Vaginitis is a common inflammatory condition affecting the vagina and the broader lower genital tract of women. It can be caused by:
Vaginitis is often asymptomatic. However, when symptoms are present, they may include:
Preventive analyses for detecting vaginal infections include:
Level A for non-sexually transmitted infections
Antibiotic susceptibility testing may be requested if there's a positive culture for aerobic/anaerobic microorganisms and antifungal susceptibility testing for positive fungal cultures
Level B for sexually transmitted bacterial infections
*Marginally negative results in cultures may need confirmation through molecular biology tests, as indicated on the page.
Level C for sexually transmitted viral infections, with visible skin alterations or palpable nodules or after a suspicious Pap test for HPV infection
Common infections causing vaginitis include:
Candidiasis: Caused by Candida species of fungi. Candida lives normally in small colonies in the vagina, as well as in the mouth and the gastrointestinal tracts of both men and women.
Pathological candidiasis causes itching and redness and is usually not sexually transmitted. It is common after antibiotic use, in cases of uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy, contraceptive use, hormonal imbalances, thyroid diseases, corticosteroid use, and immune disorders.
Treatment is based on appropriate antifungal therapy indicated by antifungal susceptibility testing, which may be intravaginal or oral.
Bacterial Infections:.
The most common vaginal bacterial infection is caused by Gardnerella vaginalis.
However, bacterial infections can also result from a combination of bacteria. Their overgrowth is caused by an imbalance in vaginal flora.
It is not sexually transmitted but usually occurs in sexually active women. Although not serious as a pathological condition, it can increase the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases and complications after gynaecological interventions. Fifty percent are asymptomatic, while among the remaining cases, symptoms include abnormal discharge, fishy odour, especially after sexual intercourse, pain during urination, itching, and dryness of the vagina.
Treatment may involve intravaginal or oral therapy.
Trichomoniasis: It is a sexually transmitted parasite. The infection may be asymptomatic or cause frothy, greenish- yellow discharge with a foul odour, itching, burning sensation during urination, discomfort in the lower abdomen, and pain in the vagina during sexual intercourse. Symptoms intensify after menstruation.
Chlamydia: It is a sexually transmitted parasitic infection that is mostly asymptomatic. However, it can also present symptoms such as post-coital bleeding and pain in the lower abdomen. Examination should be performed as part of an annual check-up in fertile women because if left untreated, chlamydia can cause infertility in women.
Genital Herpes (HSV II): II) It is sexually transmitted and presents symptoms of pain combined with lesions or sores. Diagnosis requires gynaecological examination or detection through indirect blood tests that detect antibodies against the virus or direct molecular biology tests that detect the virus itself.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): It is sexually transmitted and is responsible for the formation of warts. These can appear on the cervix, anus, groin, or even in the pharyngeal cavity. Warts, when visible, appear as white-gray or pink-purple. Detection can be done through specific molecular biology tests.
Cultures for women are recommended to be done on days 12-15 of the period and are performed by taking vaginal secretions. You should contact the laboratory to schedule an appointment.
Blood tests are done daily without any preparation.