Your doctor may ask you to stop sexual activities for a time. Your doctor may also ask that your partner be treated to prevent reinfection or spread of the infection. Vaginitis caused by irritants can usually be treated by removing the cause. Some irritations are treated with steroid or hormone creams. The symptoms usually start to decrease after a day of treatment.
Infections clear up in about a week.
It is very important that you take all of your prescribed medication, even if your symptoms are gone, to prevent recurrence. If you stop taking your medication after the symptoms are relieved but before the scheduled end of treatment, the infection or irritation may reappear. Rinse the genital area thoroughly but gently. Pat dry without rubbing. Call your doctor if you notice a change in color, consistency, or quantity of vaginal discharge.