Vaginitis, vulvitis, vaginosis... another vaginal infection? What is vaginitis? Is vaginitis frequent? What are the causes of vaginal infections and vaginitis? How is vaginitis spread? What are the symptoms of vaginitis? How is vaginitis diagnosed? Test is NOT painful! What treatments are available for vaginitis? What happens if I do not treat my vaginitis? Is it harmful? Vaginitis and pregnancy How do I relieve the symptoms of vaginitis? Personal hygiene What should I do about recurrent vaginitis? Have there been recent developments in curing vaginitis? Links and References

A variety of effective treatments are available for vaginal infections. Creams, pills or antifungal suppositories are available to treat candidal vulvovaginitis (CVV). Certain creams such as miconazole, clotrimazole, butoconazole ou tioconazole are sold over-the-counter for intravaginal use. However, because bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas and CVV are difficult to diagnose based solely on symptoms, if you’re experiencing vaginal symptoms, you should speak to your doctor to get a precise diagnosis before using these products. Other products sold over-the-counter contain topical antihistamines or anesthetics that merely reduce the symptoms and do not treat the underlying cause.

Women who have a chronic or recurrent CVV might need treatment over a longer period and take oral antifungal medication. They should cooperate with their doctor to help determine the possible underlying causes of their chronic infections. Since no proof exists that CVV is sexually transmitted, treatment of male partners is not recommended to reduce incidences of reoccurrence. Women who are HIV positive can experience sever fungal infections that often do not respond to treatment.

Treating bacterial vaginosis requires a precise diagnostic and the prescription of a topical or oral antifungal. Treatments of this type include metronidazole (Flagyl) and clindamycin (Dalacin). Your doctor can determine with you which treatment and dosage are appropriate for your situation.

Treatment of vaginitis caused by trichomonas also requires a precise diagnosis and a prescription for an oral antibiotic, usually metronidazole (Flagyl) is varying doses. Topical treatments, when prescribed alone, are not effective. This infection is sexually transmitted, therefore your partner(s) should also be informed and treated! Your doctor can determine with you which treatment and dosage are appropriate for your situation.

Using over-the-counter medication increases the likelihood that your vaginitis will not be properly treated.

General advice for treatment

• See a health care professional to eliminate any sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Make sure your body is adequately hydrated.
• Consider using a topical antifungal such as Monistat, Canesten, etc., in a treatment regimen lasting 1, 3, 7, 10 or 14 days. These products are available as creams, suppositories or a combination of both. Your doctor can also prescribe an oral treatment if required.
• To prevent reoccurrence, avoid the risk factors that can lead to vaginal infections.

Treatment of your partner is not necessary, unless you’re experiencing frequent reoccurrence and your partner has symptoms of balanitis — see the section on balanitis.

 

Vaginitis