Points to remember about vaginitis
- "Vaginitis" is a medical term that describes an infection or
irritation of the vagina and/or vulva by yeast, bacteria, viruses,
other organisms, or chemical irritants.
- When present, symptoms of different types of vaginitis overlap
which can make diagnosis difficult. In addition, more than one
cause of vaginitis can be present at the same time in the same
woman.
- Good health habits are important! Have a complete
gynecologic exam, including a pap
smear at least every 2 years. If you have multiple
sexual partners, you should request screening for sexually
transmitted diseases.
- Proper diagnosis by your doctor or health care practitioner is
the key to proper treatment. Yeast,
bacteria, viruses, and
other organisms each require a specific type of therapy. Use of
the wrong medication will not help and will only delay proper
treatment.
- All vaginitis is not caused by yeast. The use of a
nonprescription medication or other treatment may make the proper
diagnosis more difficult if yeast is not the cause of the
infection.
- Some forms of vaginitis are sexually transmitted and can
co-exist with other more serious sexually transmitted diseases.
The proper use of condoms
can be helpful in preventing some forms of vaginitis.
- Follow complete instructions in treating your vaginal infection. If symptoms do not clear completely or if they reoccur, see your doctor or health care practitioner for further instructions.
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