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Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vaginal mucosa usually caused by a Candida albicans (a yeast), Trichomonas vaginalis (a protozoan) or Gardnerella (a bacterium), and rarely by other pathogens.
Significance
Bacterial vaginitis is initially harmless. However, it assists the production of dangerous germs (e.g. chlamydia) throughout the uterus into the fallopian tubes and ovaries. An advanced infection of this type can lead to infertility. Therefore the PH value is measured regularly at gynacological screenings, and a microbiological unstained preparation is applied, in order to recognize vaginitis. An infection via human papillomavirus (HPV) can eventually increase the risk of cervical carcinoma.
Symptoms
A woman with this condition may have itching or burning and may notice a discharge.
Causes
The color may be predictive of the causative agent. (ICD-10 codes for causative agents listed below.)
- () Candida Vaginitis Candidiasis usually causes a watery, white, cottage cheese like vaginal discharge. The discharge is irritating to the vagina and the surrounding skin.
- () Atrophic vaginitis (or "Senile Vaginitis") usually causes scant vaginal discharge with no odour, dry vagina and painful intercourse. These symptoms are usually due to decreased hormones usually occurring during and after menopause.
- () Bacterial Vaginitis Gardnerella usually causes a discharge with a fish-like odour. You may feel itching and irritation, but no pain with intercourse.
- () Trichonomas Vaginitis Trichomonas vaginalis usually causes a profuse discharge with a fish-like odour, pain upon urination, painful intercourse, and inflammation of the external genitals.
- () Herpes usually occurs as water blisters on the genital region, about one week after infection. There is tenderness, swollen glands, and fever. The water blisters are extremely painful and heal in about three weeks.
Women who have diabetes frequently develop vaginitis, often Candida Candida albicans more often than women who do not.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is with microscopy and culture of the discharge, and appropriate antibiotic or antifungal treatment.
External links
"Vaginitis"