Vaginitis - a term used to describe a number of diseases associated with infection and inflammation of the vagina. Vulvovaginitis - an inflammation and vagina, and vulva. Vaginitis may become causes infections caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses. Furthermore, vaginitis may result from irritation due to exposure to chemicals, and certain types of cosmetics. Even underwear sometimes causes vaginitis. In some cases, vaginitis is caused by germs that are spread from person to person during sexual intercourse.

Symptoms of vaginitis

Vaginitis can cause very different symptoms - they depend on the cause of infection or inflammation. Some women have no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms of vaginitis are:

• abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor;
• burning during urination;
• burning sensation in the vagina;
• discomfort during intercourse.

What are normal vaginal discharge

One of the reasons why many women are suffering from vaginitis, a long time do not go to the doctor, it is that they do not know how to properly "read" the signals of the disease which takes the body. The most common symptom of vaginitis is a change in the nature of menses, but not all the time to understand that the secretions that something is wrong.

Normally produced in the vagina discharge, which is usually described as a slightly turbid, whitish, with no strong odor and does not cause irritation. During the normal menstrual cycle The normal menstrual cycle: the main feature of women's health   The void volume and their consistency changes: there may be more or less, they may become thicker or liquid - all of this is the norm.

Any abnormal vaginal discharge with strong odor, unusual color and / or causing a burning sensation. One of the most unpleasant symptoms of vaginitis is just burning - it can be present continuously or occur from time to time, but in many patients it is especially strong at night, causing sleep disturbance.

If you notice that the character of vaginal discharge has changed, it is not necessary to delay the visit to the doctor and hope that everything goes by itself - go for an examination as soon as possible.

Treatment

The key to successful treatment of vaginitis - correct diagnosis. It is not always easy because the same symptoms can have different types of vaginitis (viral, bacterial, fungal). To facilitate and speed up the process of diagnosis, as detailed as possible describe the doctor your symptoms, including - color, smell and texture of vaginal discharge when there is a burning sensation in the vagina (eg, after intercourse), and so on. Do not douche before the visit to the gynecologist. Some doctors one day before the examination is also recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse.

The method of treatment will depend on the results of diagnosis, during which must be installed cause of vaginitis. If you were diagnosed with a fungal infection appointed antifungal ointments, suppositories or oral preparations. In some patients the symptoms of fungal infections soon after treatment reappear. In such cases, the physician may prescribe the patient a drug that it should be used when re-emergence of symptoms of infection without first consulting your doctor.

Some women who have symptoms of vaginitis appear regularly on their own to buy non-prescription antifungal agents. In many cases, they are very effective, but it must be remembered that such drugs can destroy only a limited number of species of fungal organisms that cause vaginitis. In some infections require more potent prescription drugs.

If you use for the treatment of vaginitis OTC drugs, carefully read the attached instructions, and exactly follow the recommendations listed therein. Do not stop using the product ahead of time only because the symptoms have disappeared vaginitis.

In the following cases it is necessary to see a doctor:

• Vaginitis symptoms persist even after treatment with these or other OTC drugs (or drugs that are prescribed by a doctor).
• Shortly after the end of treatment the symptoms reappear.
• Do you have a serious illness, such as diabetes.
• You are pregnant.
• You suspect that the infection may have been infected with sexually transmitted.

The physician should not just conduct a survey, make analyzes and prescribe medicine, but to tell you whether you need to abstain from sexual intercourse during treatment, whether treatment of your partner, whether you can use vaginal suppositories, ointments or during menstruation. If you are interested in any more questions, do not hesitate to ask.

For the treatment of non-infectious vaginitis is necessary to eliminate its possible cause. For example, if shortly before the onset of symptoms of vaginitis you have started to use a new detergent, rinse, soap, scented pads or other hygienic means, try to give them up. It is important to eliminate potential causes of vaginitis by one, and wait a few days to see results - or make sure that there are no results. In the latter case it is necessary to eliminate other possible causes of vaginitis.

If during the diagnosis of the doctor determines that a violation of vaginitis caused by hormonal, for the treatment can be administered with an estrogen cream or estrogen medications for regular use.

Prevention of vaginitis

There are several ways to prevent vaginitis:

• If you regularly develops vaginitis caused by a fungal infection, do not wear nylon underwear, avoid tight-fitting clothing and use panty liners - all this helps to create a moist and warm environment is very favorable for the reproduction of fungi.
• It is equally important to observe good personal hygiene.
• Some data suggest that eating yogurt with probiotics reduces the likelihood of vaginitis.
• Do not use vaginal deodorants and scented shower gels - they can cause severe irritation of the mucous membranes. Do not douche - it is not only irritating, but also hides some of the symptoms of vaginal infections.
• Use condoms, or have sex with only one reliable partner.
• When estrogen levels drop because of the approaching menopause or removal of the ovaries, to prevent vaginitis and other disorders can be recommended intake of drugs containing estrogen.
• Have regular medical check-in time to identify the infection, which can lead to vaginitis.

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