Vaginitis means infection or inflammation of the vagina

Aetiology.

I. Bacterial,

(i) Specific. Gonococcal especially in children causing vulvo-vaginitis ; pyogenic—common in association with gonococcal infection ; tubercular—very rarely; syphilitic—com­monly the primary sore; there may be other venereal diseases like Gardnerella vaginale Vaginitis, granuloma inguinale and lympho-granuloma venereum, schistosomiasis, amoebiasis, oxyriasis.

(ii) Nonspecific. Forgotten pessary, foreign body, irritant douches, senile vaginitis in post-menopausal women, exposure of vagina in vaginal prolapse, irritation of discharge from cervix or by urine or stool in genital fistulae.

II. Parasitic and fungal,

(i) Trichomonas vaginitis,

(ii) monilial vagi­nitis (vaginal thrush).

Clinical Types.

These are mainly seen in different periods of life as follows (1) vulvovaginitis in children; (2) vaginitis in repro­ductive period—trichomonas vaginitis, monilial vaginitis, gonococcal and pyogenic vaginitis, tubercular vaginitis, other rare vaginitis (G-vaginalis); (3) postmenopausal period—senile vaginitis; (4) post­operative—following vaginal repair operations.

Thin vaginal mucosa in children without the acidity in the vagina is more prone to get the infection than in adults. The soft vulval mucosa is also often involved. Thus infection is one of vulvo­vaginitis rather than vaginitis. The condition may be acute or chronic.

Bacteriology. Infection may be caused by (1) gonococcus, (2) E. coli, other pyogenic infections, (3) monilial and trichomonal.

Source of infection. (1) Direct contact from the person infected with gonorrhoea particularly raping; (2) indirect—any foreign body

in vagina, infected towel, bath tubs, dysentery due to worm infesta­tions (commonly thread worm, oxyuris).

Clinical Features.

Symptoms of vaginitis in children

(1) Persistent purulent discharge, at times blood stained per vagina ;

(2) pruritus, pain, and soreness in vulva ;

(3) pain­ful urination, if there is associated urethritis.

Signs. The vulva especially the labia minora are oedematous and red; there may be vulval excoriations or ulceration. The vagina looks red, oedematous with purulent discharge.

Investigations. Examination under anaesthesia becomes often necessary to obtain smear from vagina and also to exclude foreign body and cervical polyp or sarcoma. Aural or nasal speculum, baby's laryngoscope, culdoscope or laparoscope can be used for in­spection of vagina. Bacteriological Studies are performed as follows, (1) microscopic demonstration of the organism from the discharge by staining is very important; typical gram-negative intracellular diplococci are diagnostic .of gonorrhoea; (2) positive culture and sensitivity test. Examination of stool is necessary in some cases.

Treatment.

1. General measures. In acute case, bed rest, al­kalies, plenty of fluids are to be provided.

2. Specific measures. Chemotherapy (cotrimoxazole) or peni­cillin or any correct antibiotic are most useful. Penicillin therapy is particularly called for gonorrhoea.

Oestrogen therapy is useful;

3. Local treatment—locally, no treatment is necessary except care of proper hygiene.

Vaginal Yeast infection in women is very common. Yeasts or Candida fungus are minute organisms that live in small numbers on human body. Yeast infection occurs when the number of these organisms increases beyond a certain level.

Typically, the acidity in the vagina keeps the level of yeast low. But with the drop in the acidity level due to various conditions like menstruation period, pregnancy, diabetes or birth control pills, yeast grows and causes the infection.

Cause, Symptoms and remedies of Vaginal Yeast Infection

• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, deodorant tampons, and douching
• Clean your diaphragm, cervical cap, and spermacides applicators thoroughly in warm soapy water and dry. Use cornstarch on your diaphragm and cervical cap lightly
• Use condoms
• If you are prone to frequent infections, ecchinacea with golden seal, acidophilus, and a mild vinegar and water douche after your per may help prevent occurrences. If you have to take antibiotics, use yeast medications while taking them if you get frequent yeast infections

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