Hormones do play a part in vaginal infections. Hormonal changes can lead to less acidity in the vagina, which can make you more susceptible to vaginal infections. Hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy can encourage the growth of yeast (Candida albicans) that cause vaginal infections. Birth control pills, as well as other contraceptive products like spermicide, can contribute to these changes. Also, a lack of estrogen after menopause can lead to conditions that encourage vaginal infections. If you feel that your use of birth control pills may be contributing to your vaginal infections, talk to your doctor.
Vulvovaginitis Risk Factors
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Nonspecific vulvovaginitis can be contagious depending on its cause. For instance, vulvovaginitis can be spread through contact with an infected vulva if it is caused by a sexually transmitted disease or an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi. However, nonspecific vulvovaginitis cannot be spread if it is caused by an allergic reaction to chemicals in soap, condoms, or other contraceptives. Doctors typically recommend abstaining from all sexual activity while nonspecific vulvovaginitis is being treated to prevent further infection.
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As with any sexually transmitted disease (STD), your risk for contracting trichomonal vulvovaginitis increases by having multiple sexual partners and practicing unprotected sex. Most contraceptive methods do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including birth control pills, spermicide, injections or vaginal rings. Female condoms offer some protection, but generally less than male condoms. Male condoms offer the best protection against spreading or contracting STDs, though even they do not guarantee full protection. Furthermore, your risk for trichomonal vulvovaginitis increases if you use condoms incorrectly. Even if men do not exhibit symptoms of trichomonal vulvovaginitis, they can still pass it on to women during sex.
Symptoms generally begin anywhere from five to 28 days after your first exposure to the parasite. Treatment of individual cases can be very effective and symptoms usually disappear within a week. However, you can contract trichomonal vulvovaginitis again through sexual exposure to the parasitic organism that causes it.
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Oak Hill Hospital answeredSee All 3 AnswersVulvovaginitis is a generic term for any sort of inflammation of the vagina, which can include infection or irritation from a different source. While it is possible for a woman to develop vulvovaginitis after menopause, it’s less common. That's because hormones are more stable after menopause and the estrogen-deprived tissue seems to be less susceptible to certain types of infection.