Vulvovaginitis Treatment Near Lynchburg, VA

Treat vulvovaginitis today.

What is Vulvovaginitis?

Vulvovaginitis is a general term for several common problems that irritate and inflame the vulva and vagina. It can occur at any age and often develops because of an infection, an allergic response, or irritation from personal products, detergents, or tight clothing.

This condition can lead to itching, soreness, and changes in vaginal discharge. It is usually not dangerous, but it can be very uncomfortable if not addressed. A healthcare provider can help identify what is causing your symptoms and guide you to the most suitable treatment.

Schedule Your Appointment

What is the Treatment for Vulvovaginitis?

Treatment for vulvovaginitis varies based on the cause of the irritation. If an infection is involved, your provider may recommend medications such as antibiotics, antifungal creams, or other targeted therapies. In some cases, stopping the use of scented soaps, douches, panty liners, or tight synthetic clothing is enough to ease symptoms and support healing.

For persistent or more severe cases, your provider will design a plan to relieve discomfort, calm inflammation, and lower the risk of future flare ups. It is also important to check for other skin conditions that can mimic vulvovaginitis, including lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, or lichen simplex chronicus, so that you receive the most appropriate care.

Who Needs Treatment for Vulvovaginitis?

People in Lynchburg, VA who have ongoing or more severe vulvovaginitis symptoms, often called chronic vulvovaginitis, may need specialized care. In these cases, a provider can put together a thoughtful plan to ease discomfort, calm inflammation, and lower the chances of repeat irritation. Many patients in Lynchburg are referred for this type of focused evaluation and treatment.

It is also important to look closely for other skin conditions that can resemble vulvovaginitis and cause similar itching, burning, or changes in the skin. These may include lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, or desquamative inflammatory vaginitis. Identifying the exact condition helps guide the most effective and personalized care.

What Are the Risks?

Vulvovaginitis is usually not dangerous, but leaving symptoms untreated can lead to ongoing discomfort or a worsening infection. Persistent irritation may cause cracks or small splits in the skin, which can make the area more vulnerable to additional infections. If sexually transmitted infections have not been ruled out, there is also a risk of passing an infection to a partner and possibly affecting future fertility.

What To Expect

If you have symptoms of vulvovaginitis, your provider will talk with you about your medical history, ask about any products you use in the genital area, and carefully examine the vulva and vagina. They may also take a small sample of vaginal discharge to look for infection or irritation and to better understand what is causing your symptoms.

Most treatments are straightforward and may include prescription or over the counter medication along with small lifestyle adjustments. Your provider will walk you through each step, explain how to limit future irritation, and let you know when you should return for a follow up visit.

Schedule Your Appointment

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

The Center for Advanced Gynecology opened in 2018 with a clear goal of supporting your health through skilled, compassionate care. Our practice focuses on gynecology and uses advanced surgical techniques only when surgery is truly needed.

Our team offers focused care for complex concerns, including non surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and pain involving the vagina, vulva, and bladder. We take time to understand your symptoms and create a thoughtful plan that fits your needs.

Over the years, we have also expanded to provide more than specialty care in the growing Lynchburg community. Our growing practice includes routine gynecologic visits, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal support, evaluation of hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive counseling, urinary incontinence care, and treatment for pelvic organ prolapse.

Schedule Your Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

While it is normal to have some clear or whitish vaginal discharge, vulvovaginitis can cause the discharge to look or smell different. It may become thicker, clumpy, more yellow or green, or have a stronger or unpleasant odor. These changes often happen because of an infection, a shift in the normal bacteria balance, inflammation, or increased shedding of vaginal cells that mix into the discharge.

Yes, vaginal infections are a frequent cause of vulvovaginitis. Yeast infections caused by candida and bacterial vaginosis, which disrupts the usual balance of bacteria in the vagina, are two of the most common triggers. Some sexually transmitted infections, including trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, can also inflame the vulva and vagina and lead to vulvovaginitis symptoms.

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the usual mix of bacteria in the vagina shifts, allowing certain bacteria to grow too much. This imbalance can cause a noticeable odor, changes in discharge, and sometimes irritation or mild discomfort.

Yes, bubble baths and other fragranced products can bother the delicate skin around the vulva and vagina. These irritants may dry or inflame the tissue, which can contribute to vulvovaginitis symptoms.

Common signs include itching, burning, unusual or increased discharge, and general soreness or irritation in the genital area. Some people may also notice redness, swelling, or discomfort with urination or intercourse.

Yes, both poor hygiene and excessive washing of the vulvar and vaginal area can upset the natural balance and contribute to vulvovaginitis. Practices like douching are also discouraged because they can remove helpful bacteria, disturb the normal environment, and trigger irritation or infection.

To protect delicate vulvar skin, use mild, fragrance free cleansers and choose loose, breathable fabrics such as cotton underwear. If the skin becomes irritated from products or clothing, applying a soothing barrier cream or ointment while it heals can be useful. Options include petroleum jelly, zinc oxide creams like A and D ointment, or plain coconut oil.

Atrophic vaginitis is a form of vulvovaginitis that develops when the vaginal lining becomes thin and fragile. This usually happens because of low estrogen levels, most commonly after menopause or during the months following childbirth. People may notice vaginal dryness, irritation, discomfort or pain during intercourse, and sometimes a change in discharge.

Genital itching often improves with simple steps such as avoiding scented products, using gentle cleansers, and wearing soft, breathable cotton underwear. Your provider may also suggest specific creams or medicines to calm the skin. It is generally safe to use an over the counter hydrocortisone cream on the vulva and genital area for short term relief, unless your provider advises otherwise.

Yes, an allergic type reaction known as contact dermatitis can lead to vulvovaginitis. It may be triggered by everyday products such as soaps, detergents, pads, wipes, or scented sprays that come into contact with the vulvar skin.

Vaginal itching is the urge to scratch or rub the area, often linked to dryness, infection, or allergy. Irritation is a broader feeling that can include burning, stinging, rawness, or general soreness, even if you do not feel especially itchy.

Yes, it is best to limit tight clothing, especially for long periods, because it can trap heat and moisture around the genital area. This warm, damp environment may irritate the skin, increase friction, and worsen vulvovaginitis symptoms or make them slower to heal.

Candida albicans is a type of yeast that normally lives in small amounts on the skin and inside the body, including the vagina. When it overgrows, it can cause a yeast infection that leads to symptoms such as itching, burning, thick discharge, and irritation associated with vulvovaginitis.

Vulvovaginitis involves both the vulva, which is the external genital area, and the vagina, which is the internal canal. This condition can lead to redness, itching, burning, and general discomfort in one or both of these closely connected areas.