Related topics about disorders of the vulva: lichen sclerosus  uterine fibroids vaginal discharge vaginitis vulvodynia vulvar cysts |
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How is vaginitis diagnosed?
Vaginitis is easily diagnosed by your health care provider. First an assessment of the specific symptoms you are having will aid in diagnosis. Additionally, any recent use of medications, including antibiotics and oral contraceptives will be explored. Recent use of perfumes and chemicals, such as bubble baths, deodorant tampons, douches, and spermicides
will also be reviewed.
A small amount of vaginal discharge will be evaluated. First the healthcare provider will assess the pH and consistency of the discharge. Use of a microscope will allow for the provider to look for yeast buds and hypae, which are characteristic of Candida infections. Bacterial infections can also be diagnosed by looking under the microscope. Specifically, the provider will look for normal vaginal epithelial cells that are obscured by bacteria.
The common symptoms of vaginitis are itching, burning, and vaginal discharge that is different from your normal secretions. The itching and burning can be inside the vagina or on the skin or vulva just outside the vagina. Discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse may also occur. If everyone with vaginitis had these symptoms, then the diagnosis would be fairly simple. However, it is important to realize that as many as 4 out of every 10 women with vaginitis may not have these typical symptoms. Frequently, a routine gynecologic exam will confirm vaginitis even if symptoms are not present. This is one reason why it is important to have a gynecologic exam at least every 2 years. |
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More information on vaginitis
What is vaginitis? - Vulvovaginitis refers to inflammation of both the vagina and vulva, the outer area of labial and skin surrounding the vagina.
What are the symptoms of vaginitis? - The common symptoms of vaginitis are itching, burning, and vaginal discharge that is different from the normal secretions.
What are the most common types of vaginitis? - The most common types of vaginitis include candida or yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis vaginitis, chlamydia, gonococcal vaginitis, viral vaginitis, and noninfectious vaginitis.
What causes vaginitis? - Bacteria, yeast, viruses, or chemicals in creams or sprays, can cause vaginitis.
What is bacterial vaginosis? - Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is actually the most common type of vaginitis in females of reproductive age.
What is trichomoniasis? - Trichomonas, commonly called trick, is caused by a single-celled organism tht is a member of the protozoa family of microorganisms.
What is chlamydia? - Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis, exists in a number of different strains.
What is viral vaginitis? - Viruses are a common cause of vaginitis, with most being spread through sexual contact.
What is noninfectious vaginitis? - Noninfectious vaginitis usually refers to vaginal irritation without an infection being present.
What are candida or yeast infections? - Yeast infections of the vagina are what most women think of when they hear the term vaginitis.
How is vaginitis diagnosed? - Vaginitis is easily diagnosed by your health care provider. A small amount of vaginal discharge will be evaluated.
What is the treatment to cure vaginitis? - Candida vaginitis can be treated with antifungal medications that are administered directly into the vagina as tablets, creams, ointments or suppositories. |
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