Vulvovaginitis, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

Vulvovaginitis is a medical condition with acute inflammation of the vulva and vagina in females.
Vulvovaginitis or vaginitis can indicate the presence of swelling or infection of the vulva and vagina.
Vaginitis is a frequent problem that can affect women and girls of all ages.
Vulvovaginitis is usually caused by:
Infections:
1. Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, trichomonas and chlamydia.
Gonorrhea and Trichomonas: A type of vaginitis is spread by sexual contact.
Symptoms in women are genital itching, vaginal odor, and a heavy vaginal discharge that may be green or yellow-grey in color.
2. Fungal infection
Yeast infections are one of the most frequent causes of vulvovaginitis in women.
Yeast infections are frequently caused by the fungus Candida albicans.
3. Herpes simplex virus in recurrent cases: also known as genital herpes
4. Pediculosis pubis or lice: parasites on pubic area or bed sheets
5. Pinworm infection in children: more in children at anal and vulvar areas
6. Urinary infection such as cystitis (bladder infection)
7. Lack of cleanliness (poor hygiene)
Objects such as a lost tampon can also cause irritation, itching, and strong smelling discharge.
Allergies:
1. Clothings
2. Perfumes
3. Powders
4. Drugs
Chemical irritants:
1. Vaginal douche
2. Detergents used to wash underwear
3. Bubble baths,
Mechanical irritants:
1. Ill fitting underwear
2. Inadequate sexual lubrication
3. Vaginal birth control
Spermicidal and vaginal sponges, which are over-the-counter birth control methods
Postmenopausal:
Atrophic vulvovaginitis occurs after menopause with vaginal dryness and inflammation
These changes may result in or worsen genital itching and burning.
Generalized disorders:
Dermatological disorders such as lichen simplex
Other skin conditions such as psoriasis
Non-specific vulvovaginitis
Sometimes the exact cause cannot be found.
It occurs in all age groups, but is most frequent in young girls before menstruation, especially if they have poor hygiene of the genital area.
There is a foul-smelling, brownish-green vaginal discharge.
There is also irritation of the opening of the vagina and the labia of the vulva.
This disorder is frequently linked with excessive growth of E.coli germs normally found in the stool.
Sexual abuse should be determined in young girls with unusual genital infections and repeated episodes of unexplained vulvovaginitis.
Diagnosis can usually be made by:
1. History of vulvar itch, associated painful urination, frequency of urination, or vaginal discharge
2. Vulva shows excoriation of lining and inflammation (redness and swelling)
3. Vulvar and vaginal swab to culture for bacteria and sexually transmitted diseases
4. Biopsy of the suspicious vulvar lesions to exclude other causes of vulvar problem such as tumor
Treatment
1. Appropriate Antibiotics and antifungal treatment are given for infections particularly after urine bacterial culture
2. Antihistamine medicine for itch
3. Topical estrogen cream for postmenopausal atrophic vulvovaginitis
4. Proper hygiene after sexual intercourse, urination, and bathing
5. Strong soaps should be avoided
6. Lubricants should be used during sexual intercourse
7. Weight should be reduced if obese
8. Underlying condition such as diabetes, allergic dermatitis, and other skin conditions should be treated.
9. Other medicines that may help is Cortisone cream

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Vulvovaginitis
Chapter 2 Causes
Chapter 3 Symptoms
Chapter 4 Diagnosis
Chapter 5 Treatment
Chapter 6 Prognosis
Chapter 7 Salpingitis
Chapter 8 Cervicitis
Epilogue