VAGINITIS, BACTERIAL

General Information

DEFINITION--Vaginitis means infection or inflammation of the vagina. Nonspecific vaginitis implies that any of several infecting germs, including Gardnerella, Escherichia coli, Mycoplasma, streptococci or staphylococci, have caused the infection. These infections are contagious.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Vagina; urethra; bladder; skin around the genitals.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Female adolescents and adults of all ages; most often occurs during reproductive years.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Severity of the following symptoms varies between women and from time to time in the same woman:

• Vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant odor.
• Genital swelling, burning and itching.
• Vaginal discomfort.
• Change in vaginal color from pale pink to red.
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse.

CAUSES--

The organisms normally present in the vagina can multiply and cause infection when the pH and hormone balance of the vagina and surrounding tissue are disturbed. E. coli bacteria normally inhabit the rectum and can cause infection if spread to the vagina. The following conditions increase the likelihood of infections:

• General poor health.
• Hot weather, non-ventilating clothing, especially underwear, or any other condition that increases genital moisture, warmth and darkness. These foster the growth of germs.
• Poor hygiene (sometimes).

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Diabetes mellitus.
• Menopause.
• Illness that has lowered resistance.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Keep the genital area clean. Use plain unscented soap. Be sure sexual partner is clean.
• Take showers rather than tub baths.
• Wear cotton underpants or pantyhose with a cotton crotch.
• Don't sit around in wet clothing, especially a wet bathing suit.
• After urination or bowel movements, cleanse by wiping or washing from front to back (vagina to anus).
• Lose weight if you are obese.
• Avoid vaginal douches, deodorants and bubble baths.
• If you have diabetes, adhere strictly to your treatment program.
• Change tampons or pads frequently.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam (including pelvic exam) by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as a Pap smear (See Glossary) and culture of the vaginal discharge.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Drug therapy will be directed to the specific organism. Your sexual partner may need treatment also. It is best not to do self-treatment for the disorder until the specific cause is determined.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Discomfort and decreased pleasure with sexual activity.
• May indicate an underlying disorder, such as diabetes.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable in 2 weeks with treatment. Your sexual partner will need treatment also.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Don't douche unless prescribed for you.
• If urinating causes burning, urinate through a tubular device, such as a toilet-paper roll or plastic cup with the end cut out, or pour a cup of warm water over genital area while you urinate.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Antibiotics or antifungals to treat the infection.
• Soothing vaginal creams or lotions for nonspecific forms of vaginitis.

ACTIVITY--Avoid overexertion, heat and excessive sweating. Delay sexual relations until after treatment.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of vaginitis.
• Symptoms persist longer than 1 week or worsen, despite treatment.
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or swelling develops.