vaginal infection

Definition: An infection that occurs in the genital tract. Often includes vaginal discharge, itching, and an unpleasant odor. Most vaginal infections are caused by yeast, bacteria, or trichomonas. They can also be caused by irritants such as bubble bath, laundry detergent, or other products applied to the genital area.Common Misspellings: vagina infection, virginia infection, vagena infectinif(zSbL

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Vaginal Dryness Causes Treatme

Vaginal dryness occurs most often during perimenopause and menopause. Your body produces reduced amounts of estrogen during menopause, which accounts for the majority of vaginal dryness encountered by women.

Signs that may indicate that you are experiencing vaginal dryness include:

Other causes of vaginal dryness include certain medications, using tampons with absorbency ratings higher than you actually need, vaginal douching, and Sjogren's Syndrome. Scented soaps, bubble baths, and body lotions used in the vaginal area may also increase vaginal dryness.

Treatments for vaginal dryness caused by reduced estrogen levels include:

Vaginal estrogens provide the most effective relief of vaginal dryness. Women who use vaginal estrogens also experience significantly fewer recurrent urinary tract infections.

Other treatment options for vaginal dryness include:

Vaginal Moisturizers - Vaginal moisturizers include over-the-counter products such as Replens. Replens is a once-daily vaginal suppository used to increase vaginal lubrication.

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Vaginal Lubricants - Vaginal lubricants include over-the-counter products such as Astroglide and K-Y Jelly. When vaginal dryness is a problem during sexual intercourse, vaginal lubricants provide the necessary vaginal lubrication to make sexual intercourse more comfortable.

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Always choose a water-based vaginal lubricant. Never use a petroleum-based product such as Vaseline for vaginal lubrication, doing so can create a breeding ground for infection.

Source:

Menopause and hormone therapy (HT): collaborative decision-making and management. http://guidelines.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=13312&nbr=006756&string=vaginal+AND+dryness. Accessed 06/25/10.

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Apply Vaginal Cream

You've been to the doctor and been given a prescription for vaginal cream to treat a vaginal infection or another condition. Maybe you have never used a vaginal cream. Here are few simple tips to make vaginal cream application quick and easy.Find a comfortable place to apply the cream such as your bed. You may want to use a towel under you to prevent any cream from spilling on your linens.Open the tube. The applicator nozzle should be screwed onto the tube until it is secure but not over-tight.Gently squeeze tube from the bottom to force a sufficient amount of cream into the applicator barrel to reach the prescribed dose. Most applicators provide markings to indicate where you should stop.Unscrew the applicator from the tube.Lie on back with your knees drawn towards you. Gently insert applicator deep into your vagina. Press the plunger downward until it reaches its original position.Reusable applicators should be cleaned by pulling the plunger to remove it from the barrel and washing with mild soap and warm water. Never boil or use extremely hot water to prevent damage to reusable applicators. Most vaginal creams should be stored at room temperature. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about storing your vaginal cream product.Using vaginal creams is easiest if done before going to bed to help the medicine stay in place and prevent daytime discharges.Check with your pharmacist for instructions if you miss a dose.TowelSoap and waterPlace to lie downif(zSbL

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Treatment of Vaginal Yeast Inf

Various antifungal vaginal medications are available to treat yeast infection. Women can buy some antifungal creams, tablets, or suppositories (butoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, and tioconazole) over the counter for use in the vagina. But because BV, trichomoniasis, and yeast infection are difficult to distinguish on the basis of symptoms alone, a woman with vaginal symptoms should see her physician for an accurate diagnosis before using these products.

Other products available over the counter contain antihistamines or topical anesthetics that only mask the symptoms and do not treat the underlying problem. Women who have chronic or recurring yeast infections may need to be treated with vaginal creams for extended periods of time. Recently, effective oral medications have become available. Women should work with their physicians to determine possible underlying causes of their chronic yeast infections. HIV-infected women may have severe yeast infections that are often unresponsive to treatment.

Vaginal Yeast Infections or Candidiasis - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment

Reprinted from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH)

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Vaginal Yeast Infections - Vul

Vaginal yeast infection or vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common cause of vaginal irritation. Doctors estimate that approximately 75 percent of all women will experience at least one symptomatic yeast infection during their lifetimes. Yeast are always present in the vagina in small numbers, and symptoms only appear with overgrowth. Several factors are associated with increased symptomatic infection in women, including pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and the use of oral contraceptives or antibiotics. Other factors that may increase the incidence of yeast infection include using douches, perfumed feminine hygiene sprays, and topical antimicrobial agents, and wearing tight, poorly ventilated clothing and underwear. Whether or not yeast can be transmitted sexually is unknown. Because almost all women have the organism in the vagina, it has been difficult for researchers to study this aspect of the natural history.

Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment

Reprinted from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH)

More About Vaginitis FAQs

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Vaginal Yeast Infections

Seventy-five percent of all women will experience at least one vaginal yeast infection during her life and many are plagued by recurrent yeast infections. Learning to recognize the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection is vital before women attempt self-treatment.

Symptoms of yeast infection include itching, burning, redness, and irritation of the vaginal area. Severe yeast infections may cause swelling of the vulva and in some cases women experience painful and/or frequent urination which is caused by inflammation of the urinary opening.

Excessive vaginal discharge which is thicker than normal, appears whiter and curd-like (almost like cottage cheese) will be apparent in women experiencing vaginal yeast infections. Sexual intercourse may be painful due to the inflammation and dryness of the vaginal discharge.

Canidida albicans is a yeast-like fungus that is often found in the mouth, vagina, and intestinal tract; it is a normal inhabitant of humans that usually does not cause any adverse effects. Canidida of the mouth is known as thrush and is often found in infants and people with a variety of health conditions. When canidida is found in the vagina it is known as yeast infection or monilial vaginitis.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of the normal fungi that lives in the vaginal area. The most common fungi is Canidida albicans. Overgrowth of Canidida is often a result of recent use of antibiotics, or by wearing clothing such as nylon or lycra that traps moisture and heat. Other factors that often contribute to yeast infections include pregnancy, obesity, PMS, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes.

Yeast infections are common among women infected by HIV and women who suffer from recurrent episodes of yeast infection should be tested for HIV infection. Other possible causes include the use of oral contraceptives, and consuming large amounts of sugars, starch, and yeasts.

Bacterial vaginitis is a far more prevalent vaginal infection than yeast infection and is characterized by a foul odor which is not present in yeast infection. Untreated bacterial vaginitis can result in pelvic inflammatory disease and lead to future infertility. It is imperative that a woman who is self-treating what she thinks is a yeast infection be positive that her vaginal infection is actually caused by yeast and not some other infection or STD.

Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and herpes can be mistaken for yeast infections because some of the symptoms are similar -- there is discharge associated with gonorrhea, and herpes may often cause itching. Unless a woman is absolutely positive that her vaginal infection is yeast, she should seek the advice of her physician before self-treatment begins.

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Vaginal Itching

Vaginal itching can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases or infections. If you're pregnant when you experience vaginal itching, you should know that the most common reason for vaginal itching during pregnancy are the normal changes to the vaginal PH level which can cause topical irritations. Vaginal yeast infections also are notorious for persistent vaginal itching.

Before trying any self-treatments or over-the-counter medications for vaginal itching, especially during pregnancy, you should see your healthcare provider to be sure you don't have any STDs or STIs. If vaginal itching is found to be caused by the normal PH changes of the vagina that occur during pregnancy, there are a number of self-help treatments that you can try to relieve the itching and lower the PH of the vagina. Vaginal PH can be lowered by taking baking soda baths. You can make a paste of baking soda and water and apply the paste to the area that itches. There is a possibility that having sexual intercourse may help due to the lower PH levels of the male semen. Some women find that cold compresses help relieve vaginal itching. Practice good hygiene. Keep the vulvar / vaginal area clean and dry. Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina. Don't use vaginal douches. Use only fragrance-free soaps, laundry detergents, and fabric softeners. Practice good hand washing habits. Wear clothing that is not tight or binding especially in the crotch. Wear white cotton panties and avoid wearing nylon panties or hose that decrease the airflow to the vaginal area. Wear a nightgown with no underwear to encourage airflow to the vagina during the night. Use warm bath water and do not add bubble baths or other fragrant products which can irritate the vagina and urinary tract. Use a bath soap for sensitive skin. Although you might think that Ivory soap is gentle, it is not! In fact, Ivory soap is one of the most drying and thereby itch causing bath soaps on the market. The use of hydrocortisone creams is not usually recommended since it can contribute to the breakdown of the skin, causing continued itching. Lidocaine gel is good for relieving vaginal itching because it is a pure anesthetic. If you have a genital yeast infection, one of the over-the-counter yeast infection creams or vaginal suppositories should quickly relieve the itch, as well as the other symptoms of vaginal yeast infections. Some women find relief from vaginal itching just by using a yeast infection cream externally once or twice a day. To your bath add:

Source:

Vaginitis: Causes and Treatments. ACOG Education Pamphlet.http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp028.cfm. Accessed 08/26.09.

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Causes of Vaginal Bleeding

You've just finished making love, and you're in that pleasant dream-like state when you go to the bathroom and discover that you are bleeding. Nothing can bring you back to reality faster than vaginal bleeding after sex. Post-coital bleeding can occur for a number of reasons, and is nothing to take lightly. Here's a look at the top 10 causes of vaginal bleeding after sex: Cervical dysplasia:Cervical dysplasia is precancerous changes of the epithelial cells that line the cervix. Risk increases with multiple sexual partners, sex before age 18, childbirth before age 16, or a past history of STDs. Treatment is usually cryosurgery or conisation. Chlamydia: A bacterial infection that is usually transmitted through sexual activity or contact with semen, vaginal fluid, or blood. Gonorrhea: A usually sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacteria. Several pharmaceutical treatments are available. Vaginitis or Cervicitis: Inflammation or swelling and infection of the vagina or cervix. Treatment depends on the cause. Cervical polyps: Cervical polyps are smooth, red or purple, finger-like growths that grow out of the mucus layer of the cervix or the cervical canal. Cervical polyps are extremely fragile, extending out of the cervix, and easily and painlessly removed. Trichomoniasis: A usually sexually transmitted disease caused by protozoan. Can also be passed to newborns during vaginal birth by infected mothers. Although rare, transmission is also possible in tap water, hot tubs, urine, on toilet seats, and in swimming pools. May cause vaginitis. Vaginal yeast infection: An overgrowth of the normal fungi that inhabits the vaginal area. Common symptoms include itching, burning, and an odorless, white, cheese-like discharge. Endometritis or adenomyosis: Endometritis is defined by Dorland's Medical Dictionary, 27th Edition as an inflammation of the endometrium (the innermost layer of the uterus). Both conditions are associated with endometriosis. Adenomysis is when endometrial tissue attaches itself to the uterus, or another organ such as the ovaries, and grows outside of the uterus. Uterine polyps: Uterine polyps occur when the endometrium overgrows causing these protrusions into the uterus. It is extremely rare for these growths to grow in a way that is either benign or malignant. Women with uterine polyps frequently experience bleeding between periods (metrorrhagia), other symptoms includes vaginal bleeding after sex, spotting, menorrhagia, bleeding after menopause, and breakthrough bleeding during hormone therapy. Hysteroscopic-guided curettage is the preferred treatment, since the normal D&C is basically an unguided procedure that may miss many of the uterine polyps. Fibroid tumors: Uterine fibroid tumors are usually benign tumors. They are solid masses made of fibrous tissue. Fibroid tumors are rarely malignant. Symptoms of fibroid tumors vary among women, with some women never experiencing any symptoms at all. Women who can wait until menopause will see their fibroids shrink and disappear once their bodies stop producing estrogen. It's important that women with fibroids make sure they never take estrogen, in any form including birth control pills, since estrogen increases fibroid growth. Several treatments are currently available for uterine fibroid tumors from myomectomy and uterine artery embolization to the traditional hysterectomy. Diagnosing vaginal bleeding after sex is usually a matter of exclusion. Anytime you experience post-coital bleeding or vaginal bleeding after sex see your physician.

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Common Vaginal Infections

Most women experience vaginal problems at some point in their life. Three common vaginal issues women deal with are vaginal yeast infection, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis.

Yeast is the most common cause of vaginal infection. A fungus causes vaginal yeast infections, which occur inside the vagina and in the vulvar area that surrounds the vagina. Three out of four women have at least one vaginal yeast infection during their lifetimes. The symptoms of vaginal yeast infections include vaginal itching; a thick, white vaginal discharge that may look like cottage cheese; pain during sexual intercourse; redness; burning; soreness; swelling; and general vaginal irritation. Not every woman experiences all these possible symptoms of vaginal yeast infection. Many women frequently experience yeast infections, so they are familiar with their symptoms and the course of treatment recommended for them. But if this is the first time you are having such symptoms, it's important to see your doctor to get a formal diagnosis and rule out other possibilities.

Trichomoniasis is an sexually transmitted infection (STI) and the most common curable STI. The time between exposure to trichomoniasis and the onset of symptoms is from 5 to 28 days. While some women don't experience any symptoms, other women have symptoms such as a yellowish-greenish vaginal discharge, a foul vaginal odor, pain during sexual intercourse, pain during urination, vaginal itching and general irritation, and rarely pelvic pain. If you suspect you may have trichomoniasis, you should discontinue sexual intercourse and see your doctor immediately. If your doctor diagnoses trichomoniasis, your sexual partner(s), should be diagnosed and receive treatment. Sexual intercourse should not resume until both you and your partner are treated and symptom-free.

BV is the most common cause of vaginal discharge in women during their reproductive years. It is not an infection. Rather, BV develops when the normal balance of bacteria that colonize in the vagina gets thrown off by overgrowth. While there is not a definitive answer about what causes BV, a few factors are known to raise risk including having a new or multiple sexual partners, using vaginal douches, having an IUD, and failure to practice safe sex by not using a condom during every act of sexual intercourse. The most common symptom of BV a fish-like vaginal odor, as well as an abnormal vaginal discharge that is white or gray and that can be either watery or foamy.

Sources:

Bacterial Vaginosis; Women's Health.gov; http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/bacterial-vaginosis.cfm; accessed 06/16/09.

Vaginal Yeast Infections; Women's Health.gov; http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/vaginal-yeast-infections.cfm; accessed 06/17/09.

Trichomoniasis; Women's Health.gov; http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/trichomoniasis.cfm; accessed 06/17/09.

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Vaginal Douching - To Douche o

A vaginal douche is a process of rinsing or cleaning the vagina by forcing water or another solution into the vaginal cavity to flush away vaginal discharge or other contents. Vaginal douches are available over-the-counter and are made in a variety of fragrances by several manufacturers; they are also available by prescription to treat certain conditions or prepare for certain procedures.

Women choose to use douches for a variety of reasons. Many of these are related to myths or misinformation about what vaginal douches can do. A woman may use a douche to: Rinse away any remaining menstrual blood at the end of the monthly period. This is not necessary since the body will clean itself. Avoid pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases following sexual intercourse. However, douching is neither a contraceptive nor a preventatives measure against STDs or other infections. It can, in fact, increase the risk of developing an infection. Reduce vaginal odors. Women who have an unusual vaginal odor need to see their clinician for proper diagnosis since extreme odor may be sign of an infection or other serious problem, and using a douche may only complicate the condition. Feel "cleaner." The vagina actually cleans itself so vaginal douches are not necessary. Follow a doctor-prescribed treatment for chronic yeast infections or chronic bacterial infections. Douching for this purpose should be done only under your doctor's supervision using the special solution provided. Simply stated, the answer is "No."

According to a study published by the American Journal of Public Health, douching may reduce a woman's chance of becoming pregnant during a particular month by approximately thirty percent.

Regular vaginal douching changes the delicate chemical balance of the vagina and can make a woman more susceptible to infections. Douching can introduce new bacteria into the vagina which can spread up through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Researchers have found that women who douche regularly experience more vaginal irritations and infections such as bacterial vaginosis, and an increased number of sexually transmitted diseases.

Furthermore, regular users of vaginal douches face a significantly higher risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) -- a chronic condition that can lead to infertility, or even death, if left untreated. Bacterial vaginosis and PID can have serious adverse affects on pregnancy including infections in the baby, labor problems, and preterm delivery.

For these reasons, douching is no longer recommended as a safe or healthy way to routinely clean the vagina. The only safe and healthy way to clean the vagina is to let the vagina clean itself. The delicate chemical balance of the vagina is very sensitive and easily disrupted by routine vaginal douching.

The vagina cleans itself naturally with its own mucous secretions. When bathing or showering use warm water and gentle unscented soap to cleanse the outer areas of the vagina. Feminine hygiene products such as soaps, powders, and sprays are not necessary and may lead to irritation of sensitive tissues.

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Testing Vaginal pH at Home

Your gynecologist may have tested your vaginal pH many times. You can determine the acidity or alkalinity of your own vaginal secretions. You may want to test your vaginal pH when you experience unusual vaginal symptoms (such as itching, burning, foul vaginal odor, or an abnormal vaginal discharge) to help you decide if you need medical treatment. However, you should understand that this test will not help diagnose HIV, chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, or group B streptococcus.

Frequently, when women experience unusual vaginal symptoms, the first thing that comes to mind is vaginal yeast infections. If you experience vaginal symptoms that you think are a vaginal yeast infection, this test can help you rule out other types of vaginal infections before you use OTC medications for vaginal yeast infection.

The home vaginal pH test includes a piece of pH test paper and a color chart for determining your vaginal pH results. To perform the test, hold the pH test paper against the wall of your vagina for a few seconds. Next, compare the color of your pH test paper to the color chart. While the color may not be an exact match to the chart, you should choose the color your test result most closely resembles. Normal vaginal pH is 3.8 to 4.5, slightly acidic. The home vaginal pH test kit measures pH on a scale of 1 to 14. Abnormal vaginal pH may be higher or lower than normal vaginal pH. High vaginal pH numbers indicate less acidity, while lower than normal vaginal pH levels indicate high acidity. Abnormal vaginal pH frequently indicates the presence of a vaginal infection. However, you should know that not all vaginal infections cause changes to vaginal pH. This means that having a normal vaginal pH test does not mean that you do not have a vaginal infection.

If your vaginal pH is above normal, the most likely reason is that you have bacterial vaginosis (BV) and not a yeast infection. In this case, don't use OTC medications for vaginal yeast infections because the medication does not treat BV. You’ll need to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

On the other hand, if your vaginal pH is normal or below normal and you’ve had previous vaginal yeast infection diagnosed by a doctor, you can try one of the OTC medications for vaginal yeast infections. If the OTC medication for vaginal yeast infection does not cure your vaginal symptoms or infection, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Manufacturer: GYNEX - pH Test Kit

Source:

Home Use Tests -- Vaginal pH; FDA; http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/oivd/homeuse-vaginal.html; accessed 09/29/08.

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Vaginal Discharge and You

Do you know the difference between normal vaginal discharge and abnormal vaginal discharge? Did you know that having a vaginal discharge is normal? Let’s take a look at various types of vaginal discharges so that you’ll know when you have an abnormal vaginal discharge. The basic function of you vagina is to provide a route from the outside of your vagina to your uterus and the rest of your internal reproductive system. The natural, acidic, pH of your vagina acts to prevent infections. The acidic nature of your vagina is caused by natural, good, bacteria produced by your body. When your vagina is healthy, the vagina keeps itself clean and in a healthy state by producing secretions of normal vaginal discharge. The natural balance of the vagina can be disrupted by anything that interferes with its’ normal environment. First it’s important to understand that all women experience some amount of vaginal discharge. Glands in your vaginal and cervix produce small amounts of fluid that flows out of your vagina everyday taking with it old cells that line the vagina. Your normal vaginal discharge helps to clean the vagina, as well as keep it lubricated and free from infection and other germs. A normal vaginal discharge does not have a foul odor and usually has no odor at all. Normal vaginal discharge often appears clear or milky when it dries on your clothing; occasionally you may notice white spots or a normal vaginal discharge that is thin and stringy looking.

Other things that may cause changes in the appearance or consistency of your vaginal discharge include: Your menstrual cycle Emotional stress Pregnancy Any prescribed or OTC medications you take including hormones such as in the Pill Sexual excitement Breastfeeding Ovulation Your diet

Other things that can upset the natural pH balance of your vagina and lead to vaginal infections include vaginal douches, feminine hygiene products, perfumed or deodorant soaps, antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, or the presence of another infection.

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