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Vaginitis and Vaginosis

Brett Johnson, MD and Katherine E Bouchard, DO Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • “Vaginosis” and “vaginitis” are broad terms indicating any disease process of the vagina caused by or leading to infection, inflammation, or changes in the normal vaginal flora. The ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • General principles:

    • It is important to distinguish vulvar vs. vaginal symptoms.

    • Onset, timing, severity, duration, and character of the vaginal symptoms are important to discern.

    • Symptom...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Avoid douching and tight-fitting clothing.

  • Regular use of condoms may help to prevent BV (2).

  • Asymptomatic, pregnant women generally do not require treatment for BV.

  • Consider a...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Delay sexual relations until symptoms clear/discomfort resolves. Use of condoms may reduce recurrence of BV.

  • Consider suppressive therapy for recurrent infection. ...

REFERENCES

1
Paavonen J, Brunham RC. Bacterial Vaginosis and Dequamative Inflammatory Vaginitis. N Engl J Med. 2018;379:2246-54.
2
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Vaginitis in Nonpre...

ADDITIONAL READING

SEE ALSO

Algorithm: Discharge, Vaginal 

CODES

ICD10

  • N76.0 Acute vaginitis

  • B37.3 Candidiasis of vulva and vagina

  • N95.2 Postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis

  • N77.1 Vaginitis, vulvitis and vulvovaginitis in dis classd elswhr

  • N76.1 Subacute and chronic ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Most women experience relief of symptoms with therapy chosen.

  • Vaginal pH is underused as a diagnostic tool for evaluation of vaginitis.

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