Vaginitis

by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, MD

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a woman holding an S.O.S. sign over her privates

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina.

Causes

Infections
- Yeast infection — whitish itchy discharge with little smell — increased by antibiotics or excess sugar intake
- Bacterial — often with a fishy smell
- Trichomoniasis
- Other infections
Hormonal Deficiencies

Hormonal (estrogen) deficiencies during menopause.
Irritating Substances

Treatment

Therapies & Advice
- Check for STDs
  
  To rule out a sexually transmitted disease, it is best that vaginitis be evaluated by a gynecologist.
- Yeast Vaginitis
  - Avoid Antibiotics and Sugar
    
    Adding a teaspoon of plain yogurt with LIVE bacterial culture vaginally daily can help restore healthy balance and may help eliminate an acute infection as well.
    
    Probiotics by mouth may decrease recurrence as well.
  - Topical Treatments
    
    Tea tree oil suppositories (irritating) may also help, but frankly the OTC Monistat (miconazole) or Mycelex (Clotrimazole) vaginal creams are safer and more reliable.
  - Treat for Candida
    
    Also see Candida.
- Infections
  
  For other infections, consult your gynecologist.
- Hormonal Deficiencies
  
  For hormonal deficiencies, consider bioidentical estrogen (see Menopause).

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