What is it?
It is inflammation (hot, red and swelling) of the female vagina.
Diagnosis tests
- Clinical examination
- Vaginal pH test
- Microscopic examination of vaginal discharge
- KOH preparation (10% potassium hydroxide test) – detect fungal infection
- “Whiff test” (amine odor test) – bacterial vaginosis
- Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT/PCR)
- Vaginal culture
- Bacterial vaginosis tests
- Amsel criteria (clinical diagnosis):
- Vaginal pH > 4.5
- Thin, gray/white discharge
- Positive whiff test
- Clue cells on microscopy
- Nugent score
- Gram stain scoring of vaginal bacteria.
- Considered a reference method for BV diagnosis
- H.I.V. tests
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
- Bacterial infection i.e.
- Protozoa infection i.e.
- Fungal infection:
- Viral infection i.e.
- Cancer i.e.
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
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