Symptoms Associated With Vaginal Diseases

The most important symptom associated with vaginal diseases is the offensive vaginal discharge. The color and odor of the discharge varies from disease to disease.

Candidiasis: Yeast infection is characterized by a curd-like, white discharge which resembles cottage cheese in appearance. The discharge is generally odorless.

Trichomoniasis: It is characterized by a vaginal discharge which is often frothy, greenish yellow or gray in color with a strong odor.

Bacterial vaginosis: The hallmark of vaginal discharge in case of bacterial vaginosis is its strong fishy odor.

Gonorrhea: The patient observes a yellowish vaginal discharge associated with redness of the genitals.

Apart from color and smell of the vaginal discharge, vaginal infection is often associated with itching. Although some amount of itching is seen in all forms of vaginal infections, it is most marked in case of candidiasis. Vaginal infection may also be associated with fever, discomfort in the lower abdomen, pain during passing urine and during sexual intercourse. Atrophic vaginitis, caused around menopause due to reduced levels of estrogen, is associated with a dry and irritable vaginal membrane which is painful especially during intercourse.

Diagnosis of vaginal infection

It has been seen that obtaining a medical history alone is insufficient to diagnose the exact cause of vaginal infection. What is required is a carefully written medical history, examination of the pelvic region, and laboratory testing of the vaginal discharge. It is also important to elicit information about the sexual behaviors and practices of the patient, number of sexual partners and their genders, hygiene practices employed for cleaning the vaginal area, menstrual history and history of any medication in the recent past.

Treatment of vaginal diseases and vaginal discharge

The vaginal discharge is treated by treating the underlying cause of the infection. Once the nature of pathogen responsible for the vaginal infection is diagnosed, medication specifically directed to the pathogen is administered. Antibiotics and antifungal medicines form the mainstay of the treatment. They can be given either orally, as an injection or for topical application.

• Trichomoniasis is usually treated with either metronidazole or tinidazole. Both the sex partners are treated simultaneously to prevent the infection from recurring.
• Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with metronidazole, tinidazole or clindamycin.
• Gonorrhea was usually treated with penicillin. But now, strains resistant to penicillin have also emerged. They are treated with injections of ceftriaxone or by oral administration of cefixime.
• Chlamydia infection is best treated with either azithromycin or doxycycline.
• Candidiasis is usually dealt with topical application of creams containing butaconazole, clotrimazole or terconazole. Oral fluconazole is also effective in treating the condition. Vaginal suppositories containing nystatin are also preferred by certain patients.
• Atrophic vaginitis is treated with the help of hormonal replacement therapy.

Prevention of vaginal diseases

Although conditions like pregnancy and stress and antibiotics for other disease conditions cannot be avoided, one can avoid vaginal infections by taking care of the undergarments one wears. Loose fitting cotton undergarments allow air to circulate and go a long way in improving vaginal hygiene. Birth control pills should not be stopped but their content and strength can be altered after talking to the physician. Healthy sexual practices like use of condoms, and avoiding sexual promiscuity can also help in preventing vaginal infections. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists do not favor the use of douching, unless specifically recommended by the physician. Most important of all, if the infection is not responding to the over the counter medications within a reasonable time frame, one shouldn’t hesitate to take an opinion from a doctor.