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Women's Health
Vaginitis
What Is Vaginitis?1 Vaginitis is an inflammation of the lining of the vagina, often causing itching, pain, a burning sensation and a vaginal discharge. A variety of bacteria, micro-organisms and yeast co-exist in the vagina, and infection occurs when the normal vaginal balance is disturbed.
There are several different kinds of vaginitis, each with their own causes and symptoms:
Yeast infections
Candida or 'yeast' infections
Probably the most common form of vaginitis, which occurs when too much of the fungus Candida grows in the vagina. This causes a thick, white discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese, and is accompanied by itching, swelling and redness of the vaginal tissues.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial vaginosis
The most common infection in women of reproductive age, caused by an overgrowth of bacteria usually present in the vagina. The symptoms are a minimally irritating, grey-white discharge which has an unpleasant 'fishy' odour.
Trichomoniasis
This is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by a single-cell parasite, which often causes vaginal itching, burning and soreness of the vagina and vulva. It produces a foamy, greenish-yellow discharge which has an unpleasant odour.
Mixed infections
Unfortunately, it is possible to suffer from a combination of these infections.
What Causes Vaginitis?
Vaginitis occurs because the delicate balance of the vaginal ecosystem has been altered in some way, either by antibiotics, steroids, hormones, sexual intercourse, injury to the vagina, or even soaking in a bath using harsh soaps or bath salts. Pregnancy, diabetes, nervousness, general illness, fatigue and poor diet may increase your risk of vaginitis.
Fungi and other infective organisms flourish in a warm, moist atmosphere. Here are a few tips on how to avoid vaginitis:
- Avoid wearing pantyhose or wet bathing suits for long periods of time
- Try not to wear tight-fitting pants or panties made of synthetic fabrics (cotton/natural fibres are best)
- Always dry your genital area thoroughly after bathing or swimming
- Always wipe from front towards the back when cleaning after using the toilet
- Showering is preferable to bathing, or don't use harsh soaps/bath salts if you do bath
IMPORTANT: Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or are planning a pregnancy. Many of the oral or topical treatments for vaginitis should not be used when pregnant or breast feeding.
Different Treatment Options
There are various over-the-counter treatment options which include douches, creams, tablets and gels. However, you could use the medicated, broad spectrum douche from Adcock Ingram as the solution reaches all the creases and folds in the vagina.2 Often it has been found that gels don't soften or liquefy, tablets don't disintegrate and creams don't melt – the douche also works quickly3, offering fast relief.
Why is douching with a medicated douche better?
Gynaecologists have been recommending a medicated douche for several years, and with good reason. A medicated douche usually contains a broad spectrum antiseptic which is active against a number of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, yeast and even viruses.4
At the same time, the medicated douche will give soothing relief in cases of soreness, irritation and itching, while providing a pleasant refreshing scent. Besides being a far more effective way to stay hygienically clean, douching is a lot less messy than you would imagine. Some women find douching in the bath most comfortable, while others prefer the shower. You could even douche over a bidet or toilet. Where you choose to douche is really up to you.
How to use a medicated douche to treat vaginal infections
If you have vaginitis, using the douche from Adcock Ingram should clear the infection and offer immediate symptomatic relief.4 Douche once a day for 7 – 14 days to clear the infection, or use as directed by your doctor.2
REFERENCES: | 1. | Vaginitis Causes, Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment. MedicineNet.com. | | 2. | Beaton JH, Gibson F, Roland M. Short-term Use of a Medicated Douche Presentation in the Symptomatic Treatment of Minor Vaginal Irritation, in Some Cases Associated with Infertility. Int J Fertil 29(2), 1984: 109-112 | | 3. | Gershenfeld L. POVIDINE-IODINE(PVP-1) AS A VAGINAL MICROBICIDE. Amer J Pharm, 1962: 278- | | 4. | Product approved package insert Sept 1993. | |