1. Get an Accurate Diagnosis and the Right Medicine
See your doctor if you have unusual vaginal discharge, foul odor, itching or burning in your vagina, or burning urination. Your doctor will determine the treatment based on the type of vaginitis you have and will make sure you don't have a urinary tract infection. Vaginitis is a general term for vaginal infection or irritation that can result from multiple causes, including bacteria, viruses, yeast and irritating chemicals.
Certain types of vaginitis require prescription medication. Bacterial vaginosis may be treated with an oral antifungal medication called metronidazole. Clindamycin, an antibiotic, may also be prescribed in oral form or as a vaginal cream or gel. When vaginitis results from a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite (trichomoniasis), your doctor will prescribe oral metronidazole.
Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can treat vaginitis caused by an overgrowth of yeast, or Candida albicans, but rely on these only if you are certain you have a yeast infection. These products--miconazole or clotrimazole--are available in 1-, 3- and 7-day treatment courses of vaginal cream or suppositories. While OTC antifungal creams or suppositories are convenient, don't treat a yeast infection if that's not the cause of your symptoms. It won't work, and delaying the correct treatment could lead to complications.
2. Consider Estrogen for Thin, Dry Vaginal Tissue
A vaginal cream, tablet or ring containing estrogen is often prescribed to treat thin, dry vaginal tissue (atrophic vaginitis). This type of vaginitis occurs when vaginal tissue thins, dries out and tears easily due to declining hormone levels as menopause approaches. Estrogen is a prescription medication, and the estrogen ring must be inserted by your doctor and changed every 3 months.
3. Use Nonirritating Soap, Detergent and Sanitary Products
To treat noninfectious vaginitis, determine the cause and stay away from that product. Soap, detergent, sanitary pads or tampons may cause itching, burning or irritation. Heavily perfumed products may be the culprit. Antibacterial or deodorant soaps may cause issues as well. Look for unscented tampons and pads, use hypoallergenic soap and consider using detergent that doesn't contain perfumes or dyes.
