VAGINITIS (INFLAMMATION OF THE VAGINA) PART 1 - THISDAY Newspapers
Vaginitis is an inflammation or infection of the vaginal canal. The vulva, which is the external part of a woman's genitals, can also be affected where this is then known as vulvovaginitis. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as bacteria or fungal infections while others can be substances found in topical lotions, beauty products or even clothes coming in contact with this area. Several other conditions can lead to vaginitis, such as atrophic vaginitis, which is caused by lack of estrogen. Symptoms of vaginitis can range from asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) to painful. The condition can be infectious or non-infectious. Women who are pregnant can develop an inflammatory case of vaginitis secondary to hormonal changes, and it can also occur with oral antibiotic use. Antibiotic treatment for another infection elsewhere in the body can affect the normal vaginal bacteria ...