Vaginitis is the inflammation of the vagina and is a very common problem at any age. What typically happens is an increase in the vaginal pH, making it more alkaline and creating an environment that favors the growth of certain microorganisms over others. In its normal state, the vagina has a slightly acidic pH, which helps maintain a specific balance of microorganisms that constitute the vaginal flora. When the pH changes, certain microorganisms may increase in abundance compared to others.
Common microorganisms implicated in vaginitis include Gardnerella vaginalis and trichomonads. Vaginitis can also result from fungal infections (e.g., Candida), ureaplasma, as well as viral infections caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to acute condylomas.
One common type of vaginitis can occur due to yeast overgrowth. In menopause, the lack of estrogen can cause atrophic vaginitis and various degrees of vaginal damage that may contribute to inflammatory processes.
What are the Symptoms of vaginitis?
Symptoms of vaginitis typically include:
- Changes in vaginal fluid color
- Burning sensation
- Itching
- Unpleasant odor
The presence of itching and white discharge is often associated with yeast infections, especially following prolonged antibiotic use.
Diagnosing vaginitis
Diagnosing vaginitis typically involves a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Here are the common steps involved in diagnosing vaginitis:
Medical History: Your healthcare provider will ask you questions about your symptoms, such as the nature of vaginal discharge, any itching or discomfort, odor, and any factors that may have triggered the symptoms. They will also inquire about your sexual history, contraceptive methods, recent antibiotic use, and any previous history of vaginal infections.
Physical Examination: A pelvic examination will be conducted to visually inspect the external genitalia, vagina, and cervix for any signs of inflammation, redness, swelling, or abnormal discharge. Your healthcare provider may use a speculum to open the vagina and examine the vaginal walls and cervix more closely.
Laboratory Tests:
Vaginal pH Test: A pH test involves taking a sample of vaginal fluid using a pH test strip or swab. The pH level of the vagina is measured to determine if it is within the normal acidic range (3.8 to 4.5). An elevated pH level may indicate an imbalance or infection.
Microscopic Examination: A sample of vaginal discharge is examined under a microscope to check for the presence of yeast cells, bacteria, or Trichomonas vaginalis (a protozoan parasite).
Wet Mount Preparation: In this test, a sample of vaginal discharge is mixed with a saline solution on a glass slide and examined under a microscope. It helps identify the presence of clue cells (associated with bacterial vaginosis), yeast cells (indicating a yeast infection), or Trichomonas organisms.
Vaginal Cultures: In certain cases, a sample of vaginal discharge may be sent to the laboratory for culture. This helps identify specific microorganisms causing the infection, such as Candida species (yeast) or bacterial strains.
Additional Tests: Depending on the suspected cause, additional tests may be conducted, such as PCR testing for specific pathogens like Trichomonas vaginalis or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for sexually transmitted infections like Chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Treatment options will depend on the underlying cause identified through proper diagnosis.
