To detect vaginitis, a physician examines the vagina and obtains a sample of the discharge to help determine the specific cause of the inflammation. In many cases involving younger women, a yeast infection produces the problem. When a yeast infection invades vaginal tissues, intense itching and burning are common. If present, discharge is usually white and odorless. Besides pregnancy and diabetes, the use of birth control pills increases a woman's risk of vaginitis.
Antibiotics stimulate the fungus' growth and eliminate protective bacteria.
These creams or gels are very effective against the harmful organism, although the newer prescribed oral medications are more effective. Oral medications are recommended when the infection resists treatment. Generally, women who experience repeat infections have underlying disorders that suppress their immune systems, such as diabetes. Vaginitis isn't always caused by infection. A lack of estrogen produced in the ovaries may lead to atrophic vaginitis, a condition that affects many women as they reach menopause.