Bacteria Vaginitis and its Treatments

Bacteria vaginitis can be various conditions that cause inflammation or infection of the vagina. The infection or inflammation can be a result of organisms like bacteria, viruses or yeast. It can also be caused by irritation to the area like sprays, chemicals and even clothing. In addition to these two main areas, organisms exchanged during sex can also result in bacteria vaginitis.

Symptoms of bacteria vaginitis differ based on the cause, and can also be present without any symptoms. When they are present the most common include: an abnormal discharge coming from that vagina that is accompanied with an unpleasant odor, a burning sensation while urinating, itching around the outside of the vagina and the experience of pain and/or discomfort while having sex.

It is normal for a woman's vagina to produce a slightly cloudy or clear discharge that is also odorless and non-irritating. At the time of a normal menstrual cycle, the discharge itself can change in consistency, leading to the possibility of the discharge being a thin, small amount or even watery sometimes, while being more extensive and thicker at other times. Each of them is completely normal.

When there is an odor or irritation accompanying a vaginal discharge, it is abnormal. Irritation can include itching, burning or the combination of the two. Often itching is experienced at any time of day, but most irritating or noticeable at night. Sexual intercourse typically makes any and all symptoms substantially worse. Women who experience a change in her discharge relating to its smell, the amount or begins to have symptoms like those described, should see their doctor.

The most common types of Vaginal Infections include: yeast infections, trichomoniasis vaginitis, bacteria vaginosis, chlamydia vaginitis and viral vaginitis.

Since self-diagnosis is not always easy or accurate, it is important to see a doctor. While many will schedule to see a physician if they are having symptoms, an infection may exist without any symptoms, which is why it is important to keep up with your health no matter how well you feel.

Although each of these vaginal infections can have different symptoms, it is not always easy for a woman to figure out which type she has. In fact, diagnosis can even be tricky for an experienced doctor. Part of the problem is that sometimes more than one type of infection can be present at the same time. And, an infection may even be present without any symptoms at all. If bacteria vaginitis isn't treated in a timely manner, it can become serious and cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), cervicitis, endometritis, pregnancy complications and post-operative infection.

Non-infectious vaginitis is an allergic reaction or irritation from fabric softeners, detergents, soaps, spermicidal products, douching, and vaginal sprays.

What treatments are available for bacteria vaginitis?

In order for a treatment to work, the type of vaginitis has to be determined, this will allow for the correct treatment to be applied and/or prescribed. With that in mind, various types are listed below along with the currently known treatment.

Yeast infections are typically treated with a suppository that is placed inside the vagina or an anti-yeast cream. While there are numerous over-the-counter remedies, health care providers can and often do write prescriptions that can be filled at any pharmacy. Although a prescription isn't required for over-the-counter treatments, it is recommended that you see a physician so they can determine that the infection is indeed a "yeast" infection. Bacterial vaginosis has no over-the-counter treatment there is an antibiotic that must be prescribed by a health care provider. The antibiotic works by eliminating the "bad" bacteria and not disturbing, or leaving, the "good" bacteria.

Vaginitis that has been transmitted via sexual intercourse should be treated by a health care provider urgently. Until a visit to a health care provider has taken place and all necessary actions and precautions are in place so that no one else can be infected, sexual contact should be completely avoided in order to prevent transmitting it to a sexual partner.

Trichomoniasis and Chlamydia are both treated with antibiotics that are prescribed by a health care provider. Although genital herpes and HPV are not curable (to date), they can be controlled with medications.

Non-infectious vaginitis can be eliminated when the products that are causing the allergic reaction and/or irritation are no longer being used. However, most health care providers can prescribe something to get rid of the reaction that has already taken place. Most will offer a prescription for this reason, since a visit to verify that it is indeed non-infectious vaginitis will be necessary.

 

Since each form of bacteria vaginitis is handled differently, so the importance of seeing a health care provide cannot be expressed enough. It is imperative that you are diagnosed properly in order to get the correct remedy prescribed. It is also recommended that women be seen annually for preventive measure if they don't have any symptoms, because each infection can be symptomless.

 

Can bacteria vaginitis be prevented?

In order to decrease the chances of getting bacteria vaginitis (or any form of vaginitis), it is suggested that you: avoid frequently occurring yeast infections, and try to avoid clothes that cause heat and moisture to form like nylon panties, and tight jeans, avoid sprays, creams and douches in order to not risk killing the "good" bacteria and to reduce your chances of becoming irritated.

Femanol is providing the above article as a courtesy and is for informational purpose only.