A woman’s vagina normally produces a small amount of clear or cloudy white fluid every day, known as discharge, that passes from the body. This discharge keeps the tissue moist and healthy. It is normal for the amount and colour of the vaginal discharge to change throughout the menstrual cycle. A change in the balance of the yeast and bacteria that normally live in the vagina can result in vaginitis. This causes the lining of the vagina to become inflamed. Factors that can change the normal balance of the vagina include the following:

• Antibiotics destroy protective bacteria in the vagina. These bacteria normally stop the candidal organisms from overgrowing. Yeast infection may occur after taking a course of antibiotics for another condition such as sore throat.

• Changes in hormone levels due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause

• Douching – refers to rinsing or cleaning out the vagina by squirting water or other solutions (such as vinegar, baking soda, or douching solutions you can buy at drug and grocery stores) into the vagina. The water or solutions are held in a bottle and squirted into the vagina through tubing and a nozzle. Douching changes the delicate balance in the vagina, which can make you more likely to develop a vaginal infection.

• Scented panty liners, soaps, and other perfumed products

• Spermicides – creams, gels, foams that inactivate sperm

• Birth control pills– changes in the vaginal environment occur with increased hormonal levels from estrogen-containing birth control pills. This change creates an environment for the fungus to grow and cause symptoms.

• Infections- due to scratches in the vagina during insertion of a tampon or other objects

A healthy vagina has a balance of many different kinds of bacteria. “Good” bacteria helps keep the vagina a little-bit acidic. This keeps “bad” bacteria from growing too fast. A healthy vagina makes a mucus-like discharge that may look clear or a little milky, depending on the time of a woman’s monthly cycle. When the balance between the “good” bacteria and the “bad” bacteria is upset, “bad” bacteria grow too fast and cause infections. Discharge may have a funny colour or a bad smell. Sometimes these “bad” bacteria and other germs that cause vaginitis can spread through sex.

Other things can upset the balance of the vagina too, like antibiotics (medicines), douching, tight pants, damp underwear, poor diet, vaginal products (sprays, lubricants, birth control devices), and pregnancy.

If you are diagnosed with vaginitis, keep your genital area clean and dry. Don’t douche or use feminine hygiene sprays or powders while being treated. Don’t have sexual relations while being treated.

After the visit with your gynaecologist, abstain from sexual intercourse until treatment is completed and symptoms subside.

Each type has a different cause and may present different symptoms, and more than one type of vaginitis may be present at one time (with or without symptoms). Several common symptoms of vaginitis include:

1. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (caused by the excess growth of bacteria in the vagina)
   • Abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odour. Some women report a strong fishy smell, especially after intercourse.
   •  Pastry vaginal discharge that may appear white or gray and it can be thin.
   • Burning during urination
   • Itching around the outside of the vagina

Many women may be asymptomatic, or have very mild symptoms that go unnoticed. The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis may resemble other conditions. Always consult your Gynaecologist  for a diagnosis.

2. Yeast infections (caused by the excess growth of yeast in the vagina)
   • Thick, whitish-gray “cottage cheese” type of vaginal discharge
   • Abnormal discharge, itching, irritation and redness of vulva
   • Possible burning upon urination due to urine passing over inflamed vulva
   • Discomfort and inconvenience may vary considerably
   • Other STIs such as HSV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea may cause similar symptoms (such as vaginal discharge)

3. Trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection caused by a protozoan)
   • Frothy, often musty-smelling vaginal discharge that may be yellow-green or gray .
   • Itching and irritation around the vagina and vulva
   • Burning with urination (sometimes confused with a urinary tract infection)
   • Discomfort during intercours

First, our doctors will assess the pH and consistency of your vaginal discharge. Urine tests and samples of any discharge will likely be done.

• During pelvic examination, your vagina and cervix will be inspected for any discharge or lesions. The size and location of the uterus and cervix will be determined, and assessed if you have pain or tenderness on movement of the cervix and uterus, or in the areas next to the uterus, which correspond to the Fallopian tubes and ovaries.

• During a vaginal examination, a speculum is introduced into the vagina to see the cervix. Swabs will be taken of any discharge to determine if the infection is fungal (yeast), protozoan (trichomoniasis), or bacterial (bacterial vaginosis). A sample of your vaginal discharge will be examined under a microscope to detect the presence of the organisms associated with vaginal infections.

• In some cases, a Pap test will be performed to exclude the possibility of cervical cancer. At Island Hospital, we used the BD SurePath liquid-based pap test, with results ready within 24hours.

• Certain blood tests can detect antibodies to the yeast-infection.

• If Trichomonas is present, and confirmed by laboratory tests, more tests will be carried out to determine other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

If you are diagnosed with vaginitis, keep your genital area clean and dry.

Do not douche or use feminine hygiene sprays or powders while being treated.

Do not have sexual relations while being treated.

Diagnosis is usually made based on your symptoms and results of urine tests and, occasionally, vaginal cultures (samples sent to the lab). Treatment is based on the organism causing the infection. Depending on the cause of the infection, you may be prescribed vaginal suppositories, antifungal pills, or antibiotics (as pills or an injection). Treatment varies depending on which form of vaginitis you have, the severity of infection, duration of infection, recurrence of infection, and whether you are pregnant or not.

Some of the infections will not go away with home care or over-the-counter medications. However, some conditions may require antibiotics. You must see your gynaecologists for diagnosis and treatment.

Click here for our list of Gynaecologist.

Treatment depends on the type of vaginitis. Treatment strategies include:

Bacterial vaginosis. Prescription antibiotics or vaginal gels/creams

Yeast infections. Antifungal cream or suppository inserted into the vagina, or oral antifungal medication. While over-the-counter treatments are more convenient and less costly than to the doctor’s visit, it’s best to see a healthcare professional the leading time you have symptoms to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Trichomoniasis. Prescription antibiotics is needed for the patient and her sexual partner. If you are diagnosed, you must avoid sexual contact until treatment is completed

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting vaginitis, including:

• Wash your vaginal area externally every day. Use mild soap. Rinse well and pat dry.
• Wipe your vagina and anus from front to back.
• Don’t douche, this can upset the natural balance of the vagina.
• Take antibiotics only when needed. Antibiotics can kill “good” bacteria.
• Limit the number of your sex partners. Always use condoms when having sexual intercourse.
• Wear cotton or cotton-lined underpants.
• Don’t wear tight pants and don’t wear pantyhose in hot weather.
• See your healthcare provider if you have any unusual discharge or smell.

Many women often mistakenly think they have a “yeast infection” and treat themselves when, in fact, they have a similar vaginal infection that will not respond to self-treatment with over-the-counter yeast medications. The important thing is not to guess, but to recognise the symptoms if you develop a vaginal infection. Vaginitis is rarely dangerous. In most women, it is easy to treat. But if you are pregnant, an infection may cause problems to you and your baby. Stop suffering!

While not all vaginal problems can be prevented, regular checkups can help ensure that problems affecting your vagina are diagnosed as soon as possible.

Make an appointment with our Gynaecologist for precise testing and to get the most appropriate and effective treatment right away. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from talking to your Gynaecologist about any concerns you might have about your vaginal health.