Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vaginal mucosa that can cause vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a substance that can be associated with many different types of secretions, although certain characteristics can distinguish one disease from another. Vaginal discharge generally does not indicate the presence of a sexually transmitted disease, but refers to an excess imbalance in the number of flora in the vagina. Vaginitis can include problems surrounding yeast infections and the allergic response of the vaginal skin. Since each type of vaginitis is treated in a different way, the best way to treat it is to understand the type of inflammation you're experiencing so you can get the appropriate treatment.
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Part 1 of 4: Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis
Step 1. Get a diagnosis of vaginitis
The best way to find out what type of vaginitis you have is to see a doctor. There are certain symptoms and signs that sufferers can experience that lead to vaginitis, it requires you to see a doctor immediately. Check with your doctor if you experience vaginal discharge or abnormal vulvar symptoms.
- You should also see a doctor if you are sexually active and have the potential to suffer from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), foul-smelling vaginal discharge, have atrophic symptoms and are in premenopausal or menopause age, or have a sexual partner, both male and female, who suffers from diabetes. trichomoniasis.
- When visiting the doctor, he or she will perform a pelvic exam to look at the top of the vagina and vulva to check for inflammation and swelling, and take a sample of vaginal secretions for examination. In addition, the doctor will also examine the patient's cervix to determine if there is any discharge from it, which indicates cervicitis, which can lead to sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. He or she will take a sample of cervical secretions or instruct the patient to submit a urine specimen for double testing for these types of STDs.
Step 2. Learn about bacterial vaginosis (BV)
BV is a natural imbalance in the vagina. The disorder occurs when the bacterial flora breaks down and the acidity (pH) of the vaginal flora is higher than normal.
This condition generally occurs in women who use a douche (a cleaning device that sprays water/solution into the inside of the vagina), have multiple sexual partners, and smoke
Step 3. Watch for BV symptoms
There is one main symptom of BV infection. The patient's vagina will secrete a white liquid like milk and smell fishy. The best way to diagnose BV is through a doctor's examination. The doctor will take a sample of the fluid for microscopic examination in his office. On microscopic examination, it will be seen the presence of clue cells, namely bacteria that are coated with cells.
The doctor will also do a smell check, which is looking for a characteristic fishy smell like fish
Step 4. Take medicines to treat BV
After being diagnosed positively with BV, you will get medication from your doctor to treat it. Medicines for BV generally consist of oral metronidazole tablets, eg Flagyl. Take 500 mg tablets twice a day for one week. In addition, you can also use Flagyl gel which is applied directly to the infected area. Apply a brush full of gel a day at bedtime for one week.
Newer but similar antibiotics, such as tinidazole or Tindamax, may also be prescribed by the doctor. Take 2 mg of antibiotic pills per day for one week
Step 5. Try natural remedies to prevent BV from coming back
There are many natural remedies that can be tried to treat BV. Probiotics can be consumed to restore the natural balance of bacterial flora in the vaginal flora. Probiotics are available from oral form taken twice a day for a week, to intravaginal use for 30 days. Research shows that taking lactobacilli supplements along with antibiotic therapy in women with chronic BV can help control the disease.
In addition, try eating yogurt that contains probiotics every day. You should also avoid using douches. The natural secretions of the vagina function to keep the vagina clean and do not require additional cleaning other than using water and soap on the outside to keep the vagina completely clean
Part 2 of 4: Understanding Fungal Infections
Step 1. Learn about fungal infections
A yeast infection, or candidiasis vulvovaginitis, is a very common condition. More than 50% of women will or have had a yeast infection during their lifetime, although only 5% have recurrent infections. Yeast infections generally occur when you take a series of antibiotics that disrupt the body's natural lactobacilli counts in the vagina.
- Symptoms of yeast infection are complaints related to thick vaginal secretions and resemble cottage cheese. These symptoms are accompanied by itching and painful sensations around the vulva and vagina. Fungal infections can make the area sensitive and irritated.
- Some women may experience recurrent infections, which are described as 4 or more times a year. However, the frequency of these infections is rare.
Step 2. Get a yeast infection diagnosis
Fungal infections can generally be self-diagnosed at home. If you notice any symptoms, do a visual examination to see if you meet all the criteria for a yeast infection. The vulva and vaginal lips will appear inflamed on visual examination. In addition, there is thick and white or yellow vaginal secretion that can be seen clearly around the top of the vagina. The liquid should not give off a foul odor.
Step 3. Beware of recurring yeast infections
Be alert and seek a medical diagnosis if you have yeast infections, unrelated to antibiotic therapy, 3 or more times a year. This is very important because repeated consumption of a series of antifungal drugs can cause systemic toxicity. You should also be alert because there are potential underlying causes of infection, such as weakened immunity due to HIV.
Try not to overdiagnose yourself. Your doctor will only give you a prescription to treat the symptoms of an infection if you only tell him about your yeast infection without further testing. This step is not effective because you may be suffering from a more dangerous disease, such as STDs
Step 4. Treat the yeast infection
Oral or topical medications can be used to treat fungal infections. These drugs are antifungal agents that can eradicate the fungus that causes infection. Take diflucan 150 mg in one dose. In addition, you can also use diflucan or clotrimazole topical cream which is sold over the counter at most pharmacies. Creams are the most popular method of treatment because they can be purchased without a prescription.
- Over-the-counter ointments generally have similar medical safety and efficacy, and no product is superior to the other. There may be variations in the amount of topical medication required. You can also get a cream or suppository cream that is disposable or that must be used for one week.
- If you think that you often forget to apply your cream every night, taking a single dose of medication may be a better option. However, this method requires a doctor's prescription.
Part 3 of 4: Understanding Trichomoniasis
Step 1. Learn about trichomoniasis
Often referred to as trich, trichomoniasis is a type of vaginitis caused by protozoa or parasites. Trichomoniasis affects up to 5 million people in the United States each year. The organism that causes this disease is a small parasite that has a tail. If not detected, trich can lead to chronic prostatitis in men. Trich has some common symptoms. Secretions that come out of the vagina due to trich tend to be greenish in color and cause itching. In addition, the secretions smell fishy like fish.
Trich is a sexually transmitted disease so if you have it, tell your partner so that both of you can be examined and treated by a doctor before having sex again. You and your partner both need treatment if one is diagnosed with trichomoniasis
Step 2. Get a trich diagnosis
Traditionally, the diagnosis of trich disease is carried out in the doctor's office. Wet prep examination is done by placing vaginal discharge/vaginal secretions dripped with saline solution under a microscope. This will cause the parasite under the microscope to swim across the plane of the microscope dish and be identified.
- There may be a gap between doctors. Therefore, the doctor will also carry out more standardized examinations, such as a PCR test to determine what disease you are suffering from. In addition, the doctor will likely do a pap smear test.
- If trich in pregnant women is not treated, there are potential complications during delivery such as premature birth or birth with a light body weight due to premature rupture of the membranes.
Step 3. Treat trich
As in BV, trich can be treated using oral medications, such as Flagyl. The usual dose given is 2 grams for one drink. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Flagyl. Couples with trich should also take Flagyl at the same time. Sexual intercourse should be avoided during the treatment period until you and your partner have finished the antibiotic according to the recommended dose and duration.
Some studies recommend taking Tindamax to treat trich. If prescribed, take Tindamax in a dose of 1 pill of 2 mg. This treatment has a cure rate of between 86-100%
Part 4 of 4: Understanding Other Forms of Vaginitis
Step 1. Learn about atrophic vaginitis
Only women in certain groups should be concerned about atrophic vaginitis. This type of vaginitis is caused by the natural hormonal changes that occur during the aging process and a decrease in estrogen production. This has the potential to decrease the production of the natural secretions that keep the vagina lubricated. Up to 40% of postmenopausal women may experience this disorder.
Atrophic vaginitis is generally accompanied by weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and genital and other urinary symptoms similar to those of a urinary tract infection. Doctors can rule out these possibilities by conducting an examination
Step 2. Recognize the symptoms of atrophic vaginitis
Atrophic vaginitis is a disorder that causes vaginal dryness and thinning of the vaginal mucosa. This causes itching and pain during sexual intercourse. Atrophic vaginitis can occur outside of normal menopause, which is when a woman has premature menopause due to removal of the ovaries due to other medical conditions.
Step 3. Treat atrophic vaginitis with hormone replacement therapy
This type of vaginitis can be treated with oral hormone replacement therapy. This method can replenish hormones lost during menopause.
- Hormone replacement supplements are taken daily in pill form.
- Another option of a hormone replacement supplement is Osphena, taken once daily to treat vaginitis..
Step 4. Treat atrophic vaginitis using creams
Estrogen creams can also be used to help treat this condition. Estrogen cream absorbs into the skin when applied to the vaginal area. This method helps support the effect of the cream and treats symptoms centered around the vaginal area.
Step 5. Understand contact dermatitis vaginitis
Similar to other allergic or contact dermatitis, this type of vaginitis is the result of an allergic reaction. Instead of showing symptoms in other parts of the body, contact dermatitis vaginitis reactions will appear on the vaginal skin. This can be caused by detergents used to wash underwear, douches, condoms, lubricants, and other products that come into contact with the affected area.
- To treat contact dermatitis vaginitis, the object causing the allergy must be removed. This method requires a little investigation, but you should try to find the trigger of the allergy as soon as possible to relieve the symptoms. Then, use an over-the-counter steroid cream, such as 1% hydrocortisone, and apply it to the affected area twice a day for five days. This will reduce itching and signs of inflammation.
- Antihistamines, such as Zyrtec and Claritin, can also be used to treat allergic reactions. Take 10 mg of an antihistamine per day to treat the symptoms of contact dermatitis vaginitis. In more serious cases, patients can go to the doctor to get prednisone in small doses to relieve allergy symptoms immediately.
