Vaginitis occurs inside the vagina and at the vaginal opening. Common symptoms include abnormal discharge, itching, odor, blood-tinged discharge, and burning sensation in the vagina. Diagnosis can be made through internal examination along with testing the discharge to determine whether the cause of vaginitis is fungal or bacterial, as the management differs for each cause. It can be categorized as follows:
- Fungal discharge is caused by moisture. This type of discharge appears powdery and is accompanied by itching in the vaginal area.
- Bacterial discharge has a fishy or foul odor, especially after sexual intercourse.
Risk factors for vaginitis include vaginal douching, using sanitary pads, wearing skirts or tight pants, as these can cause the thighs to be pressed too closely together. Frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs or having a low immune system can also alter the vaginal environment, making discharge more likely. If symptoms occur, it is important to see a doctor promptly because frequent episodes can cause irritation around the cervix and may be related to cervical cancer.
Basic self-care management for women regarding the vagina
Avoid vaginal douching, use sanitary pads only during menstruation, avoid wearing skirts or tight pants, exercise regularly, get enough rest, maintain a healthy weight within recommended limits, and avoid high-fat foods because fat is a precursor to many diseases such as ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.
