Vulvovaginitis is an inflammation of the vaginal tissue and is seen as a change in the color, quantity and smell of the discharge from the vagina. There will be itching, irritation or pain in the vagina. Urination may be painful. There may be pain during intercourse as well. Some even complain of vaginal bleeding.
The inflammation may be due to:
- Bacterial vaginosis: This is characterized by white, offensive discharge from the vagina which smells like fish and is apparent after sexual intercourse.
- Yeast infection: There’s itching, and white discharge like cottage cheese. Results in yellow green frothy discharge.
Primary Causes Of Vulvovaginitis
- Bacterial infection: In the vagina, the ‘good’ bacteria outstrip the ‘bad’ bacteria. However, if the ‘bad’ ones become numerous, the balance gets upset, causing bacterial vaginosis. This occurs when you have multiple sexual partners and when you aren’t sexually active.
- Yeast infections: Yeast infection develops in the vagina when C. albicans multiply profusely.
- Trichomoniasis: Trichomoniasis is a sexually conveyed infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis.
- Non-infectious vaginitis: Vaginal douches and sprays, perfumed soaps, detergents and spermicidal products are known to trigger an allergic reaction in the vagina.
Also, the thinning of the vaginal tissue due to reduced hormone levels, after surgical removal of the ovaries or after menopause causes inflammation of the vaginal tissues.
Home Remedies To Treat Vulvovaginitis
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is vital that you confer with your health care provider; necessary medications need to be started immediately.
- To manage bacterial infection you need to start appropriate anti-biotic. Your gynecologist will prescribe oral medicines or creams and suppositories to manage the case well.
- Yeast infections are treated with an anti-fungal creams or prescription oral anti-fungal medication.
- Your doctor will prescribe metronidazole to manage the infection.
- In case there is vaginal atrophy or a thinning of the vaginal lining, your doctor will ask you to take estrogen in the form of tablets or creams, which successfully treat atrophic vaginitis.
- If you have non-infectious vaginitis, your doctor will order a battery of tests to ascertain the exact cause. He needs to locate the cause of the irritation and helps you steer clear of it. Possible sources of this sort of inflammation and irritation are using a new soap, detergent, sanitary napkins or tampons. Your doctor will prescribe topical estrogen to allay the symptoms.
- Also, at home, you can apply a cold compress to the vaginal and labial area to alleviate the irritation and discomfort until your medications take full effect.
- Vitamin C is required to speed up the healing of most diseases and infections. Consume loads of limes, lemons, oranges, guavas, bell peppers and berries. These are packed with vitamin C and will expedite healing. You could also take a vitamin C supplement; confer with your health care provider and start the appropriate dose.
- Garlic is the most powerful infection fighter. Have 3 to 5 flakes of garlic (raw) per day. Garlic battles almost all bacterial, fungal and viral infections successfully.
- Tea tree essential oil has been recommended time and again for a host of infectious cases. Likewise, it is excellent in battling the itching and discomfort related to vaginitis. Add 5 drops of tea tree to a bowl of cold water; dip a cotton swab and apply on the affected area, several times through the day.