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Vulvovaginitis - Prevention

Alternative Names

Vaginitis; Vaginal inflammation; Inflammation of the vagina

Prevention:

Use of a condom during sexual intercourse can prevent most sexually transmitted vaginal infections. Proper fitting and adequately absorbent clothing, combined with good hygiene of the genital area, also prevents many cases of noninfectious vulvovaginitis.

Children should be taught how to properly clean the genital area while bathing or showering. Proper wiping after using the toilet will also help (girls should always wipe from the front to the back to avoid introducing bacteria from the rectum to the vaginal area).

Hands should be washed thoroughly before and after using the bathroom.

  • Reviewed last on: 6/5/2010
  • Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Infections of the lower genital tract: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 22.

Sanfilippo JS. Vulvovaginitis. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 549.

McCormack WM. Vulvovaginitis and cervicitis. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 107.

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