USF-COM Department of Family Medicine

Patient Education Information on...

Vaginitis: Important Information for Every Woman

by Julie Falkner, Class of 1999 Index of Patient Education Topics

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is an infection of the vagina and the vulva. There are at least three types of vaginal infections that cause vaginitis: Bacterial Vaginosis, Yeast Infection and Trichomoniasis.

Return to top of page

How many women are effected?

Vaginitis is the most frequent reason American Women see their doctors, accounting for more than 10 million office visits each year.

Return to top of page

How do you know you have Vaginitis?
If you think you may have Vaginitis, you need to see your doctor immediately. A simple pelvic exam will be done and a sample of the discharge taken to be analyzed. Most results can be given to you at the time of your visit.

Return to top of page

Bacterial Vaginosis
Cause:  Bacteria The cause is an overgrowth of several types of bacteria that is normal in your vagina.
Discharge The discharge from the vagina is thin, milky white or gray and is usually increased in amount compared to a woman’s normal discharge.
Odor The odor is usually unpleasant, foul, fishy or musty.
Discomfort One may sometimes feel itching or burning.
Treatment Treatment for Bacterial Vaginosis requires specific antibacterial medication that is available only by a doctor’s prescription.
Potential Complications There is a possibility that Bacterial Vaginosis may develop into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Cervicitis, Cervical abnormality, Endometritis, Post-operative infection, Obstetric complication.
Return to top of page
Vaginal Candidiasis
Cause:   Yeast The cause is an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast in your vagina or through sexual contact.
Discharge The discharge from the vagina is thick, curdy and white, like cottage cheese.
Odor There is no odor with a yeast infection.
Discomfort One usually experiences vaginal itching or burning.
Treatment A yeast infection can be treated with prescription and non-prescription products.
Potential Complications There are no serious complications.
Return to top of page

Trichomoniasis
Cause: Parasite The cause is a parasite that is spread generally through sexual contact.
Discharge The discharge from the vagina is yellow-green-gray, frothy or sticky.
Odor The odor is sometimes foul or fishy.
Discomfort One sometimes experiences itching or painful urination.
Treatment Trichomoniasis requires specific treatment available only by a doctor’s prescription. Both male and female should be treated.
Potential Complications There is a possibility that Trichomoniasis may have adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Return to top of page

How do you prevent getting Vaginitis again?

  • Take all prescribed medicine.
  • Do not douche – it may disrupt the natural organisms in your vagina.
  • Remove wet bathing suits immediately and dry off thoroughly.
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing.
  • Do not use scented or chemically treated toilet paper or sanitary napkins, feminine deodorants, perfumes, spermicides, harsh soaps or detergents.
  • Practice safe sex using condoms and cleaning diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicide applicators.
    •  Return to top of page

    For More Information On Vaginitis Contact:

    Photographs:
  • Return to top of page
  • Index of Patient Education Topics
  • USF: Family Practice Clerkship
  • USF-COM MEDICAL INFORMATICS
    •