Vaginitis (vaginal inflammation)

Overview

BV causes thin gray discharge with a fishy smell. Yeast causes thick white discharge and itching. Trich is an STI.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Vaginal itching or discharge
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Genital itching

Less common

• Odor
• Burning

When to get medical care

Causes

BV, yeast, trich, irritation.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Antibiotics
• Douching

Diagnosis

A swab finds the cause.

The exam

Pelvic exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Swab tests:

Treatment

Treat the right cause.

Self-care

• Avoid douching
• Wear cotton underwear
• Avoid scented products

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent:

• No douching

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Vaginitis (vaginal inflammation)