Vaginitis (Yeast Infection or Bacterial Infection) Chicagoland

Vaginitis is described medically as infection that causes irritation, and/or inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis is a very common disease affecting millions of women each year. Yeast infections are one cause of vaginitis. Patient typically has a discharge, itching, burning, and possibly pain. The three most common vaginal infections are bacterial vaginosis (BV), Candida vaginitis (yeast infection) and trichomonas vaginitis (“trich”). Vaginitis should be diagnosed by a health care professional and can be easily treated. Nearly every woman gets vaginitis at some point in her life. Sometimes it is caused by a yeast infection, but it also has many other causes. Yeast infections and vaginitis are some of the most common reasons why women see a doctor.

What causes Vaginitis?

Vaginitis may be caused by bacteria, yeast, or other organisms. Bath products, douches, and spermicides also can irritate the vagina and cause itching and discomfort.

What is Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Yeast is a fungus that normally lives in the vagina in small numbers. A vaginal yeast infection means that too many yeast cells are growing in the vagina. These infections are very common. Although they can bother you a lot, they are not usually serious. And treatment is simple.

What causes a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Most yeast infections are caused by the yeast called Candida Albicans. A healthy vagina has many bacteria and a small number of yeast cells. The most common bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, help keep other organisms-like the yeast under control. Sometimes taking antibiotics, diabetes and other health conditions cause the yeast to grow too much and cause symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Yeast infection?

A yeast infection causes itching or soreness in the vagina, sometimes burning when you urinate. Some women also have a thick, white discharge that has no odor and looks a little like cottage cheese.

Can Vaginal Yeast Infections be prevented?

You can prevent yeast infections by making sure that your genital area stays clean and dry. Wear cotton, not nylon, underwear, and avoid tight-fitting pants and panty hose. After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading yeast and other bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Use mild and unscented soaps, avoid scented products and deodorant tampons.

Is there a Treatment for Vaginitis?

Yes. Vaginitis is usually easy to treat. The type of treatment depends on the type of vaginitis and how severe your symptoms are. Therefore it is very important to see a doctor to be sure you are using the right treatment for your condition. Also, some kinds of vaginitis have no symptoms so it is important to have regular gynecologic exams.

Is Vaginitis Spread During sex?

Some of the infections such as Trichomoniasis also cause vaginitis. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a small organism (parasite) called Trichomonas vaginalis. Women are most often affected by this disease, although men can become infected and pass the infection on to their partners through sexual contact. This disease is also treated with antibiotics.

Last Updated on October 14, 2018 by admin