How is vaginitis treated? 

The treatment for vaginitis depends on what is the cause of the infection. However the following drugs are commonly prescribed after the physician has found out what is the cause of the infection. 

1. Bacterial vaginosis: If a bacterium caused your infection then the first line of treatment will include metronidazole (Flagyl, MetroGel) or clindamycin (Cleocin). These can be taken orally or also as gels and creams that are inserted into the vagina. 

2. Yeast infections: These infections are usually treated with anti- fungal creams or suppositories such as miconazole (Monistat, Vagistat - 3) and clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin). At times the doctor might also prescribe an oral tablet such as fluconazole (Diflucan). Althouh simple cases of yeast infections respond very well to this treatment, it is always better to consult a doctor before starting medication. If you have these infections repeatedly then the strain becomes resistant to the medicines. Or sometimes there may be more than one factor causing vaginitis and you may need a combination of drugs. 

3. Trichomoniasis: Metronidazole (Flagyl) is usually the first line of treatment that doctors prescribe for Trich. 

4. Atrophic vaginitis: This kind of vagnitis is treated with the help of estrogen in the form of vaginal creams, tablets or rings. You must take this treatment only under a doctor's supervision. You should also try to pinpoint sources of allergy such as a new soap, a new brand of sanitary napkin or tampon and even your detergent.