Vaginitis

Not to be confused with Vaginismus.

Vaginitis
Other namesVulvovaginitis, vaginal infection, vaginal inflammation[1]
Pronunciation
SpecialtyGynecology
SymptomsItching, burning, pain, discharge, bad smell[1]
CausesInfections (bacterial vaginosis, vaginal yeast infection, trichomoniasis), allergic reactions, low estrogen[2]
Diagnostic methodBased on examination, measuring the pH, culturing the discharge[3]
Differential diagnosisInflammation of the cervix, pelvic inflammatory disease, cancer, foreign bodies[3]
TreatmentBased on the cause[1]
Frequency~33% of women (at some point)[4]

Vaginitis, also known as vulvovaginitis, is inflammation of the vagina and vulva.[4][5] Symptoms may include itching, burning, pain, discharge, and a bad smell.[1] Certain types of vaginitis may result in complications during pregnancy.[1]

The three main causes are infections, specifically bacterial vaginosis, vaginal yeast infection, and trichomoniasis.[2] Other causes include allergies to substances such as spermicides or soaps or as a result of low estrogen levels during breast-feeding or after menopause.[2] More than one cause may exist at a time.[2] The common causes vary by age.[3] Prepubescent girls are often at risk for development of vulvovaginitis because of low amounts of estrogen and an underdeveloped labia minora.[6][7]

Diagnosis generally include examination, measuring the pH, and culturing the discharge.[3] Other causes of symptoms such as inflammation of the cervix, pelvic inflammatory disease, cancer, foreign bodies, and skin conditions should be ruled out.[3]

Treatment depends on the underlying cause.[1] Infections should be treated.[3] Sitz baths may help with symptoms.[3] Soaps and feminine hygiene products such as sprays should not be used.[3] About a third of women have vaginitis at some point in time.[4] Women of reproductive age are most often affected.[4]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Vaginitis". NICHD. 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d "What causes vaginitis?". NICHD. 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "Overview of Vaginitis". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. May 2018. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  4. ^ a b c d "Vaginitis". ACOG. September 2017. Retrieved October 14, 2018.
  5. ^ Ferri FF (2016). Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2017 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 1333. ISBN 9780323448383.
  6. ^ Beyitler İ, Kavukcu S (April 2017). "Clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of vulvovaginitis in girls: a current approach and review of the literature". World Journal of Pediatrics. 13 (2): 101–105. doi:10.1007/s12519-016-0078-y. PMID 28083751. S2CID 23511706.
  7. ^ Romano ME (September 2020). "Prepubertal Vulvovaginitis". Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 63 (3): 479–485. doi:10.1097/GRF.0000000000000536. PMID 32282354. S2CID 215758924.