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  Vaginitis Download

Vaginitis is caused by a number of factors. Since the vagina is a sex organ, women of childbearing age and sexually active females are more vulnerable to this disease. Vaginal discharge * Normal vaginal discharge is an odourless secretion from the female genitals which may be paste-like or egg white-like in texture and clear or white in colour. * The volume of vaginal discharge may slightly increase during ovulation, before period, when sexually excited and during pregnancy. Such increase may also result from the consumption of contraceptives and the use of intrauterine contraceptive devices. * Abnormal vaginal discharge is usually yellowish or greenish secretion which is yogurt-like or frothy. It carries an unpleasant smell and may even contain blood. The causes include infection, inflammation, cervical polyps or genital tumours. Medical consultation should be sought as soon as possible. Candida Vaginitis It is the commonest vaginitis found in women and is caused by a fungus called Candida. Many women experience recurring infections. Contributing factors: Consumption of contraceptive pills, pregnancy, suffering from diabetes, use of broad spectrum antibiotics or steroid, having other sexually transmitted diseases, etc. Symptoms: Vaginal discharge becomes yellowish and cheesy with vulva itching. In severe cases, the vulva, perineum and inguinal may have inflammation and lesion, accompanied by acute pain. Treatment: Vaginal suppository. For recurring infections, oral medicine may be considered. Trichomonas Vaginitis Causes: Caused by Trichomonas, a hairy protozoan, usually transmitted by sexual intercourse, with very few cases through public bath, toilet and towel.
Symptoms: Itching, burning and swelling of the vulva; frothy discharge in light yellow or green with a foul smell; pain during sex, and light red discharge after sex; frequent urination with scalding pain. Treatment: Oral antibiotics Atrophic (Senile) Vaginitis Causes: In menopausal women, declining oval function and decreasing hormonal secretion result in the thinning of the vaginal membrane and an imbalance in pH value, thus making the vagina more susceptible to bacterial growth. Symptoms: Itchiness and pain in the vulva; bleeding after sex (due to a thinner membrane). In case of inflammation, the vagina will redden and become ulcerated with light red discharge. Since the symptoms are similar to those of cervical cancer, patients should seek medical consultation as soon as possible to eliminate the possibility of cervical cancer.
Treatment: Hormone for oral consumption or external application. When having sex, use lubricants if the vagina feels dry. Others * Vaginitis triggered by allergy to fragrance contained in personal products (non-infectious). * Vaginitis triggered by sexually-transmitted diseases – visit a social hygiene clinic as soon as possible for treatment to avoid spreading the disease to sex partners or developing complications. Points to Note for Vaginitis Prevention * Wear cotton panties and avoid overly-tight or air-impermeable trousers such as jeans and nylon trousers. * After using the toilet, wipe from the vulva to the back. * Maintain personal hygiene during periods. * Avoid personal cleaning products which contain chemical fragrance. * Avoid sex when suffering from vaginitis. * Before having sex, clean both hands and genitals and use a condom. * Use antibiotics as prescribed. * Avoid using public towels or bathrobes. Family Health Service, Department of Health
 
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Last revision date: 01 September 2006