Vaginitis or inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis is often accompanied by symptoms of burning, itching, and discharge, often with a changed odor. Vaginitis is commonly caused by yeast or bacterial infections. Infections caused by bacteria, like gonorrhea Fungus, like yeast infections such as Candida Viruses, like genital warts caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus Parasites causing trichomoniasis and chlamydia Cancer of the vagina Vaginal prolapse
If you think the cause may be medical, the specific cause can be determined by a pelvic exam, microscopic examination of any vaginal discharge and vaginal swabs, taking a culture of vaginal organisms to determine the cause of an infection, or taking a Pap smear. In rarer cases, you may need a colposcopy to closely examine the vaginal walls or cervix, or a vaginal biopsy.
If there is no relief within three to five days, make an appointment with your doctor or OB/GYN. Some untreated infections can cause serious consequences, including pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and sterility. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Vaginal bacterial infections can be treated medically with either topical or oral antimicrobials. These are usually used once or twice a day for five to seven days. Yeast infections can be treated with prescription oral antifungal medication if over-the-counter treatments don’t work. Trichomoniasis is always treated with oral medication.
Never use douche. Your vagina contains both beneficial and harmful bacteria, carefully balanced to create an ideal, acidic environment. When you use douche, this balance is disrupted and can lead to an overgrowth of the bad bacteria. This can lead to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis and can push an infection deeper into your body where it can cause more harm. [6] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source You do not need any special products, like douche, to clean your vagina. The mucus made by your vagina naturally cleans blood, semen, and vaginal discharge. [7] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source Simple soap and water should be enough to clean your vagina. After using the toilet, always wipe yourself from front to back. This prevents bacteria from fecal matter from getting in your vagina. Avoid using scented tampons, pads, powders, and sprays. In addition, consider using natural or fragrance-free detergents to launder your clothes.
If you use tampons and believe this may be the cause of your burning, start using sanitary pads instead. If you use sanitary pads, try switching to tampons.
Avoid wearing tight underwear and tight pants.
Soak a cotton washcloth in cold water. Apply to the vulva or vaginal area for about five minutes as often as needed. Add a few ice cubes inside the washcloth before you apply it to the area.
Soak a cotton washcloth in cold milk and apply to the vulva or vaginal area for about five minutes as often as needed. You can also use kefir, a fermented milk rich in probiotics, in place of the milk.
Do not insert yogurt into your vagina. While this was once a recommended home remedy, this has not been shown to have any effect on treating a yeast infection.
Place a few drops of tea tree oil in two to three cups of warm water. Soak a cotton towel or washcloth in the mixture. Apply to the vulval or vaginal area for 30 minutes. Repeat twice a day.
Do not insert garlic into your vagina. This is another popular home remedy that has no proven benefit. You can also take a garlic supplement of 300 mg.
Add two cups of apple cider vinegar to a few inches of warm bath water. Sit in the bath for 20 to 30 minutes every day. Afterwards, pat dry with a clean towel.
Mix three to five drops of oregano oil with one tablespoon of olive oil or castor oil. Use your fingers to apply to your vagina and vulva. You can also take an oregano oil supplement. You can take 500 mg twice a day.
Soak three tablespoons of fenugreek seeds in one liter of warm water overnight. Soak a cotton towel in the liquid and apply to the vulva and vaginal area for 30 minutes. Repeat twice a day.
