Let’s be real: No one likes talking about uncomfortable down-there issues. But if you’re dealing with itching, discharge or irritation in the vaginal area, it’s not something to ignore. If you’re experiencing symptoms, you may have vulvovaginitis.
“Vulvovaginitis, commonly abbreviated as just vaginitis, is an irritation of the vaginal canal that may extend to the vulva (the outside part of your genitals),” said John Heusinkveld, MD, a urogynecologist with Banner – University Medicine.
Vulvovaginitis is something that can happen to anyone, from young girls during puberty to women after menopause. While it might feel awkward or embarrassing, getting help is the first step to feeling better. It’s not fun, but the good news is that it’s treatable.
Read on to learn more about vaginitis, its causes, signs and treatment options.
What causes vulvovaginitis?
There are several reasons why you might develop vaginitis. “The most common causes of vaginitis are bacterial and fungal infections,” Dr. Heusinkveld said. “A third type is desquamative (vaginal lining) inflammatory vaginitis, but the cause is not fully understood.”
Other causes include:
- Irritation: Things like scented soaps, bubble baths or laundry detergents can irritate the sensitive skin around your vagina. Tight clothing or underwear made from synthetic fabrics can also trap moisture and irritate.
- Hormonal changes: Hormones play a big role in vaginal health. Changes during puberty and menopause can increase your chances of getting vaginitis. “Postmenopausal women can develop a form of vaginitis from lack of estrogen in the body,” Dr. Heusinkveld said.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): STIs like herpes, chlamydia or trichomoniasis can cause itching and burning.
- Hygiene habits: Not washing the area properly or wiping from back to front after using the bathroom can introduce bacteria to the vaginal area and lead to infections.
- Allergic reactions: Sometimes you can have an allergic reaction to things like fabrics, soaps or even spermicides.
Symptoms of vulvovaginitis
If you’re wondering if you have vaginitis, here are some common symptoms to look for:
- Itching or burning around the vulva
- Redness or swelling near the labia major (the outside lips of the vagina)
- Unusual white, yellow or gray discharge
- A foul or fishy smell from the vaginal area
- Pain or discomfort during sex
- Stinging or burning when you pee
How to treat vulvovaginitis
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, talk to your health care provider. These could point to signs of vaginitis but also other conditions.
Your provider will ask about your symptoms and may take a sample of any discharge to figure out what’s causing the problem. It’s a simple process and your provider will make sure you’re comfortable the entire time.
Once your provider knows what’s causing your vaginitis, they’ll suggest the right treatment for you:
- Antibiotics: If you have a bacterial infection, you’ll likely need antibiotics to clear it up. Make sure to take the full course, even if you feel better after a few days.
- Antifungal medications: For yeast infections, over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams or suppositories usually do the trick. In some cases, your provider may prescribe stronger medication.
- Medication for STIs: Some STIs need to be treated with prescription medication. Both you and your partner will need to be treated to prevent re-infection.
- Estrogen cream: Some forms of vaginitis may be treated with hormone creams.
- Boric acid: “There is evidence that boric acid suppositories may be helpful in some forms of vaginosis,” Dr. Heusinkveld said. “But they are toxic if swallowed, so keep them away from small children.”
For cases where irritants are causing the problem, simply avoiding the products that are causing your symptoms can help. Using sensitive skin or scent-free detergents and fabric softeners may also help.
Preventing vulvovaginitis
While you can’t always prevent vaginitis, there are some things you can do to lower your chances of getting it:
- Keep clean: Wash your vaginal area with warm water every day. Skip the harsh soaps and scented products that can irritate the skin.
- Wear cotton underwear: Wear underwear that can breathe, preferably cotton, to avoid moisture buildup. “Thong underwear may promote the movement of bacteria from the anus to the vagina,” Dr. Heusinkveld said. If you are struggling with infections or irritation, try wearing briefs or bikini-cut underwear and see if it helps symptoms.
- Wipe the right way: Always wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
- Change out of wet clothes: If you’re sweaty after a workout or have been swimming, change out of wet clothes as soon as possible.
- Skip douching: Douching can upset the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina and lead to infections.
- Use protection: If you’re sexually active, using condoms can help prevent pH imbalance and STIs that can cause vaginitis.
Living with vulvovaginitis
If you’ve been diagnosed with vaginitis, it’s important to follow your health care provider’s treatment plan and take steps to prevent future infections. While it can be frustrating to deal with, most vaginitis cases clear up with treatment and self-care.
Make sure to pay attention to your body and how it feels. Keeping track of symptoms can help you and your provider manage the condition more effectively in the future.
Final thoughts
Vulvovaginitis, or vaginitis, might not be something people talk about openly, but it’s a common condition that many women experience. With the right treatment and prevention, you can manage it and get back to feeling comfortable. If you’re having symptoms, don’t hesitate to see a health care provider or Banner Health specialist. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about and getting help is the best way to feel better fast.
