Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Menu

Vaginitis

Vaginitis - How to prevent?

Vaginitis - Causes and Risk Factors

The most common causes of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis, candida (yeast) infection and trichomonas infection. They account for 90 percent of cases. Less common but significant causes of vaginitis are infections caused by sexually-transmitted organisms such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and herpes.

Not all cases of vaginal discharge are due to infection. Vaginal discharge can be normal (‘physiological discharge’). It can also be caused by presence of foreign objects in the vagina, allergic reactions, cervical conditions and rarely genital tract cancer. In postmenopausal women, vaginal discharge is commonly due to atrophic changes (‘atrophic vaginitis’).

Causes of vaginal discharge
Infection/inflammation Non-infective
Non-sexually transmitted: bacterial vaginosis, candidaPhysiological dischargeCervical conditions (e.g. polyp, ectropion*)
Sexually transmitted: trichomonas, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpesForeign object (retained condom, forgotten tampon)Genital tract cancer
Allergic reactionsAtrophic vaginitis (postmenopausal)

* Cervical ectropion is a condition in which the inner cervical cells are found on the outer part of the cervix.

The vaginal environment and physiological (‘normal’) vaginal discharge

The normal vaginal environment is a delicate ecosystem of ‘healthy’ bacteria and small amounts of candida (yeast). The normal pH of the vagina is usually acidic in nature. Lactobacillus is the main regulator of vaginal pH by making lactic acid. Maintaining the vaginal pH at an acidic level inhibits overgrowth of ‘healthy’ bacteria and yeast and prevents infections from bad bacteria and viruses.

Discharge flows from the vagina daily as the body’s way of maintaining a normal healthy environment. Normal physiological vaginal discharge consists of cervical and vaginal cells, bacteria, water, electrolytes and other chemicals. Normal discharge is usually clear or white, thick and mucouslike. There may be a slight odour. Vaginal discharge may become more noticeable near ovulation and in the week before the menstrual period.

The vaginal pH can change under the influence of various factors:

  • Age
  • Stress
  • Diabetes
  • Medical conditions which cause low immunity
  • Hormonal changes (during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, puberty, menopause)
  • Birth control pills
  • Intrauterine contraceptive devices
  • Douching and other vaginal products
  • Vaginal medications
  • Antibiotics
  • Foreign objects

Disturbance of the normal vaginal pH can alter the composition and balance of the vaginal ecosystem. This leads to overgrowth of ‘healthy’ organisms and infections from bad organisms, resulting in vaginitis.

How do I know if my vaginal discharge abnormal?

Although vaginal discharge can be physiological, it is advisable to seek medical advice under any of the following circumstances:

  • Change in the nature of vaginal discharge – especially if it is foamy, greenish, foul-smelling or blood-stained;
  • Other symptoms such as vaginal itch or discomfort, dysuria, dyspareunia, abnormal spotting, abnormal menstrual periods or abdominal pain;
  • New sexual partner or more than one partner in the last year;
  • Previous history of sexuallytransmitted disease or pelvic infection;
  • Recent vaginal or caesarean birth or recent invasive gynaecological procedure e.g. abortion, insertion of an intrauterine device, in-vitro fertilisation etc.

What you can do to maintain a healthy vaginal environment
– Do’s and Don’ts

DO DO NOT
The vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism. Keep the genital area clean by washing daily with mild soap and water.Do not wash excessively or use a sponge to clean the genital area. Overcleaning can alter the vaginal pH, cause irritation and worsen vaginitis symptoms. Antibacterial or astringent soaps contain harsh chemicals which may irritate the vagina.
If the genital area is irritated, aqueous cream can be kept in the fridge and dabbed on to cool and soothe the genital area as often as preferred. This would reduce dryness and irritation.Avoid using the following on the genital area as these can contain irritants: bubble baths, hot baths with scented products, douches, antiseptics, baby wipes, deodorants,
some over-the-counter creams (e.g. tea tree oil, aloe vera).
Wear loose-fitting breathable silk or cotton underwear and clothes.Avoid tight-fitting synthetic underwear (e.g. thongs, lycra) and clothes (e.g. tights, cycling shorts, leggings, tight jeans).
Wipe the genital area with soft white unscented toilet paper. Wipe from front to back to prevent faecal material from coming into contact with the vagina.Avoid coloured toilet paper as these contain dyes and other potentially irritating chemicals.
Change tampons, sanitary pads and pantyliners regularly as exposure to soiled menstrual products for prolonged periods can increase the risk of infection.Do not wear sanitary pads or pantyliners on a daily basis.
Seek treatment for incontinence as urine and frequent use of diapers cause genital irritation.

Vaginitis - Diagnosis

Vaginitis - Preparing for surgery

Vaginitis - Post-surgery care

Vaginitis - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

TOP
Discover articles,videos, and guides afrom Singhealth's resources across the web. These information are collated, making healthy living much easier for everyone.