ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Vaginitis

What is vaginitis?

4 May 2021

When the vagina is inflamed, either due to an infection or due to an alteration in the bacterial population typical of this area, we are facing vaginitis, which produces burning, pain, and abnormal flow. Vaginitis is common after menopause when estrogen begins to decline. 

Types of vaginitis:

  • Bacterial: it is the most frequent and its origin is due to the imbalance of the bacteria that populate the vagina and that as long as they remain at a normal level do not cause problems.
  • Candidiasis: an infection caused by Candida albicans, a fungus found in the vagina.
  • Trichomoniasis: is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.

Signs and symptoms Vaginitis

  • Itch.
  • Burning.
  • Painful intercourse.
  • Abundant vaginal discharge.
  • Foul smell.
  • Greyish, white, or yellow discoloration of the vaginal discharge, depending on the cause of infection.
  • Painful urination.
  • Light bleeding.

If you experience any of these symptoms, go to your gynecologist to diagnose you and prescribe the appropriate treatment, thus avoiding possible complications. 

Potential risks for contracting vaginitis:

  • Having a sexually transmitted disease.
  • Some drugs.
  • Application of spermicides.
  • Diabetes.
  • Wearing too-tight clothing.
  • Wear artificial fiber underwear.
  • Use chemical vaginal hygiene products.
  • Hormonal imbalances.
  • Active sex life.

Diagnosis and treatment Vaginitis

Once your gynecologist analyzes your symptoms and your clinical history, they will perform a physical examination that will include a vaginal exam, where they will take a discharge sample to be analyzed in the laboratory and will perform a pH test. When determining the diagnosis of vaginitis, the treatment will depend on the cause of infection:

  • Bacteria: oral and vaginal antibiotics.
  • Fungi and yeasts: oral and vaginal antifungals.
  • Trichomoniasis: antiparasitics.
  • Vaginal atrophy: oral and vaginal estrogen therapy.
  • Irritation vaginitis: the symptom-generating agent is identified and avoided.

Comprehensive women’s health is our priority at the Women’s Center, so we offer services focused on women in all their chronological stages with the highest standards of care to improve their quality of life, through a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services.

It has three specialized units:

Related centers and departments Vaginitis

Women’s Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • fesemi.org
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medlineplus.gov
  • topdoctors.es
  • plannedparenthood.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Montesinos-Peña NE, Hernández-Valencia M, Delgado-Enciso I, et al. Evaluación de un gel antiséptico de aplicación intravaginal para pacientes con infecciones cervicovaginales multitratadas. Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2019;87(07):454-466.
  • Martínez RA, Ortega SJL, Cervantes FM, et al. Aislamiento de microorganismos de casos clínicos de infección vaginal y su susceptibilidad antibacteriana. Enf Infec Microbiol. 2018;38(1):6-11.
  • Llanes RM, González RO, Sánchez ML, et al. Prevalencia de Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans y Gardnerella vaginalis en mujeres sin síntomas de vaginitis. Revista de Ciencias Médicas de la Habana. 2014;20(2):164-174.
  • García-Agudo L, de la Calle IJ, Román EM, et al. Diagnosis of vaginitis-vaginosis by hibridization with DNA strands. Ginecol Obstet Mex. 2013;81(04):195-200.

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