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 medication, 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 vaginitis by having sex with only one uninfected partner and by ensuring the male partner always uses a latex condom during sexual intercourse.
Antifungal tablets or cream are available for 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, a 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. Prescripton products are also available.
Your doctor can also recommend a steroid ointment to reduce the redness, swelling, and itching which can be caused by irritative or allergic vaginitis. Four to five 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 bacteria spread from the anus to the vagina.
Tips to keep your vaginal skin healthy and prevent non-infectious vaginitis include:
- 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