HEALTH CONCERNS

What's causing that itch, why do you experience embarrassing odor at times and why does it sometimes feel dry during sex? For detailed explanations for any of these issues / sexual health, Vagisil can help. Whether your health concern is feminine itching and infection, feminine wetness and odor or vaginal dryness, Vagisil can explain what's going on and the best way to deal with it.


Understanding...Feminine Itching & Infection
 

Itch Condition	Symptoms	Treatment
Non-Infectious Vaginitis	Mild to moderate itching Accompanied by irritation	Vagisil Medicated Itch Crème.
Yeast Infection	Mild to severe itching, redness & irritation Intense burning Thick, curd-like discharge (similar to cottage cheese) Odorless	First time sufferers need to see a doctor for proper diagnosis OTC or prescription anti-fungal Vagisil Medicated Itch Crème to treat the itching while the internal anti-fungal takes time to work
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)	May have vaginal itching & redness Fish-like odor Excessive white-grayish discharge with milk-like consistency	Requires doctors diagnosis and treatment with oral or vaginal prescription antibiotics Vagisil Medicated Itch Crème to treat the itching while the prescription antibiotic takes time to work
Trichomoniasis	Burning, itching, redness & soreness of the vulva & vagina Vulvar swelling Painful intercourse Profuse discharge, gray or green-yellow color May have foul or fishy odor	Requires doctors diagnosis & treatment with prescription antibiotic Vagisil Medicated Itch Crème to treat the itching while the prescription antibiotic takes time to work

A healthy vagina is home to many microscopic organisms that co-exist in a slightly acidic environment. However, this balance can be upset for a variety of reasons, which can result in uncomfortable -- even painful -- vaginal itching, irritation and infection.

To help identify your itch, use the chart below. The chart is for information only. If necessary, contact your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The annoying itch: Non-infectious vaginitis

The Symptoms:
Usually mild to moderate itching often accompanied by irritation.

Causes:
wearing tight clothing -- pantyhose, underwear, tights, jeans
wearing synthetic materials next to the skin which do not let skin breathe
wearing a wet bathing suit
excess perspiration
monthly hormonal fluctuations -- your period
allergic reactions and contact irritation from such products as soaps, detergents, spermicides, condoms, and deodorants
vaginal dryness
sexual activity
dermatological causes such as eczema and psoriasis

Often, you can experience the symptoms of vaginitis without having an infection, which is why the term non-infectious vaginitis is used. However, even in the absence of infection, the irritation and itching can be uncomfortable -- sometimes even unbearable.

Treatment:
Vagisil Medicated Itch Crème is a fast-acting anesthetic that helps stop the itching and the urge to scratch. You get the relief you need and it lasts. Vagisil also has vitamins E, A & D to soothe itchy, irritated skin.

When itching is more serious:
Infectious vaginitis

Yeast Infection

The Symptoms:
Mild to severe vaginal-area itching, redness and irritation
Intense burning
A thick, curd-like discharge (similar to cottage cheese) with no odor

What causes it:
Use of antibiotics
Wearing tight clothing, pantyhose, wet bathing suits, work-out gear
Obesity
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Birth control pills
Contamination from the GI tract
Change in vaginal pH

Yeast infection is the second most common type of infectious vaginitis.
It is usually the result of an excess of fungus, candida albicans, which is normally present in the vagina and bowel.

Treatment:
The first time you suspect you have a yeast infection, see your doctor who may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription antifungal. However, antifungals -- whether one, three or seven day dosages -- need time to work. In fact, it can take several days before the burning itch is gone. Vagisil Medicated Itch Crème can be used externally to relieve the painful burning itch instantly while the antifungal product treats the yeast infection internally.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

The Symptoms:
May have vaginal itching
Unpleasant "fish-like" vaginal odor. May be particularly strong after sexual relations and around the time of menstruation.
Excessive white-grayish vaginal discharge with a milk-like consistency

What causes it:
Causes for the overgrowth of bacteria aren't exactly known but may include: Changes in vaginal pH
Hormone fluctuations
Sexual Activity

BV is the most common type of vaginal infection in women of childbearing age. It is caused by an overgrowth of an organism called gardenerella vaginalis and several other bacteria normally found in the vagina. Forty percent of women with BV have no outward symptoms or discomfort.

Treatment:
If you think you have BV, see your doctor. Do not use anything to cover-up the odor. If you have BV, your doctor will most likely prescribe an antibiotic to be taken orally or vaginally. If left untreated, this condition can have potentially serious consequences, including premature labor in pregnant women. If you have itching as a symptom, and are given an oral antibiotic, Vagisil Medicated Itch Crème can be used to relieve the itching while you wait for the antibiotic to work.

Trichomoniasis

The Symptoms:
Burning, itching, redness and soreness of the vulva and vagina
Vulvar swelling
Painful intercourse
Profuse discharge, greenish-yellow or gray color, which may have a foul or fishy odor

What causes it:
It is caused by a parasitic organism known as trichomonas and is usually transmitted through sexual contact. Both men and women can get it.

Treatment:
Examination and diagnosis by a doctor is necessary. An antibiotic is the prescribed treatment. You and your partner should both be treated to avoid passing it back and forth. If you have itching as a symptom and are given an oral antibiotic, Vagisil Medicated Itch Crème can be used to relieve the itching while you wait for the antibiotic to work.