Vaginitis - Medtick
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Vaginitis

What is it?

It is inflammation (hot, red and swelling) of the female vagina.

Cause

  • Inflammation disease:
  • Injury to vagina
    • When giving birth
    • Surgery,
    • Sexual intercourse
  • Foreign body inserted in vagina 
    • Tampon or contraceptive device insertion
  • Irritant dermatitis (inflammation of the skin)
    • If one is sensitive to soaps, douches or bubble bath or vaginal fragrances
  • Allergy
    • Allergic to latex in condoms, fragrances, medicines and creams
  • Infection due to vagina opening or anus

Syndromes

Symptoms

  • Hurts to pass urine?
  • Uncomfortable or painful if having sexual intercourse?
  • Vaginal bleeding?
  • Vaginal discharge which has a strong fishy odour and of greyish appearance?
  • Vaginal itching?
  • Vaginal soreness?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

General tips

  • Keep your genital area clean and dry – take a warm bath rather than a hot one and use unperfumed soap to clean your genital area (the vagina cleans itself with natural secretions); dry yourself thoroughly
  • Avoid douching (spraying water inside your vagina) – it may make your vaginitis symptoms worse by removing the healthy bacteria that line the vagina and help keep it free from infection
  • Not use feminine hygiene products – such as sprays, deodorants or powders
  • Use pads rather than tampons if you’re using intravaginal creams or pessaries to treat an infection – tampons may ‘soak up’ the treatment meaning there’s less available in the vagina
  • wear loose-fitting cotton underwear – this may be beneficial if you have external soreness, but it won’t prevent getting vaginitis in the future

NHS choices 

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Vaginitis in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

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