Vulvovaginitis It is an inflammation or infection of the vulva and vagina.
Causes, incidence and risk factors Vulvovaginitis can affect women of any age and is very common. It can be caused by bacteria, yeasts, viruses and other parasites can also be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, and various chemicals found in bubble baths, soaps and perfumes. Environmental factors such as poor hygiene and allergens may also cause this condition.
Candida albicans, which causes yeast infections, is one of the most common causes of vulvovaginitis in women of all ages. The use of antibiotics can lead to yeast infections by destroying the normal antifungal bacteria that live in the vagina. Yeast infections typically cause genital itching, a thick, white vaginal discharge and other symptoms. For more information see: vaginal yeast infection.
Another cause of vulvovaginitis is bacterial vaginosis, an overgrowth of certain types of bacteria in the vagina. This condition can cause a vaginal discharge thin, gray and a fishy odor.
Another common cause is a sexually transmitted disease infection known as vaginitis, which causes genital itching, vaginal odor, and heavy vaginal bleeding that may be yellow-green or green.
Bubble baths, soaps, vaginal contraceptives, feminine sprays, and perfumes can cause irritating itchy rashes in the genital area, while tight fitting or nonabsorbent clothing sometimes cause heat rashes.
Irritated tissue is more susceptible to infection than normal tissue and many infection-causing organisms thrive in environments that are warm, moist and dark. All these factors not only contribute to the cause of vulvovaginitis, they frequently prolong the recovery period.
Lack of postmenopausal estrogen can cause vaginal dryness and thinning of the skin of the vulva and vagina, which also lead to or worsen genital itching and burning.
Nonspecific vulvovaginitis (where you can not identify any cause) can be seen in all age groups but occurs most commonly in young girls before puberty. Once puberty begins, the vagina becomes more acidic, which helps prevent infection.
Nonspecific vulvovaginitis can occur in girls with poor genital hygiene and is characterized by a foul-smelling, brownish-green and irritation of the opening of the mouth and vagina. This condition is often associated with the proliferation of a type of bacteria is typically found in feces, which are sometimes spread from the rectum to the vaginal area by wiping from back to front after using the bathroom.
You should consider the possibility that there existed sexual abuse in children with unusual infections and recurrent episodes of unexplained vulvovaginitis. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the organism that causes gonorrhea, produces gonococcal vulvovaginitis in young girls. Gonorrhea related vaginitis is considered a sexually transmitted disease. If laboratory tests confirm this diagnosis, young girls should be evaluated for sexual abuse.
Symptoms * Irritation and itching in the genital area
* Inflammation (irritation, redness and swelling) of the labia majora, labia minora, or perineal area
* Vaginal discharge
* Foul vaginal odor
* Discomfort or burning when urinating
Exams and Tests Vaginal symptoms are best diagnosed by a doctor. If you have been diagnosed with a yeast infection in the past, try over-the-counter products. However, if symptoms do not disappear completely in about a week, be sure to contact your doctor, as many other infections have similar symptoms.
The doctor will perform a pelvic exam, which can show vulvar or vaginal skin red and sensitive. You must inspect any injury or ulceration.
Typically, you perform a wet prep (microscopic evaluation of vaginal discharge) to identify a vaginal infection or overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. In some cases, a culture of vaginal discharge may identify the organism causing the infection.
Treatment You can also use a cream containing cortisone to relieve some irritation. If an allergic reaction may also be prescribed an antihistamine. For women who have irritation and inflammation caused by low estrogen levels (postmenopausal) may prescribe a topical estrogen cream.
To help with the healing process and prevent future infections, it is necessary to improve perineal hygiene for those whose infections are caused by bacteria normally found in feces, for which they may be recommended sitz baths. Often it helps to allow the genital area is more airy, using cotton underwear (rather than nylon) or underwear with cotton lining in the crotch area allows greater air flow and decreases amount of moisture in the area. It can also be helpful to sleep without underwear.
Note: If you are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease, it is very important that both partners receive treatment also, even if symptoms are present. Many organisms do not produce noticeable symptoms. The refusal of the (s) partner (s) to accept treatment can cause continual reinfection, which may eventually (if neglected) lead to more extensive problems, possibly limiting fertility and affecting overall health.
Expectations (prognosis) Proper treatment of the infection is usually very effective.
Complications
* Persistent discomfort
* Skin infection (from scratching)
* Complications of causal condition (such as gonorrhea and candida infection)
Calling your health care Call your doctor if symptoms of vulvovaginitis or if known vulvovaginitis does not respond to treatment.
Prevention The use of a condom during sexual intercourse can prevent most sexually transmitted vaginal infections. The use of fitting and adequately absorbent clothing, combined with good hygiene of the genital area also prevents many cases of non-infectious vulvovaginitis.
Children should be taught how to properly clean the genital area while bathing or showering. Will also help clean properly after using the toilet (girls should always wipe from front to back to avoid introducing bacteria from the rectal area to the vagina).
Hands should be washed thoroughly before and after using the bathroom.
Alternative Names Vaginitis, vaginal inflammation, inflammation of the vagina
