What Is Vaginitis? What Are Its Symptoms And Causes?

Vaginitis is the swelling up of the vagina that can happen due to an infection. It is a very common condition and as per the experts found in free womens health clinic in the country, most women will suffer from it at least once in their lifetime. The vagina is a muscly canal that rushes from the cervix to the surface of the body. It will be lined by a mucus membrane and will have an average length of 6 to 7 inches.

Symptoms 

The usual symptoms of vaginitis are:

• Irritation and itching
• Discharge from the vagina can be grey, foamy, white, or watery.
• Inflammation in the genital area.
• Discomfort and pain during urinating.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Foul smell from the genital area.

Causes 

Infection is one of the most common causes of vaginitis and this can include trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, and candidiasis. Infectious vaginitis can be the cause of 90% of the cases after puberty. It can also occur before puberty, but in such cases, different types of bacteria can be involved. Streptococcus can be a cause because improper hygiene can spread the bacteria from the anal regions to the vagina.

The nearness of the vagina to the anus, absence of pubic hair, lack of labial fat pads, and absence of estrogenic hormone can increase the risks of vulvovaginitis before teenage years. After puberty, the infection can be usually caused by Gardnerella. Vaginitis can also be caused due to an allergic reaction, for instance, to spermicides, condoms, perfumes, and lubricants, etc. In some women, irritation from a tampon can also lead to vaginitis.

Shared below are few factors that can increase the chances of the problem.

• Pregnancy
• Using vaginal products like spermicides, birth control devices, and sprays, etc.
• Use of antibiotics
• Low estrogen levels
• Using damp underwear or tight pants

Women suffering from diabetes are much prone to vaginitis and such issues. Sexual intercourse is the most common way of transmission of vaginitis; however, it is not the only way of transmission. Having many sexual partners can amplify the risk of the condition. In addition, having a female sexual partner can also increase the risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis. If you have any of the symptoms of vaginitis, visit a free womens clinic in your area and ensure proper treatment. With proper and timely treatment, one can ease the symptoms and get cured.