Vaginitis – learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment, as well as how it is related to your vaginal microbiome.

What is it?

The NHS defines vaginitis as the soreness and swelling in and around the vagina. 

It’s common and symptoms include: 

• an itchy or sore vagina
• abnormal changes in vaginal discharge
• vaginal dryness
• sore or swollen skin around your vagina
• pain when urinating 
• light bleeding 

What are the causes? 

There are many potential causes of vaginitis, some of which include: 

• Thrush
• Hormonal changes, including during menopause 
• Skin conditions such as eczema 
• STIs such as chlamydia

Treatment of vaginitis

Treatment for vaginitis will depend on the cause of your vaginitis, so we would recommend you speaking to a healthcare professional.

So, how is it related to my vaginal microbiome?

The vaginal microbiome acts to protect your genital tract and reproductive organs from a range of diseases — this therefore includes vaginitis.

Therefore, if you are experiencing recurrent vaginitis, then this could indicate that you have a vaginal microbiome imbalance (vaginal dysbiosis).

For example, a recent study found that those with a low relative amount of Lactobacillus spp. and higher bacterial diversity were more likely to experience recurrent vaginitis than those with higher levels of Lactobacillus spp. and low bacterial diversity. 

This study was done using NGS sequencing technology to analyse 100% of the bacteria species present in the participants vaginal microbiomes. This is the same technology that ScreenMe tests use — so that our expert intimate health practitioners can understand the full context of your vaginal microbiome and help you to find solutions. 

The good news is that your vaginal microbiome can be changed! Once you understand exactly what is going on in your vaginal microbiome — including the relative amounts of each species, and your bacterial diversity — then you have a free 1:1 online consultation with one of our intimate health practitioners, who will create a bespoke plan of action with you, and create a basket of nutrition, lifestyle, supplement and product recommendations. 

In this way ScreenMe allows you to get the answers you need, but also the guidance and advice from professionals to help you to achieve your goals!

Jessica Hobbis