Final answer:
The treatment of vulvar vestibulitis, a subset of vaginitis, depends on the underlying cause and may involve topical antifungal medications or antibiotics in the form of oral pills or creams. For yeast infections, medications like butoconazole or clotrimazole are used, while Trichomonas infections are treated with oral antibiotics. Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vulvar vestibulitis, a form of vaginitis, is an inflammatory condition that requires careful diagnosis and treatment. Effective treatments may include the application of topical antifungal medications like butoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole, tioconazole, and nystatin if a yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) is involved. In cases where a bacterial infection is determined to be the cause, antibiotics may be prescribed, these can be either in pill form or as topical creams for direct application. For Trichomonas vaginalis infections, an oral antibiotic treatment is generally recommended. Identifying the specific causative agent is essential, and the treatment must address all contributing factors to be effective.
For more persistent or recurrent infections, longer-term or intermittent treatment strategies may be employed. Additionally, sexual partners should be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection. It's crucial to note that during pregnancy, medication choices may be limited to those safe for use, such as topical clotrimazole which is FDA category B. Diagnosis usually involves the examination of discharge, microscopical analysis, or culture to ascertain the precise cause of vaginitis.