VAGINITIS |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Irritation, infection or inflammation of the vagina. These are slightly more common in women athletes than in the female population at large.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Vaginal discharge, with or without an unpleasant odor.
Swollen, red, tender vaginal lips (labia) and surrounding skin.
Burning on urination, if urine touches inflamed tissue.
Change in vaginal color from pale-pink to red.
Genital itching and pain.
Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS FOR IRRITATION:
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Friction of clothing, especially tight clothing, that rubs against the skin or mucous membranes in the vaginal area. This occurs often in sports such as cycling, gymnastics or horseback riding. FOR INFECTION:
When the vagina's hormone and pH balance is disturbed, germs multiply and cause infection. Germs may be yeast, fungi, parasites or bacteria. Factors that may disturb the vagina's balance include:
Pregnancy.
Diabetes mellitus.
Use of oral contraceptives.
High intake of simple carbohydrates.
Non-ventilating clothing or underwear made from man-made fibers, which increases dark- ness, moisture and warmth in the vaginal area.
Hot weather.
Immunosuppression from drugs or disease, including antibiotic treatment.
HOW TO PREVENT
Take showers rather than tub baths.
Shower and dry off carefully after any vigorous physical activity.
Wear cotton panties or pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid panties made from non-ventilating materials.
Don't sit around in wet clothing--especially a wet bathing suit.
Avoid frequent douches.
When you take antibiotics, ask your doctor about eating yogurt, sour cream or buttermilk containing active cultures, or taking acidophilus tablets.
After urination or bowel movements, cleanse by wiping or washing from front to back (vagina to anus), never back to front.
Lose weight if you are obese.
If you have diabetes, adhere strictly to your treatment program.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Medical history and physical exam (including pelvic exam) by a doctor.
Laboratory studies, such as a Pap smear, and culture and microscopic exam of the vaginal discharge.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS
Vaginal irritation usually disappears once the irritant is removed.
Vaginal infection is usually curable with 2 weeks of medication. Recurrence is common.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSSpread of infection from vagina or skin surrounding the genitals to other female organs (cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries).
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTYou may need to visit your doctor for application of special medication to the vagina.
HOME TREATMENT
Follow the first 5 instructions under How to Prevent.
Don't douche unless your doctor recommends it.
If urination burns, urinate through a tubular device, such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the end cut out, or urinate while bathing.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Antibiotics, hormones or topical cortisone cream or ointment.
Antifungal drugs, either in oral form (rare) or in vaginal creams or suppositories (usually). Keep creams or suppositories in the refrigerator.
ACTIVITY
For irritation, modify athletic activity if causes and risk factors have been eliminated and intolerable irritation persists.
For infection, avoid overexertion, heat and excessive sweating during treatment. Delay sexual relations until symptoms cease.
DIETIncrease consumption of yogurt, acidophilus milk, buttermilk or sour cream.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of vaginitis.
Symptoms worsen or persist longer than 1 week despite treatment.
Unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling develops.
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