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Although "yeast" is the name most women know, bacterial
vaginosis is actually the most common vaginal infection in women of
reproductive age. Bacterial vaginosis will often cause a vaginal
discharge. The discharge is usually thin and milky and is described as
having a "fishy" odor. This odor may become more
noticeable after intercourse. Redness or itching of the vagina are not
common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. It is important to note that
many women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms at all and the
vaginitis is only discovered during a routine gynecologic exam.
Bacterial vaginosis is caused by a combination of several bacteria.
These bacteria seem to overgrow much the same way as Candida will
when the vaginal balance is upset. The exact reason for this overgrowth
is not known. Since bacterial vaginosis is caused by bacteria, not by
yeast, it is easy to see that different methods are needed to treat the
different infections. A medicine that is appropriate for yeast is not
effective against the bacteria that causes bacterial vaginosis.
What
are trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and viral vaginitis?
Trichomonias, commonly called "trite"
(pronounced "trick"), is caused by a tiny single-celled
organism known as a "protozoa." When this organism infects the
vagina is can cause a frothy, greenish-yellow discharge. Often this
discharge will have a foul smell. Women with trichomonal vaginitis may
complain of itching and soreness of the vagina and vulva, as well as
burning during urination. In addition, there can be discomfort in the
lower abdomen and vaginal pain with intercourse. These symptoms may be
worse after the menstrual period. Many women, however, do not develop
any symptoms. It is important to understand that this type of vaginitis
can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. For treatment to be
effective, the sexual partner must be treated at the same time as the
patient.
Another primarily sexually transmitted form of vaginitis is caused by
the germ known as Chlamydia. Unfortunately, most women do not
have symptoms. This makes diagnosis difficult. A vaginal discharge is
sometimes present with this infection but not always. More often a woman
might experience light bleeding especially after intercourse. She may
have pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Chlamydial vaginitis is most
common in young women (18 to 35 years) who have multiple sexual
partners. If you fit this description, you should request screening for Chlamydia
during your annual checkup. The best "treatment" for Chlamydia
is prevention. Use of a condom will decrease your risk of
contracting not only Chlamydia, but other sexually transmitted
diseases as well.
Many of the germs that cause vaginitis can be spread between men
and women during sexual intercourse. Use of a barrier contraceptive such
as a condom can help reduce your risk of contracting these and more
serious germs such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which can
lead to aids.
Viruses are a common cause of vaginitis. One form caused by the herpes
simplex virus (HSV) is often just called "herpes"
infection. These infections are also spread by sexual intimacy. The
primary symptom of herpes vaginitis is pain associated with lesions or
"sores." These sores are usually visible on the vulva or the
vagina but occasionally are inside the vagina and can only be seen
during a gynecologic exam. Outbreaks of HSV are often associated with
stress or emotional upheaval.
Another source of viral vaginal infection is the human papillomavirus
(HPV). HPV can also be transmitted by sexual intercourse. This
virus can cause painful warts to grow in the vagina, rectum, vulva, or
groin. These warts are usually white to gray in color, but they may be
pink or purple. However, visible warts are not always present and the
virus may only be detected when a Pap smear is abnormal.
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