VULVITIS

One of the common symptoms of several infections is VULVITIS , this is a very common symptom that lot of women who are approaching menopause, the puberty girls and many other women have and It COULD be a sign of an underlying health conditions like cancer. However, Vulvitis can be treated.

WHAT IS VULVITIS?

VULVITIS is coined from two words: "VULVA" and "ITIS" 

VULVA—  The vulva is the "outside", visible part of your genitals which includes your labia (lips), clitoris, vaginal opening, and the opening to your urethra (the hole you pee out of). Also, the vagina is actually "inside", it's the stretchy tube that connects your vulva to your cervix and uterus.

ITIS— Means inflamed. When a body tissues gets inflamed.

VULVITIS— Is the inflammation of vulva. Vulvitis is like a swelling in the vulva either the labia minora or blister, scaly part of the labia majora. 

please I want you to know that vulvitis is not a specific disease or an infection but it's a symptom of many disease problem from infections, injuries, allergies, or irritant.

Because it is not a specific disease on it's own, it often seem had to diagnose the exact cause.

Though the are range of this that could result to this swelling in your vagina and that brings about the causes. Please follow me as you scroll down

CAUSES OF VULVITIS:

Vulvitis can be caused by various factors as listed below;

•Sexually transmitted infection such as herpes, gonorrhea, staphylococcus... The present of vulvitis is a symptom that either of. this infections is present. 

•Eczema or dermatitis.

•Infections such as pubic lice or mites (scabies)

•HYGIENIC PRODUCTS used by ladies, such as:

-Perfumed pads or toilet paper 

-Vaginal sprays or douches

-Laundry detergents

•ALLERGIC REACTION due to substances that comes in contact with the vulva, such as 

-Bubble bath or soap used on the genitals

-spermicides

-sanitary napkins

-Powders

IRRITATION CAUSED by:

-A yeast infection will cause irritation due to  the increasing itching from the infection

-Hot tubs or hot steam seat

-Nylon party hose

-Wearing a wet bathing suit for a long time

-Bike or horseback riding

-Drops from urines or stool

-Poor personal hygiene

-Irritation from a chlorinated swimming pool.

WHO IS AT RISK OF VULVITIS?

Note: When there is drop in the estrogen level in any woman then vulva will become hospitable for vulvitis to occur. Low estrogen levels has the possibility to lead to thinner, dryer vulva tissues. This may increase your risk of injury and inflammation. Ladies with certain allergies, infections, or diseases can develop vulvitis. Very often  women may develop it before puberty and after menopause.This may be due to a drop in estrogen.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF VULVITIS?

Each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

-Redness and swelling on the labia and other parts of the vulva

-Intense itching

-Clear, fluid-filled blisters

-Sore, scaly, thick, or white patches on the vulva

The symptoms of vulvitis may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always talk with your medical provider for a proper diagnosis.

HOW IS VULVITIS DIAGNOSED?

Along with a complete medical history and physical and pelvic exam, other tests may include:

-Tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

-Blood tests

-Urine tests

-Pap Smear test. This test involves microscopic exam of cells collected from the cervix. It’s used to detect changes that may be cancer or may lead to cancer. It also shows other conditions, such as infection or inflammation.

TREATMENT FOR VULVITIS?

There are reliable treatment for vulvitis,  although a more specific treatment will be discussed with your medical care provider based on the following:

•Your age, overall health, and medical history

Cause of the disease

•Type and severity of the symptoms

•Your tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies

Expectations for the course of the disease

•Your opinion

Treatment may include:

Self-help measures (for example, avoiding irritants), (Sitz baths with soothing 

to help control the itching)

•Cortisone creams

•Estrogen cream

•Biopsy

In addition, these treatment for vulvitis depends on what’s causing the inflammation. Often, protecting your vulva from potential irritants and practicing proper vulvar care can relieve vulvitis. The doctor may generally recommend that you:

•AVOID VULVA IRRITATION: Stop using any products (like feminine hygiene products, soap and detergents) that may irritate your vulva. Wear loose-fitting, breathable white cotton undergarments to air out your vulva and vagina.

•TRY PROVIDER RECOMMENDED CREAMS: Your healthcare provider may prescribe an over-the-counter hydrocortisone ointment to reduce the irritation and itching. They may prescribe a topical estrogen cream to ease the itching and other symptoms of vulvitis.

•TAKE REGULAR SITZ BATHS: A sitz bath is a shallow, warm bath that can help relieve itching and burning caused by vulvitis.

Your provider may order additional tests to rule out rarer, more serious conditions that may be causing vulvitis, like lichen sclerosus or vulvar cancer if these treatments don't help. More targeted treatments will be needed for these conditions.

Lots of people want to know if vulvitis contagious?

Dear ladies, please know that vulvitis that results from an allergy or skin irritation isn’t contagious.

Vulvitis isn’t contagious at all, but some of some infection that causes it are actually contagious. For instance, many bacteria that can cause vaginal infections are highly contagious. 

CAN VULVITIS BE PREVENTED?

Dear beautiful Queens, the same good habits used to treat vulvitis can prevent it from happening in the first place. All you need to do is to: 

1)Use mild, unscented soaps and warm water to clean your genitals, or just use warm water.

-Avoid douching and using perfumed feminine products, like tampons, pads and panty liners.

2)Change into clean, dry clothes soon after swimming or exercising.

3)Wear breathable, loose-fitting cotton underwear during the day. 

4)PRACTICE GID VAGINA HYGIENE, see our post on how to practice good vagina hygiene.

5) Use protection if your partner has an infection or rather abstain till he treats himself properly.

IN CONCLUSION: Vulvitis seems painful and uncomfortable but it can be prevented as well as treated perfectly. Don’t attempt to self-diagnose vulvitis. Many people purchase over-the-counter anti-itch products to ease their symptoms, but this is a huge mistake. Using the wrong treatment for what’s causing your vulvitis may worsen your symptoms and make the itching and irritation last longer.