Vaginitis

Infective vaginitis

• Diet: Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements in the diet may help to prevent vaginitis.[21]Van Kessel K, Assefi N, Marrazzo J, et al. Common complementary and alternative therapies for yeast vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis: a systematic review. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2003 May;58(5):351-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12719677?tool=bestpractice.com

• Activity: abstinence from douching and sexual activity is recommended until completion of treatment. If the patient remains sexually active, advise use of condoms as a precaution; some of the topical treatments are oil-based and can break condoms (e.g., clindamycin cream is oil-based and might weaken latex condoms and diaphragms for 5 days after use). Check with condom manufacturer.

• Pregnant women: topical clindamycin preparations should not be used in the second half of pregnancy.

Atrophic vaginitis

• Encourage continued sexual activity as it may help postpone worsening atrophy.

Allergic or irritant vaginitis

• Avoiding causative agents, such as feminine hygiene products, latex condoms/diaphragms, douching, and irritants such as strong soaps or bubble baths, can help prevent vaginitis.