Skip at-home treatment for vaginal infection and vaginitis

When we have a medical problem, we want a quick and easy solution. That’s especially true when it’s something “down there.” But, when it comes to vaginal infection, our San Antonio OBGYNs do not recommend at-home treatment. There are several causes of vaginitis, or vulvovaginitis, each with unique symptoms and treatment, and they can only be diagnosed with testing done by a doctor.

The most common vaginal infections are bacterial vaginosis, yeast infection (candida) and trichomoniasis. Without lab testing of vaginal discharge, you cannot know which type of infection you might have. Each has treatments specific to that type of infection.

Why not self-treat vaginitis?

Vaginitis is a general term that refers to the symptoms of vaginal inflammation, which can include pain, itching, burning and unusual discharge. Our San Antonio OBGYNs encourage women to avoid trying to treat vaginitis at home because the type of treatment needed will depend on the cause of the inflammation, and some of the causes can be serious.

There are many home remedies available on pharmacy shelves and the internet, but they have not proven to be effective for all causes of vaginitis, and some can cause harm. Our doctors are following a few small studies examining natural treatments, but the benefits have not yet been conclusive.

Vaginal infection can create additional health problems if not treated properly, including increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, as well as pelvic inflammatory disease. It can also cause preterm labor and preterm delivery in pregnant women.

Some over-the-counter yeast infection treatments offer benefits. But if you treat for a yeast infection when you actually have bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, your symptoms will continue, and you may expose yourself to additional health risks.

What you can do to feel better

There’s no way to know which type of infection you might have without testing vaginal fluid. Our San Antonio OBGYNs can test to identify the type of infection and provide either oral medication or a vaginal gel or cream, depending on the type and severity of the infection.

While our doctors recommend avoiding at-home treatments, there are self-care steps you can take if you’re diagnosed with a vaginal infection. Along with following your doctor’s instructions, these simple guidelines can help minimize the severity of the symptoms.

• Keep your vagina and vulva clean and dry.
• Use only warm water to clean your genital area, and gently pat the area dry.
• Do not use douches or vaginal sprays.
• Do not insert anything into your vagina, including tampons.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Do not wear tight-fitting clothes.

Our gynecology specialists at Heights OBGYN know that vaginitis can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Schedule an appointment to ensure you get the proper diagnosis and treatment.