MANAGEMENT OF VAGINITIS

SUMMARY:

Vaginitis is an irritation of the vagina. Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina

characterized by discharge, odor, irritation, and/or itching. If a woman has vaginitis, she
may have a bad-smelling fluid coming out of her vagina. She also may have itching or
burning in her vagina and genital area.
The cause of vaginitis may not always be determined adequately solely on the basis of
symptoms or a physical examination. For a correct diagnosis, a doctor should perform
laboratory tests including microscopic evaluation of vaginal fluid.
A woman with this condition may have itching or burning and may notice a discharge. In
general, these are symptoms of vaginitis:
• irritation and/or itching of the genital area
• inflammation (irritation, redness, and swelling caused by the presence of extra
immune cells) of the labia majora, labia minora, or perineal area
• vaginal discharge
• foul vaginal odor
• discomfort or burning when urinating
• pain/irritation with sexual intercourse
Infectious vaginitis accounts for 90% of all cases in reproductive age women and is
represented by the triad:
• Candidiasis: vaginitis caused by Candida albicans (a yeast).
• Bacterial vaginosis: vaginitis caused by Gardnerella (a bacterium).
• Trichomoniasis: vaginitis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (a parasite).

It can be caused by allergies to condoms, spermicides, soaps, perfumes, douches,

lubricants and semen. It can also be caused by hot tubs, abrasion, tissue, tampons or
topical medications.
The cause of the infection determines the appropriate treatment. It may include oral or
topical antibiotics and/or antifungal creams, antibacterial creams, or similar medications.
A cream containing cortisone may also be used to relieve some of the irritation. If an
allergic reaction is involved, an antihistamine may also be prescribed. For women who
have irritation and inflammation caused by low levels of estrogen (postmenopausal), a
topical estrogen cream might be prescribed.
Often, after an anti-infective treatment, the vaginal flora (aka Döderlein flora) is
disturbed. The cause is the reduced density of live flora (physiological barrier against
pathogens) and the reduction of the vaginal epithelium (physical barrier against
pathogens). As a result, post antiinfective treatment also requests the strengthening of
the natural vaginal flora, which is done with local administration of lactobacillus and
potentially low dose of hormone (e.g. estriol) to increase the proliferation of the epithelial
cells.

CONCLUSION: I therefore conclude that Aerobic vaginitis is associated with aerobic

micro-organisms, mainly group B streptococci and E. coli. Its characteristics are
different from those of bacterial vaginosis and elicit an important host response. The
most severe form of aerobic vaginitis equals desquamative inflammatory vaginitis. In
theory, aerobic vaginitis may be a better candidate than bacterial vaginosis as the
cause of pregnancy complications, such as ascending chorioamnionitis, preterm rupture
of the membranes and preterm delivery.

RECOMMENDATION:
• Eat a healthy diet comprising of fresh fruits and vegetables. Include flax seed oil
and meal in your diet. Eat non vegetarian foods like meat, poultry and fish. Eat
whole grains.

• Drink lots of water. Avoid alcohol, refined flour, processed foods, sugar, coffee
and saturated fats.

• Eat or apply plain yogurt directly to the vagina. Alternatively, a tampon soaked in
yogurt can be inserted.
• Garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic can be taken internally
or can be applied directly on the vagina.

• Practice good hygiene by keeping the vaginal area clean using a mild soap and
dry area well.

• Avoid douching and irritating agents such as harsh soaps and feminine hygiene
sprays. Douches can disrupt the normal balance of vaginal organisms and
should be avoided.

• Avoid spreading bacteria from the rectum to the vagina by wiping front to back
after going to the bathroom.

• Avoid tight jeans, panty hose without a cotton crotch and other clothing that can
trap moisture.
• Practice abstinence or safe sex and avoid multiple partners. Latex condoms,
when used consistently and correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of
STDs.

• Use well washed under garments.

• Maintain good toilet hygiene.
• Clean your vagina area thoroughly after having sex.
• Take care to clean the anal area from front to back to prevent the intestinal
bacteria from spreading into the vagina.
Toledo, Rose Anne L.
BSN 2y2-7
Mr. JERICO ALICANTE