Common Irritants to Vagina

Is Vagina Always the Result of an Infection? Irritation of the vagina and/or vulva from noninfectious causes is more common than most people appreciate. Genital tissues owe their exquisite sensitivity to thin skin and an abundance of nerves. It is this same anatomic makeup that causes the vagina and vulva to be sensitive to irritation and injury. Thankfully, most cases of noninfectious vaginitis heal rapidly and completely once the offending agent is removed.
What Kinds of Complaints Do These Irritants Cause? Symptoms of this type of vaginitis may be difficult to differentiate from symptoms caused by infections, such as yeast, Trichomonas, or bacterial vaginosis. Females will often complain of an increase in their discharge with an accompanying odor. In addition, they often notice vaginal and/or vulvar itching and/or discomfort.
How Is Noninfectious Vaginitis Diagnosed? The diagnosis begins by obtaining a thorough history of a female's complaints. The pelvic examination will reveal redness and swelling in the genital area. Microscopic examination of her discharge will show an increase in white blood cells (the body's primary defense against infection or irritation). The gynecologist also will look for the absence of an infection or other skin lesions. Sometimes a retained tampon or other "foreign body" is found in the vagina and the mystery is easily resolved.
How Is This Form of Vaginitis Treated? Treatment of noninfectious vaginitis is usually simple. Removing the source of the irritation is often all that's needed. Females suffering from significant discomfort can consult gynecologist and with medical advice use cream in the genital area.
What Are the Types of Noninfectious Vaginitis? The main causes of noninfectious vaginitis fall into three categories: chemical, physical, and atrophic vaginitis.
Chemical Vaginitis
· feminine deodorant sprays
· perfumed or colored toilet paper, it is best to rinse with plain water, than to use toilet tissue papers
· bubble bath or bath oils
· deodorant soaps
· laundry detergents (cold water formula) or fabric softeners with enzymes
· hot tubs or pools [chemicals in water and resident bacteria]
· spermicides and/or condoms (latex allergy)
· disposable fragrant douches [douche only when advised to do so by a gynecologist]
· hair conditioners, dyes, or shampoos [including hair removal products]
· perfumes
· talcum powder
· over-the-counter medications

Many of the products promoted and advertised and girls & females are told they should use are actually bad for their health! Your Vulva and your mouth are equally sensitive, so if you would not put in your mouth, do not expose your vulva or vagina to such products!
Physical or Foreign-Body Vaginitis
Physical or foreign-body vaginitis can be caused by the following:
· sanitary napkins with plastic shields
· condoms or diaphragms
· exercise bicycles
· horseback riding
· rowing machines
· tampons
· frequent use of small sanitary pads [panty liners]
· synthetic underwear (non-cotton)
· tampons or other objects left in the vagina
· sex toys (vibrators, etc.) [presumably, from excessive use]
· frequent masturbation [over indulgence, not daily masturbation sessions]
Atropic Vaginitis
Females who have experienced menopause [natural, surgical, or prescription drug induced] have skin changes in the genital area. Since the tissues there are depend on estrogen, the decline in estrogen during menopause causes the tissues to become thinner, or "atrophic."
This weakening of the skin in the vagina and the vulva can increase the risk of infection. In addition, the atrophic vagina can produce irritative symptoms on its own.
Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis are dryness, discomfort with intercourse, and a watery yellow discharge. In an estrogen-deficient (typically postmenopausal) female, the diagnosis is made by excluding other causes of vaginitis by history and examination. The discharge contains an increase in white blood cells when viewed under a microscope.
Treatment of atrophic vaginitis consists of estrogen replacement. Vaginal estrogen creams provide more rapid relief than oral estrogen. Often oral and vaginal estrogen are used together. Relief from the irritative symptoms may take a few weeks to months of consistent treatment

By Adolescence Educator