Vaginitis (also called vulvovaginitis) is inflammation or infection of the vagina, sometimes affecting the vulva as well. It can cause itching, pain, discharge and odor. It is common, especially during the reproductive years, and usually follows a change in the normal balance of bacteria or yeast in the vagina. You can have more than one cause at once.
Causes and symptoms
| Cause | What it is | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial vaginosis (BV) | the most common vaginal infection at ages 15–44: an imbalance between "good" and "harmful" bacteria | may be none; a thin white or gray discharge; a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex |
| Yeast infection (candidiasis) | too much candida, a fungus that lives almost everywhere, including the body | a thick white discharge like cottage cheese (or watery), often odorless; an itchy, red vagina and vulva |
| Trichomoniasis | a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite | may be none; itching, burning and soreness; burning when urinating; a gray-green discharge that may smell bad |
| Allergy or sensitivity | to vaginal sprays, douches, spermicides, soaps, detergents or fabric softeners | burning, itching, discharge |
| Hormonal change | pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause | irritation |
What upsets the balance
- BV: antibiotics, douching, an IUD, unprotected sex with a new partner, many sexual partners.
- Yeast: antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes (especially poorly controlled), corticosteroid medicines.
Diagnosis
Your provider may ask about your history, do a pelvic exam, look at any discharge (color, texture, odor) and examine a sample of vaginal fluid under a microscope. Sometimes more tests are needed.
Treatment
- BV: antibiotics — pills, or cream or gel used in the vagina. Use a condom or avoid sex during treatment.
- Yeast: usually a cream or medicine placed in the vagina. Over-the-counter treatments exist, but be sure it really is a yeast infection: see your provider the first time, and it's wise to call before using one even if you've had yeast infections before.
- Trichomoniasis: usually a single-dose antibiotic, for you and your partner(s), to prevent spread and reinfection.
- Allergy: find the product responsible — often something new — and stop using it.
- Hormonal: your provider may prescribe estrogen cream.
Why treat it
BV and trichomoniasis raise the risk of getting HIV or another STI, and in pregnancy they raise the risk of preterm labor and preterm birth.
Prevention
- Don't douche or use vaginal sprays.
- Use a latex condom during sex — or polyurethane if either partner is allergic to latex.
- Avoid clothes that hold in heat and moisture.
- Wear cotton underwear.
Sources
Based on "Vaginitis," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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