$Unique_ID{BRK00701}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Yet Another Episode of Vaginitis}
$Subject{Genitourinary vagina infection bacteria bacterial Gardnerella
vaginitis Trichomonas protozoa Fungal infections Candida albicans antifungal
agent anaerobic bacterium tetracycline ping pong}
$Volume{A-14}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Yet Another Episode of Vaginitis


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QUESTION:  I am almost too embarrassed to visit my physician once again, with
yet another episode of vaginitis.  I seem to be very prone to this problem,
and hope you can offer some simple way to treat this infection that doesn't
require complicated treatment or prescription medications.

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ANSWER:  I wish it was all that simple, but it isn't.  Your physician is not
apt to be surprised by your visit, as vaginitis is probably the most common
complaint of women seeking medical help for gynecological problems.  Vaginitis
is, as you indicate, an infection that affects the mucosal tissue that lines
the vaginal tract.  While there are many possibilities, there are essentially
three types of organisms that can be the cause.  Most common are bacteria,
usually identified as Gardnerella vaginitis.  Although this organism is
present in 50 to 60% of normal, healthy women, the number of bacteria present
increases dramatically in an acute infection.  This is accompanied by an
increase in the number of anaerobic bacteria as well.  Another culprit is
Trichomonas vaginitis, a protozoa, that may be responsible for as many as 1/3
of all cases of vaginitis.  Fungal infections caused by Candida albicans are
frequent in pregnancy and after the use of antibiotics such as tetracycline.
Each type of infection requires a different therapy, an effective antibiotic
or antifungal agent, which can only be prescribed after the diagnosis has
been made.  Most physicians can make the diagnosis after a careful examination
and may confirm the diagnosis using their office laboratory, but a culture of
vaginal secretions may be required in some cases.  If your situation reveals
the same infection, time after time, your sexual partner may also require
treatment to prevent a situation graphically described as "ping pong"
vaginitis.  Overcome your feelings of embarrassment, and get the situation
straightened out now.  You can easily avoid some of the serious complications
that might be in store for you if you don't.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.