Vulvovaginitis Treatment in Charlottesville, VA

Treat vulvovaginitis today.

What is Vulvovaginitis?

Vulvovaginitis is a catch-all term for common conditions that cause irritation and inflammation of the vulva and vagina. It can happen at any age and often results from an infection, allergic reaction, or irritation from products or clothing.

Vulvovaginitis can cause discomfort, itching, and a change in vaginal discharge. While it’s usually not serious, it can be frustrating and uncomfortable without proper care. Your provider can help you figure out the cause and recommend the right treatment.

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What is the Treatment for Vulvovaginitis?

Treatment for vulvovaginitis depends on what is causing the irritation. If an infection is present, your provider might prescribe medication such as antibiotics or antifungal treatments. Other times, simply avoiding irritants like scented products or tight clothing can help symptoms improve.

For ongoing or severe cases, your provider will create a plan to relieve discomfort, reduce inflammation, and prevent future irritation. Also important is ruling out other skin conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as lichen sclerosus, lichen planus or lichen simplex chronicus.

Who Needs Treatment for Vulvovaginitis?

For ongoing or severe cases, what might be termed Chronic Vulvovaginitis, your provider will create a plan to relieve discomfort, reduce inflammation, and prevent future irritation. This is something we are referred patients for frequently.

Also important is ruling out other skin conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, or desquamative inflammatory vaginitis.

What Are the Risks?

Vulvovaginitis itself is not usually serious, but ignoring symptoms can lead to ongoing discomfort or worsening infection. In some cases, untreated irritation can cause cracked or fissured skin, which makes the area more prone to other infections. If sexually transmitted infections have not been ruled out you could pass on an infection to a sexual partner and it could affect future fertility.

What To Expect

If you have symptoms of vulvovaginitis, your provider will review your medical history, ask about any products you’ve been using, and perform an exam of the vulva and vagina. A sample of vaginal discharge might be collected to help identify the cause.

Most treatments are simple and involve medication or lifestyle changes. Your provider will explain the next steps, including how to avoid future irritation and when to follow up.

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Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed.

Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.

Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.

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While some amount of vaginal discharge is normal, vaginal discharge might become thicker, discolored, or have an unusual smell when vulvovaginitis is caused by an infection or irritation. This could be caused by several factors: an infectious organism, a change in the normal bacteria balance, inflammatory cells, or shedding of vaginal cells.

Yes, vaginal infections with yeast (candida) or a disruption in the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina (bacterial vaginosis) are common causes of vulvovaginitis. Additionally, some sexually transmitted infections such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause vulvovaginitis symptoms.

Bacterial vaginosis happens when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted leading to odor, discharge, and irritation.

Yes, bubble baths and other scented products can irritate sensitive skin and contribute to vulvovaginitis.

Typical symptoms include itching, burning, unusual discharge, and irritation in the genital area.

Poor hygiene or over-washing the vaginal area can both disrupt the natural balance and lead to vulvovaginitis. Douching is also not recommended as it can disrupt the natural balance of vaginal bacteria and cause symptoms of vulvovaginitis.

Choose gentle, fragrance-free products and wear loose, breathable clothing to avoid irritating the vulvar skin. If skin is irritated from contact with a product or clothing then using a barrier cream or ointment until the irritation is gone can be helpful. Examples are petroleum jelly, creams containing zinc oxide (such as A&D Ointment), and pure coconut oil.

Atrophic vaginitis is considered a type of vulvovaginitis that happens when thinning of vaginal tissues occurs. This is most often caused by low estrogen levels from menopause or short-term hormonal changes after childbirth. Symptoms are dryness, irritation, pain with intercourse, and sometimes discharge.

Avoiding irritants, wearing breathable underwear, and using medications recommended by your provider can help relieve genital itching. It is safe to apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone to the vulva and genital region as well.

Yes, an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis can be caused by soaps, detergents, or pads and can cause symptoms of vulvovaginitis.

Vaginal itching is the specific sensation of needing to scratch, while irritation might feel more like burning, rawness, or general discomfort.

Yes, wearing tight clothing for prolonged periods of time can trap moisture and irritate the genital area, which might make vulvovaginitis worse.

Candida albicans is the fungus that commonly causes yeast infections, which can lead to the symptoms of vulvovaginitis.

Vulvovaginitis affects both the vulva and vagina, causing irritation and discomfort in these areas.