Vaginitis refers to the infection, swelling, burning, and itching in the vagina, discomforts that may affect adversely affect the person’s performance of her activities of daily living. In this regard, the following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and remedies for the condition.
Causes
Vaginitis has various causes. According to Medical News Today, infection is associated with the disorder and examples include parasitic infection, chlamydia, herpes, campylobacter, mycoplasma, gonorrhea, candidiasis, tricomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis. Also, streptococcus spp is the cause of bacterial vaginosis in pre-pubescent girls while Gardnerella is the main cause of the disease in post-pubescent females. Such infection may be secondary to improper hygiene or other vaginal irritants from the anal region. As per the publication, these include lack of labial fats, estrogen, and public hair, not to mention that the vagina is proximal to the anus. In addition, vaginitis may be due to allergic reactions, such as soaps, perfumes, douches, topical agents, lubricants, tampons, condoms, and semen.
Signs and Symptoms
Vaginitis presents several symptoms. According to Mayo Clinic, these include vaginal itching or irritation, painful irritation, light vaginal bleeding or spotting, pain during intercourse, and change in the color, amount, and odor of discharge from the vagina. As per the publication, associated symptoms include greenish-yellow or frothy discharge (trichomoniasis), cheesy white and thick discharge (yeast infection or Candidiasis), or fishy-smell discharge after sexual intercourse (bacterial vaginosis). As per the publication, the person should seek medical consult if foul vaginal odor, itching, and discharge are present, as well as pelvic pain, fever, and chills.
Home Remedies
While treatment for vaginitis includes antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiotics, home remedies can also be applied to manage the condition.
Yogurt
One remedy for vaginitis is yogurt. According to Authority Remedies, it is a top remedy for bacterial vaginitis, since it contains lactobacilli, which help combat the invading bacteria in the vaginal area. In addition, yogurt helps maintain a person’s pH level, in addition to decreasing the person’s discomforts. To use, as per the publication, a tampon is used to apply yogurt inside he vagina for few hours. The remedy can be done two times a day. Also, it is best to consume the yogurt on a daily basis.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another remedy for yogurt is apple cider vinegar. Since vinegar is a form of a weak acid, the remedy is capable of killing microbes that are sensitive to acid. Thus, it can restore the balance between the good and bad bacteria in the body. According to Enki Village, the person adds apple cider vinegar to water. Then, the solution is used to douche once a day until the resolution of the infection. As an option, as per the publication, the person may add a cup of the vinegar to a bath and soak there for about half an hour.
Prevention
Prevention is better than cure. According to Mayo Clinic, vaginitis can be prevented by avoiding whirlpool spas, hot tubs, and baths, as well as irritants like scented soaps, douches, pads, and scented tampons. As per the publication, the person should also rinse soap from her outer genital area following a shower and then dries it thoroughly to prevent irritation. To add, the proper practice for perineal hygiene includes wiping from front to back after using the toilet, as this prevents bacterial spread to the vagina.
Vaginitis is a condition that brings discomfort to a person, enough to interfere with her daily activities and affect her general health state. Thus, it is essential to seek medical consult with a health professional for adequate assessment, planning, intervention, education, and evaluation.
