the risk is slightly higher in people who have had new or multiple sexual partners, or who use an intrauterine device (spiral) for birth control.

Fungal infections can develop due to a number of changes in internal and external factors. It is not considered a sexually transmitted disease. The most common cause, candida albicans fungus, can also cause infection in the mouth, skin folds or nail bed, which are moist outside the vagina. They can also cause diaper rash in babies.

The causes that facilitate fungal infection are as follows;

– Antibiotic and cortisone treatment

– Uncontrolled diabetes

– Change in hormones (may be due to pregnancy, menopause or birth control pills)

– Foam baths, vaginal creams, moist and tight clothing may not cause vaginal infection, but they can increase sensitivity to it.

Trichomonas infection is transmitted through sexual intercourse with a person who has this infection. It usually does not cause much discomfort in men.

Vaginitis without Infection

The vagina becomes red and itchy without any microorganisms present. An allergic reaction develops due to vaginal sprays, perfumed soaps, detergents. It can also be caused by dryness in the vagina due to a decrease in hormone levels after menopause.

How to Diagnose

Your doctor will ask you some questions and examine you. If necessary, he/she will take a sample of the discharge and investigate which microorganisms are present.

Does it cause other problems

They usually do not cause serious problems. However, bacterial or trichomonas vaginitis in pregnant women can cause premature birth and low birth weight.

How to Treat

Treatment options will vary depending on the cause. Pills, suppositories, cream can be used to kill the microorganism. In non-infectious causes, if it is due to estrogen deficiency, estrogen creams, if it is due to allergy, treatment will be done by avoiding the allergenic substance.

How to Prevent

Recurrence of vaginitis can be prevented by keeping the vagina clean. Toilet cleaning should be done from front to back. This prevents bacteria in the stool from entering the vagina. After bathing, soap residues in the external genital area should be rinsed thoroughly. The vagina does not require any other cleaning than your normal bath. Vaginal douching will remove the normal organisms that live here and prepare the ground for infection. Tampons or pads that may cause allergies should not be used. Condoms should be used to protect against sexually transmitted microorganisms. Cotton underwear should be used.