What is Vaginitis? (Vaginal Yeast Infection)
Vaginitis is an inflammation in the vagina often caused by yeast or trichomonas. Trichomonas is neither a bacterium nor a virus - it is a protozoan.
How do you get it?
Often, it happens for no clear reason. Taking antibiotics or birth control pills, or being pregnant, can cause an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. Yeast is not usually transmitted during sex with an infected person.
What are the symptoms?
In women,
- The vagina may become itchy and sore
- It may hurt to urinate
- Sometimes a cottage cheese-like discharge will appear
- Tiny cracks to genital skin, particularly in the folds, may occur
- The vagina may become red and dry which could make sexual intercourse painful.
In men,
There are generally no symptoms, but a rash may appear on the penis that is a different fungus
What are the tests like?
Some health care providers may take a swab from the vagina and look under the microscope for evidence of yeast overgrowth. They may also test the acidity of the vaginal contents. In general, though, the external symptoms and internal exam provide enough evidence for the health care provider to make a diagnosis of yeast vaginitis.
What's the treatment?
Creams or tablets that are inserted in the vagina. These are available over the counter at pharmacies. These treatments come in 1, 3, 6 and 7 day treatments. Those in tablet form may come with a tube of cream to apply to any affected external areas. An oral tablet is also available by prescription from a doctor.
How common is Yeast Vaginitis?
75% of all women will experience at least one episode in their lifetime.
Chronic Yeast Vaginitis
It is important that the yeast is properly diagnosed. If it is occurring frequently, there are a variety of strategies to consider. Your health care provider can help. If you suffer from chronic vaginal yeast and have an overgrowth of yeast in other areas of the body (e.g. "thrush" in the mouth), bring this to the attention of your health care provider as this can occasionally be a sign of other disease. | 
