HALDIMAND-NORFOLK HEALTH UNIT HEALTHINFO INFECTIOUS DISEASE Prevention of Vaginitis and UTIs

Vaginitis: Vaginitis is an inflammation of the that can result in discharge, itching and pain. The cause is usually a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. Vaginitis can also result from reduced estrogen levels after . The most common types of vaginitis are:

•, which results from overgrowth of one of several organisms normally present in your vagina •Yeast infections, which are usually caused by a naturally occurring fungus called infection. Douching won’t clear up a vaginal •Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Candida albicans infection. Drinking water helps dilute your urine and which is caused by a •Trichomonas, •Use a condom. Both male and female ensures that you’ll urinate more frequently, parasite and is commonly transmitted by condoms may help you avoid infections allowing bacteria to be flushed from your spread by sexual contact. urinary tract before an infection can begin. which results from •Vaginal atrophy, •Wear cotton underwear. Also wear •Urinate frequently. If you feel the urge to reduced estrogen levels after menopause pantyhose with a cotton crotch. If you urinate, don’t delay using the . Good hygiene may prevent some types of feel comfortable without it, skip wearing •Wipe from front to back. Doing so after vaginitis and may relieve some symptoms: underwear to bed. Yeast thrives in moist, urinating and after a bowel movement helps dark, warm environments. prevent bacteria in the anal region from •Avoid baths, hot tubs and whirlpool •Wear clothing that is comfortable. Avoid spreading to the vagina and urethra. spas. Rinse soap from your outer genital thongs, girdles, tight jeans, and pantyhose. •Gently wash the skin around the vagina area after a shower, and dry the area well and anus. Do this daily, but don’t use harsh to prevent irritation. Don’t use scented or Urinary Tract Infections: soaps or wash too vigorously. The delicate harsh soaps, such as those with deodorant skin around these areas can become A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an or antibacterial action. irritated. infection that occurs in any part of your •Avoid irritants. These include scented •Empty your bladder soon after urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder , pads, and feminine hygiene intercourse. Sex can introduce bacteria and/or urethra). Most infections involve the products. into the normally sterile urethra. Urinating lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra). •Wipe from front to back after using flushes away any bacteria that may be Women are at greater risk of developing the toilet. Doing so avoids spreading fecal lurking near the opening to the urethra. a UTI than men are. Infection limited to bacteria to your vagina. •Avoid potentially irritating feminine your bladder can be painful and annoying. •Don’t . Your vagina doesn’t products. Using deodorant sprays or other require cleansing other than normal bathing. However, serious consequences can occur if feminine products, such as and Repetitive douching disrupts the normal a UTI spreads to your kidneys. powders, in the genital area can irritate the organisms that reside in the vagina and Take these steps to reduce your risk of urethra. can actually increase your risk of vaginal urinary tract infections: created July 2014

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