When the vaginal lining and the folds of skin around vaginal and urethral openings are inflamed, there is burning sensation and itching in genital area and an abnormal discharge is released. Repeated bouts are common and the condition can be uncomfortable and painful.
Symptoms And Causes Of Vaginitis
Some of the most common symptoms of Vaginitis infection include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge is the most common symptom.
- Irritation and itchy sensation around the vaginal area is also a common symptom of Vaginitis.
- In Bacterial Vaginitis – Mild irritation or burning of the vulva and vagina often without itching or redness; thin watery discharge often with an unpleasant odor, grayish white or yellow in color and heavier than usual.
- In yeast infection, odorless, thick, white discharge with burning and itching sensation.
- In parasitic infection, during urination there is itching and pain in vagina and vulva, swelling and redness of the vulva, discharge has intense-unpleasant odor and is yellowish-gray or green tinged.
Causes Of Vaginitis
- Infection is the main cause of vaginitis. Bacterial infection is caused by bacterial multiplication and can be spread by sexual contacts.
- Yeast infections are caused by fungus and women who take antibiotics and have weakened immune system are most affected.
- Infection caused by parasitic organism and spread through sexual contacts is called Trichomoniasis.
- Besides allergic reactions to medicine; perfumes, soaps, latex condoms and hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause are other factors.
How To Prevent Vaginitis, Vaginal Infection And Itching?
- Vagina cleans itself naturally so do not use artificial methods. Avoid using scents and sprays to cover unpleasant odor.
- Wear loose cotton clothes and undergarments.
- Daily use an unscented mild soap, to wash vaginal area and dry it thoroughly.
- After a bowel movement wipe form front to back to avoid spreading bacteria.
- If you have recurrent infections, have multiple sex partners and are undergoing treatment for vaginitis, finish the course first and then follow any other instructions.
Vaginitis treatment includes application of yeast cream, anti-fungal medication creams and antibiotics depending upon the type and severity of the vagnitis infection.
- Related Topics
- Vaginal Itching | Home Remedies, Treatment for Vaginal Itching
- Vaginal Dryness Home Remedies | Preventing Vaginal Dryness
- Pruritus Vulvae Causes: Natural Cure for Vaginal Itching or Pruritus Vulvae
- Vaginal Douche Recipes and Uses | Herbal Vaginal Douching
- Vaginal Odor Treatment during Pregnancy | Stop Vaginal Odor
I have been having heavier vaginal discharge off late. The discharge also smells and has a light yellow color. I have slight irritation and itching sensation around the vagina. Is this vaginitis?
Are there any home remedies for vaginitis?
How can I prevent Vaginitis?
Hi Sarah: You may be infected with vaginitis. At least the symptoms you described looks like it is vaginitis.
Preventing Vaginitis
1. Wear cotton underpants, and avoud wearing underpants while sleeping. You need to keep your vaginal area aerated.
2. Do not rub with a towel after you bathe. Gently tap the vaginal area, as it may irritate later.
3. Do not wear tight fitting pants or swimming suits.
4. After toilet, wipe from front to back. Do not rub from back to front as you risk spreading any bacteria from your rectal area towards your vaginal thus causing some vaginal infection.
5. Do not wear anyone else’s underpants.
6. If you suspect your fabric softener to cause the itching near your vagina, change it.
Home Remedies for Vagnitis: Vaginal Infection
1. Apply plain yogurt to the vaginal area. Clean with water later and gently tap the area dry. do this for about 2 to 3 days and check if this has cured the vaginal infection.
2. Apply garlic directly to the affected area. Garlic is known to counter bacterial and fungal infections. Paste the garlic and apply to the bacterial affected vaginal area.
3. Soak a tea bag and cool it. Apply to the affected area.
These are some natural home treatment for vaginitis that I am aware of. I have read that these have been effective in curing the bacterial vaginal infections.
Everytime I have menstruation I have this brown smelly discharge as the menstruation ends. Then after that, I have this white thick discharge that turns yellowish after it dries up. I am worried about this because I never had any sexual contact. Is this can be a sign of infection?
Some times there may be a residual discharge after normal menstrual cycle is over, it is brownish in color. Thick white discharge, can be due to hormonal changes. Do you suffer from itching or burning in vagina? If you have itching or burning it may be due to infection. In that case you need to get examined by a gynecologist.