Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infections, or vaginitis, cause discharge, pain, itching and other symptoms

Vaginitis means that the vagina is inflamed or infected. Most of the time, changes in the vagina’s bacterial levels, low estrogen levels or yeast cause vaginal infections that lead to abnormal vaginal discharge and other issues. The physicians at Athens ObGyn can usually treat the problem with antifungals, antibiotics or even certain hormone treatments.

What causes vaginal infections?

A variety of circumstances cause these infections. Here are the most common types that our ObGyns encounter.

Bacterial vaginosis – When your vagina’s bacteria level is unbalanced, you may notice a fishy smelling discharge. Our physicians treat this most commonly occurring infection with antibiotic pills, cream or gel suppositories.
Yeast infections – An imbalance of candida fungus in the vagina leads to this second most common infection. Symptoms include a sore vagina; feeling burning during urination or sex; and a thick, white vaginal discharge that has a cottage cheese texture. You can buy over-the-counter suppositories or antifungal creams, or see our physicians for oral medication.
Trichomoniasis – This STI, or sexually transmitted infection, spreads during sex with an infected partner. Trichomonas vaginalis, a parasite, causes the problem. You may notice that your vaginal area is swollen, red or irritated, or you may find greenish or yellow colored discharge on your underwear. Treatment usually involves oral antibiotics. You should inform your partner so they can also get treatment.
Atrophic vaginitis – one of the things that happens during menopause, or if physicians need to remove your ovaries, is that your estrogen levels decrease. Loss of this vital hormone causes your vaginal lining to become thinner, causing vaginal dryness, burning and irritation in some patients. Our physicians often prescribe estrogen hormone treatment to relieve symptoms.
Non-infectious vaginitis – If you use douches, spermicides, scented detergents or soaps in the vaginal area, you are putting yourself at risk for vaginal infections. Laundry detergent, fabric softeners or scented dryer sheets can also cause issues such as vaginal discharge, itching and pain, particularly during sex. You have to identify the product that causes this allergic reaction and stop using it. In the meantime, our physicians can prescribe estrogen in oral or cream form to help with the symptoms.

What you need to know about vaginal discharge

Not all discharge is bad or indicates a problem. A white colored discharge that doesn’t smell strong or odorous, and that becomes heavier and thicker before your period, is perfectly normal. Normal discharge is your body’s way of keeping the vagina balanced, clean and healthy. If, however, you notice changes like non-white color, cottage cheese texture or a strong odor, this is not normal, and you should consult our physicians so we can check for any vaginal infections.

Steps you can take to prevent infections

There are some easy ways you can prevent many cases of vaginitis.

Avoid scented products and douching.
Avoid hot tubs, whirlpool spas and tubs if you are prone to infections.
Remember to wipe yourself from the front of your vaginal area to the back to keep from spreading any bacteria in your feces to your vagina.
To avoid STIs, practice safe sex.
Wear cotton underwear.
Avoid very tight jeans and thong underwear.