Vaginitis is a superficial inflammation of the vaginal mucous membrane caused by bacteria and fungi. The infection can be sexually transmitted or originate from swimming pools and toilet seats.
The mucous membrane will get irritated, swollen, and red, it will singe and itch and a thick, whitish, cream-coloured or greenish yellow discharge that smells sweet or smells of yeast or fish will appear.
An irritation of the skin around and in the actual genitals might also appear. The inflammation can spread to the urinary tract in which it can singe and cause an urge to frequent urination. Vaginitis is very common. The three most common causes of vaginitis are infections with the bacteria Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans, and Gardnerella vaginalis.
Under normal circumstances the vaginal mucous membrane produces lactic acid that protects against harmful bacteria and infections. A weakened immune defence and a reduced lactic acid production decrease the acidity (raise the pH value) of the mucous membrane which might cause the resistance to be reduced and make way for bacteria, fungi, and trichomonas vaginalis increasing the risk of aquiring vaginitis.
Trichomonas vaginalis are single-celled organisms and if the vaginitis is caused by the trichomonas vaginalis, it is called trichomonas. It causes the production of a smelly and greenish yellow discharge. It is normal to find the Trichomonas vaginalis and many other micro-organisms in the vagina of healthy women but if the vagina has a normal acidity it does not necessarily have to result in vaginitis.
The yeast fungus Candida albicans belongs to the natural flora of the female vagina and the intestines of both men and women. It is a natural and usually harmless fungus that thrive in a humid and warm environment. If the ecological environment or the acidity is disturbed, the fungi can spread and cause an infection in the vagina.
Fungal infections have a tendency to come back which indicates that the people who get infected have especially good fungal growth conditions according to lifestyle and diet.
After taking a smear test of the vagina at the GP or gynecologist both yeast fungi and the trichomonas vaginalis can be detected by cultivation in a laboratory.
The acidity is decreased by:
- Too few lactic acid bacteria
- Pregnancy, hormonal changes, and diabetes
- Damages to the vaginal wall caused by tampons etc.
- Spermicides, soap, deodorants for the private parts, foam, spray, liners, and chemical flushes.
- Dryness in the vagina in connection with sex and having sex with persons with fungal infections
- Treatment with antibiotics and hormones such as adrenocortical hormones, contraceptive pills, and other medication
The factors mentioned above can result in an increased risk of yeast fungal infections such as thrush, candida albicans, and monilia. Women who suffer from diabetes are particularly exposed to vaginal yeast fungal infections and in men suffering from diabetes, yeast fungi can cause posthitis (inflammation of the foreskin).
Also see "Venereal diseases", "Parasite infection", and "Fungal infections".
