Dealing with Symptoms and Prevention of Vaginitis - Legacy ER

The medical term vaginitis describes different disorders that infect the vagina. It can come from bacteria, viruses, or yeast caused by irritations from chemicals or even clothing contaminated by another person with the same condition. Health conditions like these remind us that underwear is personal and should never be borrowed.

Vaginitis can also pass between sexual partners.

5 Types of Vaginitis

There are plenty of conditions referred to as vaginitis or vaginal infection. The common denominator between them is an organism that causes an infection or inflammation of the area. Some of the most common types are:

1. Bacterial vaginosis

Inflammation of the vagina is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. You will also notice a strong and fishy odor from the infected area.

2. Chlamydia

One of the most common STIs in the country. It is common for women between 18 and 35 with several sexual partners.

3. Yeast infection

When you experience an overgrowth of candida, a fungus typically found in the vagina in small amounts.

4. Trichomoniasis

An infection is caused by a parasite that spreads through sexual intercourse.

5. Gonorrhea

Another common infection that spreads through sexual intercourse and usually accompanies chlamydia.

Vaginitis Symptoms Can Vary

Most vaginitis symptoms are not obvious, especially for sexually active people with multiple partners. An annual physical exam is the best approach to getting diagnosed with an infection in the vagina.

Here are some symptoms to look out for if you think you have vaginitis.

• Irritation or itching in the vaginal area.
• A discharge from your vagina that is watery, foamy, and white or grayish.
• A noticeable redness or swelling on your vagina.
• If you experience pain or discomfort when peeing, it is sometimes known as dysuria.
• A foul odor is coming from your vagina.

Excessive pain during sexual intercourse is also a clear symptom of vaginal infection.

Risk Factors of Vaginitis

Several factors can increase your risk of developing vaginitis. An increase in sexual activity with multiple partners is one example. You never know who can infect you.

Hormonal changes can also cause vaginal infection, mainly triggered by birth control pills or pregnancy.

Medications like steroids and types of antibiotics have also been linked to the development of a vaginal infection.

Vaginitis Treatment

The leading cause of the infection should be identified to give proper treatment, which could involve low-potency steroids applied directly to the skin. Depending on the severity, doctors can suggest antibiotics, antifungals, and antibacterial creams.

While there are cases where the vaginitis clears out on its own, medical attention will best address it. The right medical treatment can ensure the proper removal of the problem.

Vaginitis Prevention Tips

Preventing vaginitis primarily depends on good hygiene. Here are some tips:

• Avoid hot tubs and baths used by other people, like in hotel rooms.
• Do not use irritants like douches and scented tampons. Do not use harsh soaps for washing the outer genital area.
• Make sure to dry the genital area well after showering or cleaning.
• Practice safe sex by using a condom and choosing your partner wisely.
• Consider wearing cotton underwear to keep the area dry. Yeast can grow and thrive in moist environments.

Go To Legacy ER & Urgent Care for Immediate Help

Legacy ER & Urgent Care is here to meet your medical care needs by providing affordable pricing and quality care. As part of Intuitive Health’s innovative hybrid model ER and urgent care system, patients are only billed for the level of care they receive from professional and highly trained medical staff. With six facilities located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, emergent and non-emergent care are accessible and transparent, focusing on superb customer service.

Legacy ER & Urgent Care has six convenient locations in the DFW area:

• Allen – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 1310 W. Exchange Pkwy Allen, TX 75013, and may be reached at 972-526-5819.
• Coppell – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 330 S Denton Tap Rd Coppell, TX 75019 and may be reached at 469-702-9917.
• Frisco East: Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 16151 Eldorado Pkwy Frisco, TX 75035 and may be reached at 972-526-7009.
• Frisco West: Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 9205 Legacy Dr. Frisco, TX 75033, and may be reached at 972-526-7020.
• McKinney – Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 2810 Hardin Blvd McKinney, TX 75072, and may be reached at 972-573-6688.
• North Richland Hills: Legacy ER & Urgent Care is located at 8950 N. Tarrant Pkwy North Richland Hills, TX 76182, and may be reached at 817-663-1247