The condition of vaginitis is considered to be an inflammation of the vagina and vaginal area. It may cause discharge, pain, itching, and an infection of vulva. Usually vaginitis is caused by another infection. There are three different types of vaginitis. These are called vaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. Women who are affected by vaginitis may experience any combination of vaginal infections during the same time. There are many different symptoms which are known to arise, though they depend greatly on the type of infection that the individual is experiencing. There are also many vaginitis infections which do not provide any symptoms at all. The testing for vaginal infections is generally not part of a pelvic exam, so women are told not to assume that their doctor will automatically recognize the infection and provide treatment without being informed of the presence of an infection.
Women who are affected by vaginitis may be experiencing burning or itching around the general area. Some are going to notice discharge, which may resemble cottage cheese or have a strange odor. However, there are also other symptoms, which generally suggest that a woman should visit the doctor for an examination. These symptoms can include a bad vaginal odor, irritation or pain during sexual intercourse, irritation of the genital area, inflammation, swelling, and uncomfortable discharge. Vaginitis can affect women of all ages and tends to be very common. There are many different causes for this type of condition. Sometimes there are physical elements which can make a woman more likely to get an infection. This can include using scented tampons, birth control pills, antibiotics, and too much sugar and yeast within the diet. Other causes for vaginitis can include allergies, irritation, hormonal changes, foreign bodies, and diabetes. In fact, women who have diabetes are more likely to experience vaginitis than those who do not.
Women who suspect that they may have vaginitis are recommended to tell their doctors because there is no specific test that is ran regularly in order to help determine whether or not a woman may have the infection. By notifying the doctor, related tests can be ran and the doctor can make a solid diagnosis on the infection. When vaginitis is not treated or is treated incorrectly, it can lead to further complications, which can become severe at times. This is especially likely for women who are pregnant. Some of the complications that are related can be skin infections from scratching, discomfort, and complications of the causative condition, like gonorrhea. In order to prevent the infection, good hygiene is recommended, as is the avoidance of douching.