VAGINITIS EP. 2
VAGINITIS
✅ Causes of Vaginitis
The cause of Vaginitis is usually a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. The infectious causes of vaginitis include bacteria, yeast, and Trichomonas.
🔅A. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common bacterial infection that causes vaginitis. This condition results from an imbalance in the bacteria normally present in the vagina. It is not clear if sexual activity plays a role in the development of bacterial vaginosis, and some experts believe it can occur in women who have not had sexual contact. The STDs gonorrhea and Chlamydia are other bacterial causes of vaginitis.
🔅B. Yeast infections, such as Candida infection, are a common cause of vaginitis. Yeast infections are not considered to be STDs.
🔅C. Trichomonas ("Trich") is a parasitic infection that is transmitted through sexual contact.
🔅D. Non-infectious causes of vaginitis include physical or chemical irritation, such as:
* Douches (vagina washing), soaps, or fragrances
* Spermicides
* Reduced estrogen levels around the time of menopause
🔅E. Vaginitis in young girls has also been described and is thought to arise from poor hygiene practices that allow the spread of fecal bacteria from the anal area into the vagina.
✅ Risk factors of Vaginitis
The risk factors for vaginitis depend upon the type of vaginitis. Risk factors for STDs include multiple sexual partners and unprotected intercourse. Some of the known risk factors for bacterial vaginosis include cigarette smoking, multiple sex partners, douching, and using IUDs for contraception.
Risk factors for yeast infection are varied. They can include suppression of the immune system either due to cancer or other conditions, or by taking immune-suppressing medications. Antibiotic use is another known risk factor. Pregnancy, diabetes, taking oral contraceptives, and douching can all increase a woman's likelihood of developing yeast vaginitis