Vaginitis is a common condition that affects millions of women in the United States and worldwide. The term vaginitis, which refers to inflammation or infection of the vagina, encompasses a number of different types of infections, most of which can be cured within a couple of weeks of treatment. Because of this relatively quick turnaround time, extended maintenance is not usually necessary. However, there are a number of tips that can help you deal with an infection and avoid getting another:

1. Practice safe sex

   A common type of vaginitis is the sexually transmitted disease (STD) trichomoniasis. Other types of vaginitis, such as bacterial vaginosis, may also be spread through sexual contact, though it is unclear exactly how. Restricting sexual relations to just one partner who is not infected with trichomoniasis can significantly reduce your risk of contracting that particular infection. To better protect yourself from vaginitis that can be transmitted via genital contact, safe sex is key.

   The use of condoms during vaginal, anal and oral sex can substantially reduce, though not eliminate, the risk of contracting trichomoniasis and may also lessen your odds of getting other forms of vaginitis as well as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For the best protection, condoms must be used every time you have sex. Male latex condoms or female polyurethane condoms should be used during vaginal sex, male condoms should be used during anal sex and a rubbery material known as a dental dam should be used during oral sex. It should be noted that although female condoms and dental dams offer some protection against STDs, they are not as effective as male latex condoms.

   During treatment for vaginitis, you may be asked to abstain from sexual intercourse or to use the aforementioned forms of protection.  Many types of vaginitis, including trichomoniasis, bacterial infections and occasionally even yeast infections can be passed on to your partner, regardless of your partner's gender. If your partner becomes infected,  you probably will be reinfected.
   

2. Be careful about what comes in contact with your vaginal area

   Sharing certain objects that come into contact with your vagina can increase your risk for contracting vaginitis or giving the disease to someone else if you already have it. Do not share swimsuits, towels, washcloths, bath sponges, loofahs or bath brushes because these may be home to Trichomonas vaginalis, the parasite responsible for trichomoniasis. This parasite can live outside the body for as long as 45 minutes and can be transmitted to someone whose genitals come in contact with damp objects that have the parasite on them.

   Exercise caution when using public restrooms because trichomoniasis can also be transmitted through contact with a toilet seat. Refrain from sitting on an unprotected toilet seat or set down a protector before sitting on the seat.

   Noninfectious vaginitis may be caused by any of a number of products that can irritate the skin around the vagina or cause an allergic reaction. These products may include vaginal sprays, douches, perfumed soaps, scented detergents and spermicidal products.
   

3. Know your risk

   Race is a significant risk factor for bacterial vaginitis. African-American women are three times more likely to develop the condition than other women in the United States, although the reason for this disparity remains unclear.

   Women who have undergone menopause are at an increased risk of atrophic vaginitis. Atrophic vaginitis is caused by a decline in levels of the female reproductive hormone estrogen, and consists of changes in the skin around the vagina, vulva, urethra, bladder or any combination of these that lead to symptoms such as vaginal dryness and itching. Other factors that increase your risk of atrophic vaginitis include breastfeeding, the use of injectable contraceptives and the surgical removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy).
   

4. See a doctor as soon as you notice symptoms

   Common symptoms of vaginitis may include a change in the amount, color or odor of your vaginal discharge; itching and/or burning inside or around your vagina; pain during urination or vaginal intercourse; and light bleeding from the vagina. If you notice any of these, see your gynecologist for treatment.
   

5. Do not attempt to self-medicate

   If you have had vaginitis before, do not self-medicate because you expect that the course of treatment will be exactly the same. Women who have previously had a yeast infection, for example, often believe that they can diagnose an infection without consulting their gynecologist. However, misdiagnosis of yeast infection is common. Schedule a gynecologic appointment unless you are absolutely certain that you have a yeast infection and not another condition that presents similar symptoms.

   There are several different types of vaginitis, and each may be treated using a different method. You may not have the same form of the condition that you had before. Only a doctor can tell.

6. Be open and honest with your doctor

   Telling your doctor about your sexual habits and partners can help your doctor diagnose your infection, advise you on avoiding future infections and know if you might be at risk for other infections like an STD. For instance, if you have had many sexual partners, you are at an increased risk of certain types of vaginitis, such as trichomoniasis. Your risk of vaginitis is also heightened if you have recently inserted anything into your vagina. Be open and honest with your doctor concerning all of this information. Your doctor is required to respect your confidentiality, so there is no reason to be embarrassed.
   

7. Take all medications exactly as prescribed

   Be sure to take the entire course of your medication, exactly as prescribed, even if your symptoms go away. Symptoms may disappear before an infection clears completely, and if treatment stops, the infection may begin to flourish again. If this happens, your symptoms will soon redevelop. Furthermore, if you do not take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, the infection may not be effectively treated. Therefore, it's important to follow the dosage schedule supplied to you by your doctor and not skip any doses.
   

8. See your gynecologist regularly

   Vaginitis can occur without any symptoms at all. Routine gynecologic examinations can often identify vaginitis that is not accompanied by noticeable symptoms. Visiting your gynecologist annually is the best way to ensure that you get treatment when you need it.