Treatment and Prevention
Treatment of vaginitis depends on the cause:
Tablets, gels, or creams are used to treat bacterial vaginitis. Some treatments might not be safe to use with alcohol or during pregnancy, and certain vaginal creams can weaken latex condoms. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to safely use the medication prescribed. Contact your doctor if symptoms return after treatment.
Trichomoniasis requires a single dose of prescription antibiotics, and sexual partners should be treated at the same time to prevent them from reinfecting each other. Pregnant women should consult their doctors regarding the safety of the treatment. You can help prevent Trichomonas vaginalis infection by limiting the number of sexual partners and by ensuring the male partner always uses a latex condom during sexual intercourse.
Antifungal pills or cream are available for vaginal yeast infections. It's a good idea to seek your doctor's opinion before purchasing nonprescription products. It's especially important to see your doctor if:
- it's your first yeast infection
- you're pregnant or breast-feeding
- the treatments you've tried haven't worked
- the infection keeps coming back
- you're not sure it's a yeast infection
- you have any health conditions that weaken your immune system (such as HIV)
- you also have pelvic pain, fever, or a colored or unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge
Some women have frequent yeast infections. If you've had four or more infections in the last year, see your doctor. Prescription products are also available.
Your doctor can also recommend a steroid ointment or cream to reduce the redness, swelling, and itching that can be caused by irritative or allergic vaginitis. 4 to 5 tablespoons of baking soda in a lukewarm bath can provide some relief. It's important to identify the cause of the vaginitis so that irritants can be avoided in the future.
Atrophic vaginitis might be minimized by using estrogen therapy or lubricants (such as K-Y Jelly® or a personal lubricant). Estrogen therapy is not for everyone - talk to your doctor about whether it's a good choice for you.
If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar helps reduce your chances of getting vaginitis.
Using condoms can prevent infectious vaginitis. Good toilet habits are also helpful; wiping from front to back lowers the chance of spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
Tips to keep your vaginal skin healthy and prevent non-infectious vaginitis include the following:
- Avoid prolonged moisture and friction, for instance rubbing vigorously with a towel.
- Don't wear bathing suits or exercise clothes for long periods of time.
- Wear cotton underwear which provide some air-flow.
- Wear loose-fitting slacks.
- Avoid pantyhose.
- Find alternative contraceptives if your skin is irritated by lubricated condoms, jellies, creams, or sponges.
- Keep the area around the genitals clean and dry.
- Avoid irritants such as douches, feminine hygiene sprays, deodorized sanitary pads or tampons, and colored or perfumed toilet paper.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
Jeffrey Heit, MD, Internist with special emphasis on preventive health, fitness and nutrition, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.