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Vaginitis, commonly known as a yeast infection, is a swelling of the membranes located within the vagina which can affect women of any age. Symptoms of vaginitis consists of discharge, itching which can be severe, strong odor, burning with urination and pain or irritation during sexual activity.
Considering the symptoms can also be warning signs of other infections, it is best to have a doctor make the diagnoses. The process is simple consisting of a few questions to establish your history, a physical exam and a discharge culture, which will be sent to the lab for testing. The doctor is usually able to make diagnose during the visit without having to wait.
Over-the-counter pH testing kits exist which you can purchase at your local superstore such as Wal-Mart or your pharmacy. The tests are similar to a pregnancy test, which will measure the pH level in the discharge to determine if an infection is present.
If the pH level is read to be higher than between 3.8 and 4.5 this indicates, a slightly more serious condition called Bacterial Vaginosis and would require medical treatment. Usually a prescription is needed for treatment. If the results of the testing read normally between 3.8 and 4.5 an over-the-counter treatment for yeast infections may work and no medical visit would be required unless necessary. Many of the products available without a prescription are close but a little weaker than the medications the doctor can prescribe. Other things, which can be done, to help with treatment are to eat yogurt. Yogurt contains live bacteria, which will help bring the pH balance back down to normal.
How to Get Rid of a Recurrent Yeast Infection - What You Should Know About Vaginitis
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