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Vaginitis
Although rarely serious, vaginitis affects women of all ages,
even babies and young girls. The term 'vaginitis' lumps together
several conditions that inflame and irritate the lower female
genital tract. Besides inflammation, they often cause itching,
burning and increased vaginal discharge, which may have an
offensive odour. These may be due to a disturbance in the
vagina's internal balance.
Some discharge from the vagina is normal, which normally
fluctuates with age, monthly cycle, stress and sexual activity.
The normal discharge varies from clear and slippery to thick and
sticky, sometimes staining the underwear. Changes in vaginal
discharge reflect alterations in the vagina's ecosystem. Within
the vagina's lining, many bacteria and other organisms dwell in
friendly co-existence. A healthy vagina is kept slightly acidic
by harmless lactobacilli - acid-producing bacteria. These dwell
in harmony with most other vaginal micro-organisms and monitor
the harmful organisms. In the absence of sufficient
lactobacilli, other harmful and infectious micro-organisms can
flourish and irritate the vagina.
Infectious Vaginitis
Infectious vaginitis is usually due to one of three
micro-organisms: mixed bacteria (including Gardnerella), yeasts
(Candida albicans) and Trichomonas vaginalis. Each type of
vaginitis has distinct features, but the three infections may
co-exist.
Non-Infectious Vaginitis
Vaginitis may also arise from mechanical irritation, especially
if childhood curiosity leads young girls to insert small objects
into their vaginas. Prior to puberty, vaginitis may be a result
of low oestrogen levels, while a thinning vaginal lining may
crack and become infected in post-menopausal women.
The Causes of Vaginitis
The main causes of vaginitis are vaginal thinning, dryness,
infection and less commonly, foreign objects in the vagina. Some
women may also have such a delicately balanced vaginal
eco-system that even the slightest alteration in acidic levels,
causes upset. Douching aswell as pieces of tampon being
accidentally left in following a period can also upset the
vagina's inner environment.
Other causes include deodorant sprays, laundry soaps, and
bathwater additives; and sensitivity to spermicides, latex
condoms, or latex diaphragms. All age groups are at risk, and
most women can expect to have at least one vaginal infection in
their lifetime. In the reproductive years, vaginitis is usually
caused by infection, whilst premenopausal and postmenopausal
causes are more often mechanical or chemical.
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