Vaginitis (cont.)
Non-infectious vaginitis
Non-infectious vaginitis - This form of vaginitis is usually
caused by an allergic reaction or irritation from vaginal sprays, douches,
spermicidal products, soaps, detergents, or fabric softeners. It can cause
burning, itching, or vaginal discharge even if there is no infection.
What are the treatments for vaginitis?
The key to treating vaginitis is knowing which kind you have. The treatment must be specific to the type of vaginitis present.
- Yeast infections are usually treated with an anti-yeast cream or
suppository placed inside the vagina. A health care provider can write a
prescription for most yeast infection treatments.
Although you can also buy medicine to treat yeast infections
over-the-counter, it is a good idea to see a health care provider the first
time you have symptoms of a yeast infection. Because this medicine will not
cure other types of vaginitis, it is important to be sure you actually have
a yeast infection before using these treatments.
- Bacterial vaginosis is treated with an antibiotic that gets rid
of the "bad" bacteria and leaves the "good" bacteria. There is no
over-the-counter treatment for bacterial vaginosis, so it is important to
see your health care provider for a prescription.
- Sexually transmitted forms of vaginitis need to be treated by a
health care provider right away. It is important to avoid sexual contact
until you have been treated to prevent spreading the infection. A woman's
sexual partner(s) will need treatment as well.
Trichomoniasis and Chlamydia are both treated by antibiotics. Neither
genital herpes nor
HPV can be cured, but both can be controlled with the
help of your health care provider and medications.
- Non-infectious vaginitis can be treated by stopping the use of
the product that caused the allergic reaction or irritation. Your health
care provider may also be able to provide medicated cream to help reduce the
symptoms until the reaction goes away.
It is important to remember that each type of vaginitis has a different
treatment. Therefore it is very important to see a health care provider to be
sure you are using the right treatment for your condition. Also, some kinds of
vaginitis have no symptoms so it is important to have regular gynecologic exams.
Next: How can I prevent vaginitis? »
- Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives) - Read about the different types of birth control pills (oral contraceptives) such as monophasic, biphasic, and triphasic. Find out which birth control pill may be the best for you.
- Douching (Vaginal Douche) - Learn why doctors do not recommend vaginal douching. Douching increases the risk for vaginal infections, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other conditions.
- Yeast Infection - Learn about vaginal yeast infection symptoms like vaginal burning, itching, soreness discharge, and pain during sex and urination. Treatment information is included in the information.
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