| If you are like
most women, you will have vaginitis at least once
in your life. Vaginitis is a name for itching or
burning in the vagina, often with an unusual
smell or discharge. The most common kinds of
vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast,
and trichomoniasis (trich, pronounced "trick").
Vaginitis
is seldom dangerous. In most women, it is easy to
treat. But if you are pregnant, an infection may
create special problems for you and your baby (see
below).
Causes of
Vaginitis
The healthy vagina contains a balance of several
kinds of bacteria. "Good" bacteria help
keep the vagina slightly acidic. This keeps
harmful bacteria from growing too quickly. A
healthy vagina produces a mucus-like discharge
that may be clear or slightly milky, depending on
the time of a woman's monthly cycle. Healthy
discharge has little odor. When the balance of
the vagina is upset, harmful bacteria grow too
quickly and cause infections. Discharge may have
an odd color or smell. Harmful bacteria and other
germs can be spread through sex. Other things
that can upset the balance of the vagina include:
- Antibiotics
(medicines)
- Pregnancy
- Douching
- Damp
underwear
- Tight pants
- Poor diet
- Vaginal
products (sprays, lubricants, birth
control devices)
If You Have
Vaginitis
If you have symptoms of vaginitis, you need to
see your health care provider for a correct
diagnosis. To help your provider find out what
you have:
- Schedule
the exam when you're not having your
monthly period.
- Don't
douche 24 hours before your exam.
- Don't use
vaginal sprays 24 hours before your exam.
- If you have
sex less than 24 hours before the exam,
use condoms.
|