{"id":1502,"date":"2022-08-30T12:02:03","date_gmt":"2022-08-30T12:02:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/?p=1502"},"modified":"2022-09-12T12:42:48","modified_gmt":"2022-09-12T12:42:48","slug":"vulvovaginitis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/vulvovaginitis-causes-symptoms-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Vulvovaginitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Although vulvovaginitis is the number one cause of vaginal symptoms, not many people know what this condition refers to. If you are one of these people looking for answers to questions such as &#8220;how to treat vaginitis&#8221;, &#8220;what are the symptoms of vaginitis?&#8221; and more, keep reading. You will learn about the different causes, symptoms, and possible treatment methods for this common and very unpleasant condition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Above all, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional for expert guidance. For the best results, consider <\/span><a href=\"\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/gynecology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>vulvitis treatment in South Miami, Florida<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">So, what is vulvovaginitis, and what causes it in the first place? Keep scrolling to find out.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What is Vulvovaginitis?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vulvovaginitis is the infection or inflammation of the vagina or the vulva. This common condition can affect girls and women equally, regardless of age. Sometimes, this condition is also referred to as vaginitis or vulvitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">According to the statistics, about 30 percent of women in the US have bacterial vulvovaginitis at any point in life. Overall, vulvovaginitis is the number one cause of unpleasant vaginal symptoms such as itching and odor. Based on a CDC fact sheet from 2017, the second most common vaginal infection is a yeast infection or vaginal candidiasis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you have any questions or concerns concerning vulvovaginitis, contact professionals at <\/span><a href=\"\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Obstetrics and Gynecology in South Miami, Florida<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Most Common Causes of Vulvovaginitis<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1504 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/The-Most-Common-Causes-of-Vulvovaginitis.jpg\" alt=\"Adult Woman While Visit to Gynecologist at Medical Clinic\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/The-Most-Common-Causes-of-Vulvovaginitis-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/The-Most-Common-Causes-of-Vulvovaginitis-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/The-Most-Common-Causes-of-Vulvovaginitis-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/The-Most-Common-Causes-of-Vulvovaginitis-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/The-Most-Common-Causes-of-Vulvovaginitis-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/The-Most-Common-Causes-of-Vulvovaginitis-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/The-Most-Common-Causes-of-Vulvovaginitis.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many things can cause an infection in the vulvar areas and the vagina. One of the most common causes is bacteria. However, there are plenty of other vaginitis causes, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Parasites<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Viruses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yeast<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sexually transmitted infections or STIs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Environmental factors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Exposure to allergens or chemical irritants<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the sections below, you will uncover the details about the different vaginitis causes and how they differ from each other. Again, if you are or have been exposed to any of the mentioned causes, seek out the help of a professional. Only a trained medical expert can help you identify the exact vaginitis causes and get your health back on track.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Parasites<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Lice, scabies, and pinworms can cause severe inflammation of the vagina and the vulva. One of the most common sexually transmitted infections is trichomoniasis, and it is caused by a tiny parasite called the Trichomonas vaginalis. This microscopic organism spreads during sexual intercourse with an infected individual. In female patients, trichomoniasis causes unpleasant symptoms and increases the risk of other STIs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Viruses<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One of the most widespread vaginitis causes is viruses such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes. These viruses can cause different unpleasant signs and symptoms, and they are usually sexually transmitted. When it comes to herpes, the main symptom is pain in the genital area with sores and lesions. HPV, on the other hand, is associated with warts, but this is not always the case. The leading cause of cervical cancer in female patients is HPV.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Yeast<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You may be experiencing vulvitis symptoms due to Candida albicans. Namely, this yeast infection can lead to disturbing genital itching and a white and thick vaginal discharge. Typically, the discharge looks like cottage cheese, and it has a strong, unpleasant odor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some female patients may get a yeast infection due to antibiotic use. The reason for this is that antibiotics can get rid of antifungal bacteria naturally living in the vagina.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Sexually Transmitted Infections<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The number one way to learn how to treat vaginitis is to prevent it in the first place. We recommend using a condom during sexual intercourse. If you have unprotected sex, you are at high risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection. In fact, trichomonas vaginitis can cause vulvovaginitis. As a result, patients experience heavy discharge, itching, and overall genital discomfort. Some diseases that can cause vaginitis include herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Environmental Factors<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some women experience vulvitis symptoms due to environmental factors such as allergens or poor personal hygiene. For instance, wearing tight clothing that rubs against the skin and does not let the skin breathe can trap moisture. When the skin is irritated, the chances of getting vulvitis symptoms are higher. Moreover, skin irritation can delay the recovery process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Exposure to Allergens or Chemical Irritants<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Different chemicals can lead to vulvovaginitis. For instance, you can find potentially harmful chemicals in feminine sprays, soaps, vaginal contraceptives, and perfumes. The substances that you should stay away from include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Triclosan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dioxane<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Parabens<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sodium sulfate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make sure to avoid these ingredients in your laundry detergent and soap. To stay safe, we recommend switching to a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic brand. This step will help prevent unwanted signs and symptoms of infection in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Children and Vulvovaginitis<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Children can also display vulvitis symptoms. In fact, the most common gynecological problem in girls of prepubescent age is vulvovaginitis. According to experts, this happens due to low estrogen levels in the body. The vagina becomes more acidic when girls reach puberty, and the infections typically stop.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If your child has vulvitis symptoms, reach out to a doctor. This condition can be treated with low-dose topical antibiotics, steroids, or daily bathing. Make sure to talk to your child about bathroom hygiene. Also, ensure your child wears loose-fitting cotton underwear that is breathable.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What are the Most Common Symptoms of Vulvovaginitis?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There are many ways to know whether you have vulvovaginitis or not. If you feel concerned, your first step is to schedule an appointment with your doctor. The medical professional will ask about your symptoms. Here are some of the most common vulvitis symptoms to look out for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Itching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Irritation of the genital area<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Feeling discomfort during urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Strong-smelling and increased vaginal discharge<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Inflammation in the perineal areas and around the labia<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How Do You Diagnose Vulvovaginitis?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Now that you are more aware of the vulvitis symptoms, you will want to get an expert diagnosis. As mentioned, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms, and you will probably be asked for a vaginal discharge sample for testing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Usually, the doctor will perform a pelvic exam. By doing this, the medical expert will identify the organism that is causing the vulvitis symptoms. Rarely a biopsy of the vulva might be needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Do You Treat Vulvovaginitis?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1505 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/How-Do-You-Treat-Vulvovaginitis.jpg\" alt=\"Gynecologist Communicates With Her Patient, Indicating the Menstrual Cycle on the Monitor\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/How-Do-You-Treat-Vulvovaginitis-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/How-Do-You-Treat-Vulvovaginitis-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/How-Do-You-Treat-Vulvovaginitis-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/How-Do-You-Treat-Vulvovaginitis-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/How-Do-You-Treat-Vulvovaginitis-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/How-Do-You-Treat-Vulvovaginitis-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/202\/2022\/09\/How-Do-You-Treat-Vulvovaginitis.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">You have a few options when it comes to vaginitis treatment. Depending on the infection type and the organism that is causing the infection, you may need to opt for a different approach. Although a doctor can give you recommendations for the best vaginitis treatment, you may also attempt to treat the condition on your own. However, home remedies are not always effective, and you should always speak to your doctor before trying any of the following home remedies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">That said, here are some popular vaginitis treatment options that you can do at home. Home remedies include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using coconut oil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Consuming more garlic<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sitting in a sitz bath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Adding a trace of vinegar or tea tree oil to your bath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Suppositories<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Vaginal creams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Topical ointments<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Always be careful when learning how to treat vaginitis, especially from your home. For instance, never put garlic into your vagina, and do not sit in a sitz bath for too long. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you want to choose a safer route, we recommend vaginitis treatment that involves prescribed medications. Your doctor will identify the organism type causing the complications, and you will get medication. Some common medications for treating vulvitis symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oral antifungal pills<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Estrogen creams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oral antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Antifungal creams\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Antibacterial creams<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Most importantly, before ever needing treatment, it is crucial you practice proper sexual health. Make sure you or your partner do not have an STI by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aafp.org\/pubs\/afp\/issues\/2018\/0301\/p321.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">getting tested regularly<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Also, use a condom when having sex, as it protects you from unwanted STIs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Give Us a Call Today<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Are you ready to get rid of gynecological problems forever? Reach out to us today to get started.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although vulvovaginitis is the number one cause of vaginal symptoms, not many people know what this condition refers to. If you are one of these people looking for answers to questions such as &#8220;how to treat vaginitis&#8221;, &#8220;what are the symptoms of vaginitis?&#8221; and more, keep reading. You will learn about the different causes, symptoms,  [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1503,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[233,232,231,234,230],"class_list":["post-1502","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gynecology","tag-how-to-treat-vaginitis","tag-vaginitis-causes","tag-vaginitis-treatment","tag-vulvitis-symptoms","tag-vulvovaginitis"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1502","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1502"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1502\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1503"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1502"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1502"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/obgyn-specialists-of-south-miami\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}