Vaginitis Types, Symptoms and Treatments

If you are experiencing redness, irritation, inflammation or swelling, you may have contracted Bacterial Vaginitis(BV).  This particular problem occurs in over 70% of women in their lifetime, based as a bodily response from hormonal changes or lifestyle choices.  Understanding what is involved with this, and how you can treat the particular symptoms is the beginning to combating your body against the wrong exposure to bacteria. 

Bacterial Vaginitis

The main Bacterial Vaginitis symptoms include inflammation around the vagina and vulva and the skin surrounding this area.  Typically, this problem is a response from irritations or infections which are already in place, such as a yeast infection.  Many women also find that BV is a result of using creams, sprays or gels in this area.  Usually, you can identify this type of vaginitis by vaginal discharge which is white and thinner.  You may also notice an odor which is 'fishy.' 

To treat this particular type of Bacterial Vaginitis, you can use prescription medications or natural remedies.  Checking with a physician for the most common types of medications introduces you to prescriptions which are used to fight the bad bacteria.  Using natural remedies allows your immune system to create a way for the good bacteria to build its defenses so it can fight off the bad bacteria. 

Cytolytic Vaginosis

This type of Vaginosis occurs when there is an overgrowth of good bacteria in the vagina.  When there are excess amounts of good bacteria, it begins to destroy the cells.  This causes vaginitis symptoms such as itching, burning and discomfort, especially during sex.  You may also notice a white discharge which comes out, usually at abnormal rates.  The most common vaginitis treatment is through a sitz bath, which allows you to clean out the extra bacteria and bring the good bacteria back to a normal, functioning level. 

Atrophic Vaginitis

Atrophic Vaginitis is most common in women who are going through menopause.  This particular condition happens when the cells in the vagina begin to shrink and thin, usually because there is not as much estrogen moving into the body.  If there is not enough lubrication in the area, and functioning of this hormone, then it leads to changes in the cells.  Soreness and itching are the two most common vaginitis symptoms with Atrophic Vaginitis, and soreness during and after intercourse, which bleeding sometimes follows. 

The most common remedy for Atrophic Vaginitis is to prevent the problem before it becomes too severe.  Vaginitis treatment includes medications, such as tablets or creams which contain Estriol are the most common cures.  These are used to stimulate the estrogen in the vagina area so the cells stop thinning.  Lubricants, creams and gels are also common remedies  help provides movement of the cells in the vagina. 

Gardnerella Vaginitis

This type of Vaginitis is the most common type of infection.  The number one symptom is a white discharge which smells of a fishy odor.  There is usually not as much irritation or redness, which shows a distinction from other types of bacteria.  The vaginitis symptoms which result come from the bacteria, gardnerella, being more prevalent then other types of bacteria are healthy for the body.  These specific bacteria are anaerobic, meaning it does not need oxygen to survive, which leads to the production of the bacteria in the vagina. 

The most common vaginitis treatment for this type of problem is to find a prescription or medication which attacks the bacteria.  Using a natural vaginitis treatment is also possible, such as garlic, tracheal or goldenseal which stops the bacteria from producing.  Each of these remedies creates a balance in the body and allows the good bacteria to balance out the bad bacteria.

 

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