Vaginal and Urinary Infections          [Return Home]

Vaginal Itching Alternative names

Pruritus vulvae; Itching - vaginal area; Vulvar itching

Vaginal Itching Definition

Itching of the vagina and the surrounding area (vulva).

Vaginal Itching Common Causes

Common causes of vaginal itching include:

	Chemical irritants -- such as detergents, fabric softeners, feminine sprays, ointments, creams, douches, and contraceptive foams or jellies.
	Vaginal yeast infection -- often includes a discharge that is white and curd-like. Vaginal yeast infections can be brought on by antibiotics, birth control pills, pregnancy, menstruation, condom use, sexual intercourse, diabetes, and a weakened immune system.
	Vaginitis -- inflammation, itching, discharge, and odor caused by other infections (including sexually transmitted diseases). Vaginitis in girls before puberty is common. If a young girl has a sexually transmitted vaginal infection, however, sexual abuse must be considered and addressed.
	Menopause -- the drop in estrogen causes thinning of the vaginal wall and less lubrication.
	Stress -- may increase vaginal itching and make you more susceptible to infections.

Other possible, but less common, causes of vaginal or vulvar itching include:

	Pinworms (a parasitic infection mainly affecting children)
	Certain skin conditions affecting the vulvar skin, some of which may be precancerous

Vaginal Itching Home Care

To prevent and treat vaginal itching:

	Keep your genital area clean and dry. Use plain, unscented soap.
	Avoid colored or perfumed toilet tissue and bubble bath.
	Wear cotton panties or pantyhose with a cotton crotch. Avoid panties made from synthetic materials. For infants and toddlers, change diapers often.
	Change out of wet clothing, especially wet bathing suits or exercise clothing, as soon as possible.
	Avoid feminine hygiene sprays and douches.
	Eat yogurt with live cultures or take lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when using antibiotics. Check with your doctor.
	Cleanse by wiping or washing from front to back (vagina to anus) after urinating or having a bowel movement.
	Lose weight if you are over weight.
	Keep your blood sugars under good control if you have diabetes.

It is also helpful to:

	Avoid scratching, which will only aggravate the problem.
	Avoid overexertion, heat, and excessive sweating.
	Delay sexual activity until your symptoms get better or at least use a lubricant during intercourse.
	Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases.

If you know that you have a yeast infection because your symptoms are exactly the same as those in the past, try over-the-counter creams or vaginal suppositories.

Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted. However, sometimes men also develop itching and redness following sexual contact. If this is the case or you get recurrent infections for unclear reasons, both you and your partner may require treatment. Talk to your doctor.

For itching related to menopause, your doctor may consider estrogen cream or tablets to insert vaginally.

Teach children to resist and report any attempted sexual contact by another person. Don't try to remove any foreign object from a child's vagina. Take the child to a doctor right away for removal.

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor right away if:

	You have pelvic or lower abdominal pain or fever.
	You have increased thirst or appetite, unexplained weight loss, frequent urination, or fatigue -- these may be signs of diabetes.

Call your doctor if:

	Your symptoms worsen, last longer than 1 week, or recur despite self-care.
	You have unusual vaginal bleeding, swelling, or discharge.
	Your partner also has symptoms or you think you may have a sexually transmitted disease.
	You have burning with urination or other urinary symptoms -- you may have a urinary tract infection.
	You have blisters or ulcers on your vagina or vulva.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination, including a pelvic exam.

Medical history questions may include:

	When did the itching begin?
	Have you had it before?
	Is the itching severe?
	Does it limit your activities?
	Where exactly is the itching? On the inside of the vagina or on the outside (vulva) as well?
	How often do you bathe or shower?
	Do you use scented soap, scented or colored toilet paper, or bubble bath?
	Do you frequently swim or participate in water sports? Do you change your clothes soon after such activities?
	Do you wear cotton panties or synthetic ones?
	Do you wear tight pants or tight pantyhose?
	Do you use douches or feminine hygiene spray?
	Are you sexually active? Do you use contraception? What type?
	Does anything make you feel better?
	Does anything make you feel worse?
	Have you tried any over-the-counter creams? Which ones?
	Do you have any other symptoms like vaginal bleeding, swelling, rash, or pain on urination?
	Do you have a personal or family history of diabetes?
	What medications do you take?
	What is your menstrual history? Including questions like: How old were you when your periods began? How often do your periods usually come? How long do they generally last?
	Do you have any allergies?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

	Culture and microscopic exam of vaginal discharge
	Pap smear
	Urine and blood studies (including hormone levels)
	Skin biopsies of the vulvar area

Antifungal drugs may be prescribed for yeast infections. When indicated, steroid creams or lotions may be prescribed to reduce inflammation. Ointments containing hormones may be ordered, and benzodiazepines or antihistamines may be prescribed for nighttime relief.

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Causes of Vaginal Itching

Persistent itching of the vaginal and vulval areas may be due to chemicals such as detergents, infections or menopause. Diagnostic tests such as Pap smear, vaginal culture or biopsies may be performed to determine the cause.

Vaginal Discharge names

Discharge from the vagina

Vaginal Discharge Definition

Substances emitted from the vagina can vary in consistency (thick, pasty, thin), color (clear, cloudy), and smell (normal, odorless, bad odor).

Vaginal Discharge Considerations

Having some amount of vaginal discharge is normal, especially if you are of childbearing age. Glands in the cervix produce a clear mucus. These secretions may turn white or yellow when exposed to the air. These are normal variations.

The amount of mucus produced by the cervical glands varies throughout the menstrual cycle. This is normal and depends on the amount of estrogen circulating in your body.

Vaginal discharge that suddenly differs in color, odor, or consistency, or significantly increases or decreases in amount, may indicate an underlying problem like an infection. If abnormal vaginal discharge is due to a sexually transmitted disease (STD), your sexual partner(s) will likely require treatment as well.

Vaginal Discharge Common Causes

The following situations can increase the amount of normal vaginal discharge:

	Sexual excitement
	Emotional stress
	Ovulation (when you produce and release an egg from your ovary in the middle of your menstrual cycle)

These conditions can lead to abnormal vaginal discharge:

	Vaginal yeast infection -- Technically not an infection, yeast that normally live in the vagina overgrow, causing a cheesy white discharge with redness and itching. Vaginal yeast infections may be related to antibiotics, birth control or other estrogen pills, pregnancy, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
	Bacterial vaginosis (BV) -- Bacteria that normally live in the vagina overgrow, causing a grey discharge and fishy odor that worsen after sexual intercourse. BV is not sexually transmitted.
	Trichomonas ("Trich") -- A sexually-transmitted parasite that causes yellowish-grey or green discharge and intense itching.
	Other infections and sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia or gonorrhea.
	Forgotten tampon or foreign body.
	Cervical or vaginal cancer -- rarely a cause of excess discharge.

Vaginal Discharge Home Care

To help prevent and treat vaginal discharge:

	Keep your genital area clean and dry.
	Avoid douching. While many women feel cleaner if they douche after menstruation or intercourse, it may actually worsen vaginal discharge because it removes healthy bacteria lining the vagina that are there to protect you from infection.
	Use an over-the-counter cream or vaginal suppository, IF you know that you have a yeast infection.
	Try to reduce stress.
	Eat yogurt with live cultures or take Lactobacillus acidophilus tablets when on antibiotics to avoid a yeast infection.
	Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
	Keep your blood sugars under good control if you have diabetes.

If the discharge is caused by a sexually transmitted disease, your sexual partner (or partners) must be treated as well, even if they have no symptoms. Failure of partners to accept treatment can cause continual reinfection which may lead to a serious problem like infertility.

Call your health care provider if

Call your doctor right away if:

	Your discharge is associated with fever or pain in your pelvis or abdomen.
	You have been exposed to a sexual partner with gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other sexually transmitted disease.
	You have increased thirst or appetite, unexplained weight loss, increased urinary frequency, or fatigue -- these may be signs of diabetes.

Also call if:

	A child who has not reached puberty has vaginal discharge.
	You think that your discharge may be related to a medication.
	You are concerned that you may have a sexually transmitted disease or you are unsure of possible exposure.
	Your symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 week despite home care measures.
	You have blisters or other lesions on your vagina or vulva (exterior genitalia).
	You have burning with urination or other urinary symptoms -- you may have a urinary tract infection.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination including a pelvic exam.

Medical history questions may include:

	When did the changed or abnormal vaginal discharge begin?
	Do you have the same amount and type of vaginal discharge throughout the month?
	What does the discharge look like (color and consistency)?
	Is there an odor?
	Do you have pain, itching, or burning?
	Does your sexual partner have a discharge as well?
	Do you have multiple sexual partners or sexual partners that you do not know very well?
	What type of birth control do you use?
	Do you use condoms?
	Is there anything that relieves the discharge?
	Have you tried over-the-counter creams? Have they helped?
	Do you douche? What kind of douche do you use?
	Do you have any other symptoms like abdominal pain, vaginal itching, fever, vaginal bleeding, rash, genital warts or lesions, or changes in urination like difficulty, pain, or blood?
	What medications do you take?
	Do you have any allergies?
	Have you recently changed the detergents or soaps that you use?
	Do you frequently wear very tight clothing?
	When was your last Pap smear? Have you ever had an abnormal Pap smear?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

	Cultures of your cervix.
	Examination of vaginal discharge under the microscope.
	A Pap smear.

Treatment depends on the underlying condition. Suppositories or creams may be ordered and antibiotics may be prescribed. Oral medication for fungus or Trichomonas may be used in difficult cases. Your sexual partner(s) may also need treatment.

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Vaginal Discharge

Normally, cervical glands produce a clear mucus secretion that drains downward, mixing with bacteria, discarded cells and Bartholin's gland secretions. Disease may be indicated if vaginal discharge is abnormal in color, odor, or consistency, or significantly increased or decreased in amount.

Urinary Tract Infection names

Bladder infection; Cystitis; UTI

Urinary Tract Infection Definition

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract -- the kidneys, the ureters (the tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder), the bladder, or the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside).

Urinary Tract Infection Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cystitis, a common condition, is usually caused by a bacteria from the anus entering the urethra and then the bladder. This leads to inflammation and infection in the lower urinary tract.

Certain people are more likely to get UTIs. Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Elderly people (especially those in nursing homes) and people with diabetes also get more UTIs.

	Pregnancy and menopause
	Kidney Stones
	Sexual intercourse, especially if you have multiple partners or use a diaphragm for birth control
	Prostate inflammation or enlargement
	Narrowed urethra
	Immobility (for example, during recovery from a hip fracture)
	Not drinking enough fluids
	Bowel incontinence
	Catheterization

Some children develop UTIs. In boys, they are most common before the first birthday. UTIs are more common among uncircumcised boys. In young girls, UTIs are most common around age 3, overlapping with the toilet training period.

Cystitis in children can be promoted by abnormalities in the urinary tract. Therefore, children with cystitis, especially those under age 5, deserve special follow-up to prevent later kidney damage.

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

The symptoms of a UTI include:

	Pressure in the lower pelvis
	Pain or burning with urination
	Frequent or urgent need to urinate
	Need to urinate at night
	Cloudy urine
	Blood in the urine
	Foul or strong urine odor

Young children with UTIs may only have a fever, or even no symptoms at all.

	Painful sexual intercourse
	Penis pain
	Flank (side) pain, vomiting, or fever and chills (may be a sign of kidney involvement)
	Mental changes or confusion (in the elderly, mental changes or confusion often are the only signs of a urinary tract infection; possible spread to the blood should be considered)

Urinary Tract Infection Signs and tests

Tests generally include taking a urine sample:

	A urinalysis commonly reveals white blood cells (WBC) or red blood cells (see also RBC - urine).
	A urine culture (clean catch) or catheterized urine specimen may be performed to determine the type of bacteria in the urine and the appropriate antibiotic for treatment.

Testing in children

Because many children with cystitis have something abnormal about their anatomy that predispose them to infections, because these infections are usually preventable, and because the long-term consequences of repeated urinary tract infections in children can be quite serious, many children with cystitis need special imaging studies to determine why they got a urinary tract infection.

These studies usually include both an ultrasound of the kidneys and an x-ray taken during urination (called a voiding cystourethrogram or VCUG).

Most experts recommend this evaluation for:

	Girls over age 5 with 2 or more urinary tract infections
	All boys with their first urinary tract infection
	All children who have a fever along with their urinary tract infection
	All children under age 5 with their first urinary tract infection

Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

A mild case of cystitis may resolve on its own without treatment. Because of the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys, however, antibiotics are usually recommended. It is important that you finish the entire course of prescribed antibiotics.

In children, cystitis should be treated promptly with antibiotics to protect their developing kidneys. In the elderly, prompt treatment is recommended due to the greater chances of fatal complications.

Commonly used antibiotics include:

	Nitrofurantoin
	Cephalosporins
	Sulfa drugs (sulfonamides)
	Amoxicillin
	Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
	Doxycycline (should not be used under age 8)
	Quinolones (should not be used in children)

Most non-elderly adult women only need 3 days of antibiotics. If the infection has spread to one of the kidneys, you may need hospitalization to receive hydration and antibiotics through a vein.

A chronic or recurrent UTI should be treated thoroughly because of the chance of kidney infection. Antibiotics may need to be given for a long period of time (as long as 6 months to 2 years), or stronger antibiotics may be needed than for single, uncomplicated episodes of cystitis.

Use of low-dose antibiotics on a daily basis may be recommended to prevent UTIs if you get frequent infections.

Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (pyridium) may be used to reduce the burning and urgency associated with cystitis. In addition, acidifying medications such as ascorbic acid may be recommended to decrease the concentration of bacteria in the urine.

If an anatomical abnormality is present, surgery to correct the problem may be recommended.

Urinary Tract Infection Expectations (prognosis)

Cystitis is uncomfortable, but usually responds well to treatment.

Urinary Tract Infection Complications

	Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection -- defined as at least two infections in 6 months or at least three in 1 year
	Complicated UTI
	Kidney infection

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if you, or your child, have symptoms of a UTI. Call right away if there is fever or chills, back or side pain, or vomiting. These symptoms suggest a possible kidney infection.

Also call if:

	You have diabetes or are pregnant.
	There is discharge from the penis or vagina.
	The penis or vagina is painful, or sexual intercourse is painful.
	You suspect a child may have been sexually abused.
	There is blood or pus in the urine.
	The symptoms come back a short time after treatment with antibiotics.

Urinary Tract Infection Prevention

	Keep your genital area clean.
	Wipe from front to back.
	Drink plenty of fluids.
	Urinate after sexual intercourse.
	Avoid fluids that irritate the bladder, like alcohol and caffeine.
	Drink cranberry juice, but NOT if you have a personal or family history of kidney stones.
	DO NOT douche or use similar feminine hygiene products.
	Wear cloth undergarments.

If you are prone to UTIs, your doctor may recommend taking antibiotics more regularly to prevent infection.

Urinary Tract Infection Consultation

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Bladder Catheterization, Female

A catheter (a hollow tube, often with an inflatable balloon tip) may be inserted into the urinary bladder when there is a urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, etc.), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured.

Bladder Catheterization, Male

Catheterization is accomplished by inserting a catheter (a hollow tube, often with and inflatable balloon tip) into the urinary bladder. This procedure is performed for urinary obstruction, following surgical procedures to the urethra, in unconscious patients (due to surgical anesthesia, coma, etc.), or for any other problem in which the bladder needs to be kept empty (decompressed) and urinary flow assured. Catheterization in males is slightly more difficult and uncomfortable than in females because of the longer urethra.

Female Urinary Tract

The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

Male Urinary Tract

The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.