Vaginitis

Not to be confused with Vaginismus.
Vaginitis
Classification and external resources
Specialty Gynecology
ICD-10 N76.0-N76.1
ICD-9-CM 616.1
DiseasesDB 14017
MedlinePlus 000897
eMedicine med/3369 med/2358 emerg/631 emerg/639
MeSH D014627

Vaginitis, also known as vaginal infection and vulvovaginitis, is an inflammation of the vagina and possible vulva.[1][2] It can result in discharge, itching and pain,[2] and is often associated with an irritation or infection of the vulva. Infected women may also be asymptomatic.

It is usually due to infection.[3] The three main kinds of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis.[4] A woman may have any combination of vaginal infections at one time. Testing for vaginal infections is not a part of routine pelvic exams. If there is discomfort in the vulvovaginal area, women can request their health care providers evaluate for the presence of an infection.[4]

Signs and symptoms

A woman may have vaginal itching or burning and may notice a discharge.[5]

The discharge may be excessive in amounts or abnormal in color(such as yellow, gray, or green).[6]

The following symptoms may indicate the presence of infection:[4]

Causes

Vaginitis is the disruption of the healthy vaginal microbiota. The vaginal microbiota consists of those organisms which generally do not cause symptoms, infections, and results in good pregnancy outcomes, and is dominated mainly by Lactobacillus species.[7] The disruption of the normal microbiota can cause a vaginal yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infection can affect women of all ages and is very common. Specific forms of vaginal inflammation include the following types:

Infection

Infectious vaginitis accounts for 90% of all cases in reproductive age women:

Other less common infections are caused by gonorrhea, chlamydia, Mycoplasma, herpes, Campylobacter, improper hygiene, and some parasites, notably Trichomonas vaginalis.[10] Women who have diabetes develop infectious vaginitis more often than women who do not.[11]

Vaginal infections often have multiple causes (varies between countries between 20 and 40% of vaginal infections), which present challenging cases for treatment. Indeed, when only one cause is treated, the other pathogens can become resistant to treatment and induce relapses and recurrences. Therefore, the key factor is to get a precise diagnosis and treat with broad spectrum anti-infective agents (often also inducing adverse effects).

Further, either a change in pH balance or introduction of foreign bacteria in the vagina can lead to infectious vaginitis. Physical factors that have been claimed to contribute to the development of infections include the following: constantly wet vulva due to tight clothing, chemicals coming in contact with the vagina via scented tampons, antibiotics, birth control pills, or a diet favoring refined sugar and yeast.[12]

Before puberty

The pH balance in adolescent girls' bodies is not conducive to the growth of Candida albicans, so they are unlikely to contract a yeast infection.

Hormonal

Hormonal vaginitis includes atrophic vaginitis usually found in postmenopausal or postpartum women. Sometimes it can occur in young girls before puberty. In these situations the estrogen support of the vagina is poor.

Irritation/allergy

Irritant vaginitis can be caused by allergies to condoms, spermicides, soaps, perfumes, douches, lubricants, and semen. It can also be caused by hot tubs, abrasion, tissue, tampons, or topical medications.

Foreign body vaginitis (most common foreign bodies are retained tampons or condoms) may cause extremely malodorous vaginal discharges. Treatment consists of removal, for which ring forceps may be useful. Further treatment is generally not necessary.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically suspected based on a women's symptoms.[4] Diagnosis is made with microscopy (mostly by vaginal wet mount) and culture of the discharge after a careful history and physical examination have been completed. The color, consistency, acidity, and other characteristics of the discharge may be predictive of the causative agent. Determining the agent is especially important because women may have more than one infection, or have symptoms that overlap those of another infection, which dictates different treatment processes to cure the infection.[4] For example, women often self-diagnose for yeast infections but due to the 89% misdiagnosis rate, self-diagnoses of vaginal infections are highly discouraged.[13]

Another type of vaginitis, called desquamative inflammatory vaginitis (DIV) also exists. The cause behind this type is still poorly understood.[14] DIV corresponds to the severe forms of aerobic vaginitis. About 5 to 10% of women are affected by aerobic vaginitis.[15]

The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes for the several causes of vaginitis are:

Condition Description pH
Candida vaginitis (B37.3) Commonly referred to as a yeast infection, Candidiasis is a fungal infection that usually causes a watery, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharges. The discharge is irritating to the vagina and the surrounding skin. low (4.0–4.5)
Atrophic vaginitis (or Senile vaginitis) (N95.2) Usually causes scant vaginal discharge with no odor, dry vagina and painful intercourse. These symptoms are usually due to decreased hormones usually occurring during and after menopause.
Bacterial vaginitis (B96.3). Gardnerella usually causes a discharge with a fish-like odor. It is associated with itching and irritation, but not pain during intercourse. elevated
Trichomonas vaginalis (A59.0) Can cause a profuse discharge with a fish-like odor, pain upon urination, painful intercourse, and inflammation of the external genitals. elevated (5.0–6.0)
Aerobic vaginitis Burning, stinging and dyspareunia. Non-malodorous yellowish discharge. Symptoms can last for several years. The condition can also be asymptomatic. Thinned reddish vaginal mucosa, sometimes with erosions or ulcerations and abundant yellowish discharge Increased

Prevention

Prevention of candidiasis, the most common type of vaginitis, includes using loose cotton underwear. The vaginal area should be washed with water. Perfumed soaps, shower gels, and vaginal deodorants should be avoided.[16] Douching is not recommended. The practice upsets the normal balance of yeast in the vagina and does more harm than good.[17]

Prevention of bacterial vaginosis includes healthy diets and behaviors as well as minimizing stress as all these factors can affect the pH balance of the vagina.[18]

Prevention of trichomoniasis revolves around avoiding other people's wet towels and hot tubs, and safe-sex procedures, such as condom use.[4]

Some women consume good bacteria in food with live culture, such as yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi, or in probiotic supplements either to try to prevent candidiasis, or to reduce the likelihood of developing bacterial vaginitis following antibiotic treatment. There is no firm evidence to suggest that eating live yogurt or taking probiotic supplements will prevent candidiasis.[16]

Studies have suggested a possible clinical role for the use of standardized oral or vaginal probiotics in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, either in addition to[19] or in place of[20] the typical antibiotic regimens. However, recent articles[21][22] question their efficacy in preventing recurrence compared with other means, or conclude that there is insufficient evidence for or against recommending probiotics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.

Treatment

The cause of the infection determines the appropriate treatment. It may include oral or topical antibiotics and/or antifungal creams, antibacterial creams, or similar medications. A cream containing cortisone may also be used to relieve some of the irritation. If an allergic reaction is involved, an antihistamine may also be prescribed. For women who have irritation and inflammation caused by low levels of estrogen (postmenopausal), a topical estrogen cream might be prescribed.

The following are typical treatments for trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections:

Aerobic vaginitis

Treatment can include topical steroids to diminish the inflammation. Antibiotics to diminish the proportion of aerobic bacteria is still a matter of debate. The use of local antibiotics, preferably local non-absorbed and broad spectrum, covering enteric gram-positive and gram-negative aerobes, can be an option. In some cases, systemic antibiotics can be helpful, such as amoxicillin/clavulanate or moxifloxacin.[25] Vaginal rinsing with povidone iodine can provide relief of symptoms but does not provide long-term reduction of bacterial loads.[26] Dequalinium chloride can also be an option for treatment.[27]

Complications

Vaginal infections left untreated can lead to further complications, especially for the pregnant woman. For bacterial vaginosis, these include "premature delivery, postpartum infections, clinically apparent and subclinical pelvic inflammatory disease, [as well as] postsurgical complications (after abortion, hysterectomy, caesarian section), increased vulnerability to HIV infection and, possibly, infertility".[18] Studies have also linked trichomoniasis with increased likelihood of acquiring HIV; theories include that "vaginitis increases the number of immune cells at the site of infection, and HIV then infects those immune cells."[4] Other theories suggest that trichomoniasis increases the amount of HIV genital shedding, thereby increasing the risk of transmission to sexual partners. While the exact association between trichomoniasis infection and HIV genital shedding has not been consistently demonstrated, "there is good evidence that TV treatment reduces HIV genital shedding. Five studies were reported in the literature and, of these, four found a decrease in HIV genital shedding after TV treatment."[28]

Further, there are complications which lead to daily discomfort such as:

In children

Vulvovaginitis in children may be "nonspecific", or caused by irritation with no known infectious cause, or infectious, caused by a pathogenic organism. Nonspecific vulvovaginitis may be triggered by fecal contamination, sexual abuse, chronic diseases, foreign bodies, nonestrogenized epithelium, chemical irritants, eczema, seborrhea, or immunodeficiency. It is treated with topical steroids; antibiotics may be given in cases where itching has resulted in a secondary infection.[29]

Infectious vulvovaginitis can be caused by group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (7-20% of cases), Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, Yersinia, or common STI organisms (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, herpes simplex virus, and human papillomavirus). Symptoms and treatment of infectious vulvovaginitis vary depending on the organism causing it. Shigella infections of the reproductive tract usually coexist with infectious of the gastrointestinal tract and cause mucous, purulent discharge. They are treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Streptococcus infections cause similar symptoms to nonspecific vulvovaginitis and are treated with amoxicillin. STI-associated vulvovaginitis may be caused by sexual abuse or vertical transmission, and are treated and diagnosed like adult infections.[29]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Vaginal Health Organization (2010) Vaginal Yeast Infections — Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention July 10, 2010; account suspended as of November 5, 2010
  2. 1 2 www.mayoclinic.com — Diseases and Conditions — Vaginitis — Basics — Definition February 6, 2009
  3. ↑ FreeMD — Vaginitis Definition Last Updated: June 30, 2009
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Trichomoniasis." Gale: Contemporary Women's Issues. HealthyWomen, Dec. 2010. Web. April 7, 2011.
  5. ↑ Egan ME, Lipsky MS (2000). "Diagnosis of vaginitis". Am Fam Physician. 62 (5): 1095–104. PMID 10997533.
  6. ↑ "Vaginal yeast infection". National Institute of Health. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
  7. 1 2 Petrova, Mariya I.; Lievens, Elke; Malik, Shweta; Imholz, Nicole; Lebeer, Sarah (2015). "Lactobacillus species as biomarkers and agents that can promote various aspects of vaginal health". Frontiers in Physiology. 6. doi:10.3389/fphys.2015.00081. ISSN 1664-042X.
  8. ↑ Mastromarino, Paola; Vitali, Beatrice; Mosca, Luciana (2013). "Bacterial vaginosis: a review on clinical trials with probiotics" (PDF). New Microbiologica. 36: 229–238. PMID 23912864.
  9. ↑ Donders GG. Definition of a type of abnormal vaginal flora that is distinct from bacterial vaginosis: aerobic vaginitis. Br J Obstet Gynecol 2002;109:1–10
  10. ↑ Hudson, Tori (2007). Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-146473-5.
  11. ↑ Yeast Infections With Diabetes - Diabetes and Yeast Infections
  12. ↑ Northrup, Christiane (2010). Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing. New York: Bantam. pp. 297–9.
  13. 1 2 "Yeast Infections." Gale: Contemporary Women's Issues. HealthyWomen, Dec. 2010. Web. April 7, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Prognosis and Treatment of Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis." Obstetrics and Gynecology. April 2011. Web. March 19, 2013.
  15. ↑ Tansarli, G. S.; Kostaras, E. K.; Athanasiou, S.; Falagas, M. E. (2013). "Prevalence and treatment of aerobic vaginitis among non-pregnant women: evaluation of the evidence for an underestimated clinical entity". European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. 32 (8): 977–84. doi:10.1007/s10096-013-1846-4. PMID 23443475.
  16. 1 2 NHS Choices, United Kingdom National Health Service -Preventing vaginal thrush, reviewed 2012-02-17, retrieved June 10, 2013
  17. ↑ Vaginal Health Organization How to avoid getting a Vaginal Yeast Infection July 10, 2010
  18. 1 2 3 "Bacterial Vaginosis." Gale: Contemporary Women's Issues. HealthyWomen, Dec. 2010. Web. April 7, 2011.
  19. ↑ Anukam K, Osazuwa E, Ahonkhai I, Ngwu M, Osemene G, Bruce AW, Reid G (May 2006). "Augmentation of antimicrobial metronidazole therapy of bacterial vaginosis with oral probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14: randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial". Microbes Infect. 8 (6): 1450–4. doi:10.1016/j.micinf.2006.01.003. PMID 16697231.
  20. ↑ Vujic G; Jajac Knez A; Despot Stefanovic V; Kuzmic Vrbanovic V (May 2013). "Efficacy of orally applied probiotic capsules for bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.". Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 168 (1): 75–9. doi:10.1016/j.ejogrb.2012.12.031. PMID 23395559.
  21. ↑ Bradshaw CS; Pirotta M; De Guingand D; Hocking JS; Morton AN; Garland SM; Fehler G; Morrow A; Walker S. (April 2012). "Efficacy of oral metronidazole with vaginal clindamycin or vaginal probiotic for bacterial vaginosis: randomised placebo-controlled double-blind trial". PLOS ONE. 7 (4): e34540. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0034540. PMC 3317998Freely accessible. PMID 22509319.
  22. ↑ Senok AC; Verstraelen H; Temmerman M; Botta GA (Oct 2009). "Probiotics for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.". Cochrane Database Syst Rev. (4): CD006289. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006289.pub2. PMID 19821358.
  23. ↑ Sherrard, J; Ison, C; Moody, J; Wainwright, E; Wilson, J; Sullivan, A (March 10, 2014). "United Kingdom National Guideline on the Management of Trichomonas vaginalis 2014.". International journal of STD & AIDS. 25 (8): 541–549. doi:10.1177/0956462414525947. PMID 24616117.
  24. ↑ Pappas, PG; Kauffman, CA; Andes, DR; Clancy, CJ; Marr, KA; Ostrosky-Zeichner, L; Reboli, AC; Schuster, MG; Vazquez, JA; Walsh, TJ; Zaoutis, TE; Sobel, JD (16 December 2015). "Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Candidiasis: 2016 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.". Clinical Infectious Diseases: civ933. doi:10.1093/cid/civ933. PMID 26679628.
  25. ↑ Wang, C.; Han, C.; Geng, N.; Fan, A.; Wang, Y.; Yue, Y.; Zhang, H.; Xue, F. (2016). "Efficacy of oral moxifloxacin for aerobic vaginitis". European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. 35 (1): 95–101. doi:10.1007/s10096-015-2513-8. PMID 26526787.
  26. ↑ Donders, Gilbert G. G.; Ruban, Katerina; Bellen, Gert (2015). "Selecting Anti-Microbial Treatment of Aerobic Vaginitis". Current Infectious Disease Reports. 17 (5): 477. doi:10.1007/s11908-015-0477-6. PMID 25896749.
  27. ↑ Mendling, Werner; Weissenbacher, Ernst Rainer; Gerber, Stefan; Prasauskas, Valdas; Grob, Philipp (2016). "Use of locally delivered dequalinium chloride in the treatment of vaginal infections: a review". Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 293 (3): 469–84. doi:10.1007/s00404-015-3914-8. PMC 4757629Freely accessible. PMID 26506926.
  28. ↑ Kissinger, P; Adamski, A (September 2013). "Trichomoniasis and HIV interactions: a review.". Sexually transmitted infections. 89 (6): 426–33. doi:10.1136/sextrans-2012-051005. PMC 3748151Freely accessible. PMID 23605851.
  29. 1 2 Hoffman, Barbara; Schorge, John; Bradshaw, Karen; Halvorson, Lisa; Schaffer, Joseph; Corton, Marlene M. (2016-04-22). Williams Gynecology, Third Edition. McGraw Hill Professional. ISBN 9780071849098.

Further reading

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