Vaginitis
This condition is also known as vaginal infection. Women are more susceptible to getting vaginitis if they have diabetes, take antibiotics, are under emotional stress or are pregnant. Women who take birth control pills and women who douche are also more susceptible to vaginal infections.
Symptoms
Vaginitis is usually characterized by inflammation of the vaginal walls and the surrounding genital areas. Common symptoms include unusual discharge, odor, itching and burning sensation.
Treatment
If you think you might have a vaginal infection, it is best to see a doctor for a professional diagnosis. The symptoms related to vaginal infections are also characteristics of other sexually transmitted diseases, so it is necessary for a doctor to make sure that it is a vaginal infection before you start treatment. Treatments typically involve the injection of creams into the vagina, although there are now oral treatments available that involve taking a pill. It is important to know that vaginal infections can be passed form partner to partner (even to males), so it might be necessary for both partners to be treated in order for the infection to be cured completely. It might also be wise to discontinue sexual contact until the infection is gone.
Prevention
Wear cotton underwear instead of nylon underwear because nylon traps heat and moisture, which creates an environment suitable for bacterial growth.
Added 04/30/2007Created March 6, 2006, last updated September 21, 2007
