Vulvovaginitis Before Puberty

General Information on Vulvovaginitis Before Puberty

Vulvovaginitis is an infection and/or inflammation of the vagina or vulva before a girl has reached puberty. Vulvovaginitis is typically caused by a range of infectious agents, such as bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, and allergens. Before puberty, the skin located around the vagina can be extremely sensitive, causing younger females to a high susceptibility of inflammation, swelling, redness, and soreness.

Symptoms of Vulvovaginitis Before Puberty

Redness of the genitals
Pain and itching of the genitals
Vaginal discharge (may accompany a pungent odor)
Pain with urination
Vaginal or vulval bleeding (sometimes)

Treatments For Vulvovaginitis Before Puberty

Your child’s health care provider will need to perform an examination of the genitals. In some cases, medical tests, such as culture samples of any vaginal discharge that may be present and/or blood work, may be required for a proper diagnosis. After a diagnosis has been made, treatment will depend on the underlying cause. In cases when vulvovaginitis is the result of an infectious agent, drugs may be prescribed according to type of pathogen responsible. If medication or other allergens, such as bubble bath or soaps, are the causative factor for the inflammation, immediate discontinuation of the product responsible will be required. If vulvovaginitis is the result of a foreign object, removal of the object from the genitals will be needed. Your child’s health care physician will discuss any possibility of sexual abuse with you. If your child seems to be experiencing symptoms similar to those listed above, consult your doctor for further examination.

Personal Experience

Vulvovaginitis Before Puberty - personal experiences