Vulvovaginal Complaints
Information for Patients
Empowering women with knowledge about their health conditions is crucial. This page is aimed to provide information about vaginitis, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Please contact your healthcare provider for more information about using the Gyni system to determine whether your symptoms are due to vaginitis and to obtain a full diagnosis.
What is Vaginitis?
It’s a common condition accounting for one third of gynecological clinic visits, with the estimate that up to 75% of women will experience it at some point in their lifetime. Nevertheless, it can be challenging to diagnose correctly, as the symptoms are similar despite resulting from different causes.
Given that this condition is so common, if you have a vagina, it is likely that you will experience vaginitis at least once in your lifetime. However, for many women, vaginitis can be a reoccurring and even a chronic problem.
As vaginitis can cause continuous symptoms, it may severely affect daily activities and function, emotional status, sexual function, relationships and impair quality of life. With these consequences, it’s important to get an accurate and timely diagnosis to reduce these unwanted sequelae.
Symptoms of Vaginitis
Symptoms can vary depending on the cause, but often include:
- Vaginal and vulvar itching
- Irritation
- Vaginal discharge
- Odor
- Pain (during intercours, urination, or general pain)
- Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
- Redness, swelling of the vulva (external part of the genitals)
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider.
Causes of Vaginitis
While various factors can trigger vaginitis, it often occurs due to one or more of the following seven causes,
which are identifiable by Gyni and have an established treatment protocol:
A common condition associated with increased vaginal discharge and fishy odor, caused by change in the composition of vaginal bacteria (decrease in lactobacilli and increase of other bacteria).
Most commonly known as a ‘yeast infection’. It happens when a yeast called Candida albicans overgrows in the vagina, causing inflammation.
Low levels of the hormone estrogen (which can occur during menopause, while breastfeeding, or due to hormonal imbalance or medication use) can lead to thinning of the vaginal epithelial lining. The condition is called “vaginal atrophy” and causes symptoms of dryness, itching, irritation, pain, painful intercourse, and urinary complaints.
Most commonly known as a ‘yeast infection’. It happens when a yeast called Candida albicans overgrows in the vagina, causing inflammation.
This is a rare type of vaginitis, characterized by significant inflammation and yellow discharge.
These different causes present diverse symptoms, from itching and irritation to changes in discharge color, odor, and amount. But don’t worry, the game changing Gyni system is here to unravel the mystery behind your symptoms.
Gyni may not find any of the above, which requires your caregiver to continue the evaluation and consider other diagnoses which are not associated with alteration of the vaginal discharge, such as inflammation of the outer skin caused by irritants (contact dermatitis) or skin disorders.
Though less common than Candida albicans, other species of Candida can also lead to a yeast infection.
This condition is caused by an overgrowth of lactobacilli (the healthy vaginal bacteria), increasing vaginal acidity, leading to symptoms similar to a yeast infection.
Diagnosis of Vaginitis
Your healthcare provider can diagnose vaginitis based on your symptoms, medical history, a physical examination, and certain laboratory tests to identify the cause. These might include:
- A pH test
- Microscopic examination of vaginal discharge
- Cultures of vaginal tissues
In the past, it was necessary to conduct each of these tests separately, frequently requiring multiple clinic visits. Now, thanks to Gyni, you can have all necessary testing done at once and get the results during the same clinic visit!
Meet Gyni:
The Automated,
Point-of-Care AI System
for Vaginitis Diagnosis
Gyni, our flagship innovation, is revolutionizing vaginitis diagnosis, by providing testing and diagnosis in your own clinic.
In just five minutes, Gyni’s advanced AI accurately determines the cause of vaginitis from the seven most common types.
This swift and precise process eliminates the need for unnecessary follow-up visits and allows for an immediate start to your treatment plan.
How Gyni works
Gyni works in a swift, seamless process ensuring a fast, accurate, and comfortable experience:
Prevention of Vaginitis
Here are some preventive measures you can take:
- Avoid douches, bath oils, and scented soaps which can upset the balance of bacteria in the vagina.
- Washing with plain, lukewarm (not hot) water is best. Gently separate the outer "lips" and bathe the inner skin, using your hands only. Gently pat dry the outer skin. Do not use a hair dryer on the vulva. Avoid using someone else’s towels.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes to keep the area around your vagina dry. Avoid thongs, girdles, tight jeans, and hose. Wash underclothes with a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners.
- Practice safe sex and use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
- For menstrual periods use washable or disposable menstrual pads, or tampons - the best ones are made of natural cotton or hypoallergenic products. Change them regularly. Tampons should be changed every two to six hours.
Avoid living with Vaginitis
Living with vaginitis is uncomfortable, but with the right knowledge and care, in many cases it can be effectively treated and managed allowing you to go back to a normal, healthy life. Be open with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and any changes in your condition.
