Vaginitis

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This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.

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In medicine, vaginitis is "inflammation of the vagina characterized by pain and a purulent discharge."[1] Common causes are trichimonas vaginalis, candida albicans, and gardnerella vaginalis. Atrophic vaginitis, however, is a different syndrome, not involving infection.

## Diagnosis[edit]

The best symptoms and physical examination findings for diagnosis have been identified in a systematic review by the Rational Clinical Examination.[2]

* Candida albicans usually causes itching and the absence of this finding helps exclude this pathogen.
* Gardnerella vaginalis usually causes foul and the absence of this finding helps exclude this pathogen.

A more recent meta-analysis estimates that the accuracy of the physical examination as compared to DNA probe testing are:[3]

* sensitivity = 81-85%
* specificity = 70-99%

## Treatment[edit]

Probiotics may reduce recurrences.[4]

Atrophic vaginitis may respond to a pH-Balanced gel.[5]

## References[edit]

1. ↑ Anonymous (2025), Vaginitis (English). Medical Subject Headings. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. ↑ Anderson MR, Klink K, Cohrssen A (March 2004). "Evaluation of vaginal complaints". JAMA 291 (11): 1368–79. DOI:10.1001/jama.291.11.1368. PMID 15026404. Research Blogging.
3. ↑ Lowe NK, Neal JL, Ryan-Wenger NA (January 2009). "Accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of vaginitis compared with a DNA probe laboratory standard". Obstet Gynecol 113 (1): 89–95. DOI:10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181909f63. PMID 19104364. Research Blogging.
4. ↑ Ya W, Reifer C, Miller LE (2010). "Efficacy of vaginal probiotic capsules for recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.". Am J Obstet Gynecol 203 (2): 120.e1-6. DOI:10.1016/j.ajog.2010.05.023. PMID 20659602. Research Blogging.
5. ↑ Lee YK, Chung HH, Kim JW, Park NH, Song YS, Kang SB (2011). "Vaginal pH-Balanced Gel for the Control of Atrophic Vaginitis Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.". Obstet Gynecol 117 (4): 922-7. DOI:10.1097/AOG.0b013e3182118790. PMID 21422866. Research Blogging.