Feminine Health Guide: Bacterial Vaginitis, Vulvovaginitis, or Vaginitis

Vaginal infections have symptoms in common, and it is sometimes difficult to differentiate them, even sometimes all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are included in the same group. Candida vulvovaginitis, bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis are three examples of vaginal infections and, although they have things in common, they are different infections.

To better understand the different infections, it is important to first know the vagina in the absence of infection. The vagina has a defense function against pathogenic microorganisms that come from outside. This defense function lies in the microbial flora of the vaginal mucosa. In it there are various microorganisms of which lactobacilli predominate. By generating lactic acid, these microorganisms regulate vaginal pH so that pathogenic organisms cannot live in this environment. In most cases of vaginal infection, the cause has been an imbalance of the bacterial flora.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection, with the following symptoms:

• Leucorrhoea or excess vaginal discharge. The discharge is smelly, abundant, homogeneous, and white or grayish in color.
• Increase in vaginal pH.

This infection occurs due to the replacement of lactobacilli in the vaginal microflora by other pathogenic microorganisms that colonize the vaginal mucosa and alter its pH. The reason is not entirely clear, although it has been seen that it could be related to having multiple sexual partners.

Candida Vulvovaginitis

The most common vulvovaginitis is caused by the yeast fungus, also known as candidiasis. The symptoms are as follows:

• Leucorrhoea or excess discharge: White and abundant discharge.
• Irritation and itching of the vulva.
• Dermatitis in the vaginal tissue and / or small tissue fissures.

Candidiasis, although it can be transmitted sexually, can also appear for other reasons such as excessive douching, wearing very tight clothing or the use of non-specific hygiene products for the vaginal area.

Trichomonas Vaginitis

Trichomonas infection or trichomoniasis, on the other hand, is a sexually transmitted disease The symptoms are as follows:

• Leucorrhoea or excess flow: Smelly, yellowish or greenish discharge, homogeneous and often frothy.
• Swollen vagina and reddened cervix Alteration of pH.
• Vulvar itching

Diagnosis of Vaginal Infections

If you have discomfort, itching or abundant and non-normal colored flows, you should go to the gynecologist immediately. Culturing the vaginal discharge will determine if there is infection and what is its cause. In the case of having a vaginal infection, it is also important to carry out tests for other possible Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), since vaginal infections weaken the microbial flora and it is easier for other pathogens to colonize our body.

Treatment of Vaginal Infections

Depending on the infectious agent that caused the infection, there are different treatments that the doctor may prescribe, such as antibiotics if it is a bacteria, or antifungals if it is a fungus. If it is BV, your physician is likely to prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria in order to get them back down to healthy levels. However, antibiotics kill ALL bacteria, even the good ones that usually keep the bad bacteria in their place. And, antibiotics should not be used too often, as these bacteria can get used to antibiotics and find a way to become resistant to them, making it impossible to kill them unless you begin to use stronger and stronger doses of antibiotics. Whew! It’s a lot.

Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis

For a more permanent, and NATURAL way to get rid of BV for good use our Virgin Cocktail Suppositories for preventing or treating BV. In 2019, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (the folks who deliver babies and take care of women), recommended the usage of boric acid suppositories.

We strongly encourage you to consult a doctor to understand your underlying issue. Our Virgin Cocktail Suppositories can remedy Bacterial Vaginosis within just 7 days. Click here to learn more about the benefits of our product!

If you want more information about vaginal infections, we recommend "Myths about vaginal infections."