Urinary & Vaginal Infection Testing & Treatment

Vaginitis is a term used to describe three specific types of vaginal infections:

1. Candidiasis is an infection that is also called a yeast infection. Most healthy women have yeast in their vaginas, but sometimes this yeast grows too much. "Overgrowth" may happen when the normal condition of the vagina is changed by certain antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes, immune deficiency, use of steroids, or normal hormonal changes. Symptoms may include a thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge with itching, irritation, and redness of the genitals. Diagnosis is made by examination of the vagina. Various creams, suppositories, and vaginal tablets, as well as oral medication, can be used to treat candidiasis.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is a condition that can be caused by various types of bacteria. Symptoms may include a heavy, grayish vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant "fishy" odor. BV is sometimes caused by unprotected sexual contact that can disrupt the balance of normal bacteria that protect the vagina. Certain bodily fluids, especially semen, may be more disruptive for some women. Diagnosis is made by examination of the vagina. Various creams and gels, as well as oral medication, can be used to treat BV.

3. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is spread by any activity that promotes the exchange of fluids, such as vaginal intercourse, sharing sex toys, mutual masturbation, and sharing towels. Symptoms may include a frothy, often musty smelling, discharge, itching in and around the vagina, an urge to urinate more often than usual, and blood-stained discharge. Diagnosis is made by examination of the vaginal discharge. Trich is treated with oral antibiotics. All sexual partners must be treated to avoid re-infection, and condoms should be used after treatment to prevent future transmission of STIs.

How can I recognize and avoid vaginitis?

Each woman has her own pattern of vaginal fluids. Learn your own normal pattern. Then you will notice any changes that may mean you have vaginitis.

• Avoid soaps, detergents, fabric softeners, bubble baths, powders, tampons, panty liners, pads, and vaginal sprays that are scented. Don't douche.
• Always wear cotton underwear.
• Inspect your partner's sex organs for sores or discharges. Use a latex condom every time you have vaginal intercourse, unless you are absolutely sure that you and your partner have no infections and have no other sex partners.

Remember: vaginitis has little to do with how clean you are. Bathing or douching will not cure vaginitis. But good hygiene is an important part of being healthy. It includes washing your genitals daily with mild, perfume-free soap. Vaginal symptoms can be a sign of more serious disease, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, so it is always a good idea to go to the clinic and have a check-up.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) occur when bacteria gets into the bladder and can cause an infection. Women who have this infection complain about the need to go to the bathroom frequently and "in a hurry," and it often hurts when they urinate. It is NOT a sexually transmitted infection, but often the bacteria gets into the bladder through vaginal intercourse.  Treatment involves taking antibiotics for 3 or 7 days.  We urge women to drink plenty of water and avoid carbonated drinks, caffeine, and alcohol. Unsweetened cranberry juice sometimes helps to get rid of the infection, but it has not been proven to help prevent an infection in the future.

There is medication available over the counter that takes away the symptoms while the antibiotic is working to get rid of the infection. This additional drug turns the urine a bright orange. If the infection is not treated correctly, it can travel to the kidneys and cause a more serious infection called pyelonephritis. If a simple UTI does not go away, it is important to go to a clinic for more testing. Or, if you have these symptoms along with fever and severe lower back pain, you should go to an Emergency Room for evaluation.