How Can I Manage Vaginitis?

Do you use vaginitis medications prescribed by your doctor?

Do you avoid soap and just rinse with water to clean?

Do you soak in a sitz bath?

Do you avoid using hygienic sprays, fragrances or powders in your genital area?

Do use pads instead of tampons while you have an infection?

Do you wear cotton underwear or underwear that has cotton linings in the crotch instead of synthetic underwear?

Do you avoid wearing underwear at night while you sleep?

Do you apply a cold compress to the labial area?

If you have tried some new products such as soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, vaginal spray, shower, pad or tampon, have you stopped using them while you have an infection?

If you have diabetes, do you keep your blood sugar under control?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage vaginitis. Treatment for vaginitis varies depending on the cause, so your doctor may prescribe vaginal creams, suppositories, topical ointments, or oral pills. You should avoid douching because that way you can remove the healthy bacteria that line the vagina and worsen the symptoms of vaginitis. Keep your genitals clean by washing only with warm water without the use of soap. You can also soak in a sitz bath, and then dry the area thoroughly, but do not rub. Do not use hygienic sprays, fragrances or powders in your genital area.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage vaginitis. You should always use pads instead of tampons while you have an infection. You should wear cotton underwear or underwear that has cotton linings in the crotch instead of synthetic ones to reduce the accumulation of moisture in your genital area. Try to sleep at night without underwear. You can also apply a cold compress to the labial area to relieve symptoms. If you have recently changed soap, laundry detergent, douche or tampons, it would be a good idea to stop the new product to see if the symptoms go away.