Vaginitis

Bacterial Vaginitis (also called bacterial vaginosis, BV, gardnerella, hemophilus, non-specific vaginitis) BV is the most common cause of vaginitis. It is caused by an overgrowth of a number of organisms, such as gardnerella, mobiluncus, and bacteroides, which are normally present in the, and which have been cultured from both the male and female intestinal tracts. The overgrowth is often triggered by a change in the vaginal pH, from its normal acidic levels to a more alkaline one. This can be caused by menstruation, intercourse, or other factors.

Signs and symptoms: vaginal discharge which may stain clothing, may be mildly irritating, and which is often accompanied by a "fishy" odor, especially with urination or intercourse.

Diagnosis requires clinical > examination. A sample culture of the vaginal discharge is examined > under a microscope so the offending > organisms can be identified

While BV is generally nothing more than an annoyance, its presence and the resultant change in the normal vaginal pH and environment has been associated with increased risk for urinary tract infections, pelvic infections, infections following elective termination of pregnancy, and, in pregnant women, premature onset of labor, premature rupture of membranes, and postpartum infections

Effective antibiotics include metronidazole (Flagyl) and clindamycin (Cleocin). Both are available by a prescription either to be take as pills or applied as a vaginal cream.

Some clinicians feel it is important to treat both the patient and the partner, when the infection is recurrent. Both antibiotics can have side effects, and it is important to discuss them with your clinician and pharmacist.

Trichomonal Vaginitis (also called > trichomoniasis or trich) This infection is caused by a tiny one-celled organism that is usually acquired through sexual transmission, although occasionally picked up from wet towels, underwear, or sex toys that have been contaminated by infected body fluids.

Signs and symptoms usually appear between 3 and 28 days after infection, and they vary from very mild to severe. Vaginal discharge may be abundant, and yellow to greenish in color. It is very often, but not always, quite irritating, causing redness, swelling, itching, and burning of the vulva. The irritation may cause painful intercourse, painful urination, and even pelvic discomfort.

Some studies have found an increased risk of premature labor, or of being infected by other sexually transmitted organisms (such as Chlamydia) in women diagnosed with trichomoniasis

The most effective medication is metronidazole (Flagyl) taken orally either in a single dose or over several days. It is important that both you and your partner be treated, and that you clearly understand how to take the medication, and its possible side effects. Be sure to be tested for all other sexually transmitted infections at this time, and recommend the same testing to your partner

Yeast Infection (also called candidiasis or monilia vaginitis) Most women have the fungi responsible for yeast infection in their vagina, but the normal acidic environment prevents overgrowth and symptoms. Antibiotics, pregnancy, menstruation, oral contraceptives, and diabetes are some of the factors that can alter the normal pH and result in a yeast infection. Females can pass on a yeast infection to a female sexual partner, and sometimes to an uncircumsized male sexual partner.

Signs and symptoms include significant external redness, itching, burning, and pain with intercourse and urination. The discharge is often, but not always, thick white and similar to cottage cheese. Diagnosis requires clinical examination, microscopic evaluation, and may be supported by a culture.

Treatment includes numerous anti-fungal vaginal preparations available over the counter. These include miconazole (Monistat et al), clortrimazole (Gynelotrimin et al), and butaconazole nitrate (Femstat 3). Other vaginal preparations and oral anti-fungals may be prescribed for recurrent or complicated infections

Treatment is available without prescription, but self-diagnosis can be difficult. See your health care practitioner to make an initial diagnosis of candidia vaginitis. Healthy women should not have more than four infections in a year. It is important to be sure that the symptoms you are treating are from a yeast infection and not from something more serious. Use the medications according to the package directions, and contact your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Other Causes of Vagnitis may include:
allergy or irritation caused by tampons, panty liners, feminine hygiene products, douches, condoms, soaps, shampoos, bath products, cosmetics, lubricants and others; hormonal changes of early adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause; or other infections such as herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and genital warts

It is not unusual for more than one infection to be present simultaneously, and even with careful clinical examination,diagnosis and treatment is not always obvious or easy.

Do not ignore signs and symptoms that you feel are abnormal or that concern you. Work with your health care provider to resolve the problem.

A healthy vagina is a carefully balanced and delicate ecosystem. Normal secretions, made up of fluid from the vaginal walls and cervical glands, works to keep the vagina clean and maintain an acidic environment. This protects the vagina from an overgrowth of bacteria and other organisms that may be normal in the vagina, or that may be introduced from outside the vagina.

Almost every woman will have some sort of vaginitis at some time in her life, because this balance can be upset by: physiological functions such as ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause; medications including antibiotics and oral contraceptives; behaviors such as intercourse, douching, tampon use; and illnesses such as diabetes, cervicitis and others.

If you have a change in your normal vaginal secretions, or symptoms such as odor, genital itching or burning, painful intercourse, increased frequency or pain with urination, genital skin irritation or lesions, you may have vaginitis.

The only way to know definitely is to see a health care provider. Only an examination can tell what kind of vaginitis you have and what treatment is needed. It is also important to be sure your symptoms are not an indication of a more serious health problem.

Do not douche, use feminine hygiene products or tampons, or have intercourse within 24 hours before your examination. These can all interfere with making an accurate diagnosis.

Prevention
Sometimes no matter what you do, you will get a vaginal infection, but you can reduce your risk somewhat.

• Keep your vaginal area, including inside the folds of the vulva, clean and dry.
• Wash daily with a mild soap, rinse well, and pat dry or use your hair dryer.
• Wear cotton panties that absorb moisture, and sleep without panties.
• Avoid feminine hygiene products and douches, and strong detergent or perfumed soaps.
• Minimize the use of pantiliners, tampons, and pads, and avoid the brands with deodorant.
• Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent contaminating the vaginal area.
• Abstain from intercourse during treatment, and use condoms or dental dams in any sexual relationship.

For more information, call:
Busch/Livingston Health Center 732-445-3250
Livingston Campus (behind the Athletic Center)
110 Hospital Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8043


Hurtado Health Center 732-932-7402
College Avenue Campus (next to Clothier)
11 Bishop Place
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1180


Willets Health Center 732-932-9805
Douglass/Cook Campus (across Nichol Ave. from the bookstore)
11 Suydam Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901-2889


Camden Health Center 856-225-6005
Camden Campus (in the Student Center)
326 Penn Street
Camden, NJ 08102


Newark Health Center 973-353-5231
104 Blumenthal Hall (Student Services Building)
249 University Avenue
Newark, NJ 07102


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