Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis

Desquamative inflammatory vaginitis is a form of vaginitis, an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching, and pain.

Most commonly affecting older women, the condition is uncomfortable and often misdiagnosed but may be treated with antibiotics.

PH and healthy vaginal tissues

A healthy vulva and vagina have a low pH environment, preventing the overgrowth of bacteria, infections, and yeast. This vaginal microbiome is essential to keeping the vaginal region healthy and functioning correctly, with the pH in the correct range. The area may develop problems when pH rises, such as desquamative inflammatory vaginitis.

Reduced estrogen levels after menopause and some skin disorders can cause vaginitis. An unhealthy vaginal pH can also result from douching, vaginal lubricants, or scented or harsh products on delicate tissues. Dr. Bahlani can discuss any lifestyle changes that could help reduce the symptoms of desquamative inflammatory vaginitis.

What are the symptoms of desquamative inflammatory vaginitis?

The symptoms of this condition include:

Redness
Swelling
Burning
Bleeding beneath the skin of the vagina and vulva
Pain during intercourse
Yellow vaginal secretions
A grayish film on the skin tissues
Loss of mucous membranes in the vaginal area

Sometimes, “cervical ectropion” or “cervical erosion” is discovered. This occurs when the cells inside the cervical canal grow onto the outside of the cervix. A customized treatment plan may include advice regarding lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation.

Diagnosing desquamative inflammatory vaginitis

Several tests may be performed to diagnose this condition, including a physical examination, swabs, or biopsy.

The swab may reveal the following:

Many white blood cells
Immature vaginal cells (parabasal cells)
A pH balance of 5.5 or higher
An increase in staph or strep bacteria
Little to no lactobacilli (the good bacteria in a healthy vagina)

At Pelvic Pain Doc, you can be confident that your situation is in the hands of a top pelvic pain doctor who offers the latest treatment advances, personalized care, and discretion.

Treatments for desquamative vaginitis

The treatment plan for this condition will reflect the results of the diagnostic tests performed. In many cases, you can achieve relief by applying the following:

Specialized vaginal cream
Topical steroid medications
Oral antibiotics
Compounded hormonal cream

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Need a pelvic pain specialist?

At Pelvic Pain Doc, we only treat conditions and diseases affecting the pelvic region, including desquamative inflammatory vaginitis. Dr. Sonia Bahlani is an acclaimed pelvic pain specialist who has dedicated years of training to achieve the knowledge and skill to treat uncomfortable, painful vaginal conditions. Many women have been to several doctors to try to achieve relief from symptoms, from their primary care doctor to a gynecologist. However, they still experience painful sex or other symptoms. When under the care of Dr. Bahlani, you are being treated by a physician who is both a gynecologist and urologist, as well as a fellowship-trained pelvic pain specialist.

Dr. Sonia Bahlani, pelvic pain expert in NYC

Various health podcasters call upon Dr. Sonia Bahlani to speak on pelvic pain, one of the most common physical conditions. Dr. Bahlani is the author of the definitive book on pelvic pain, “Dr. Sonia’s Guide to Navigating Pelvic Pain.” For assistance from a specialist dedicated to bringing long-term relief to women suffering from desquamative inflammatory vaginitis and other pelvic pain, visit her private clinic in NYC, where we will take you seriously, and your condition is treated by one of the most highly-trained experts in the field. Contact us today.