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Vaginitis

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Vaginitis facts*

*Vaginitis facts Medically Edited by: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• Vaginitis refers to any type of inflammation or infection of the vagina.
  
  
• There are different types of vaginitis including yeast vaginitis (yeast infection), bacterial vaginosis, Trichomonas vaginalis infection, and non-infectious vaginitis due to chemical irritation.
  
  
• Treatment for vaginitis depends upon the cause. Antibiotics are used to treat vaginal infections.
  
  
• Some forms of vaginitis are due to sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs).
  
  
• Symptoms of vaginitis can include burning, itching, discomfort, pain with urination or sexual intercourse, and vaginal discharge.

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is a term for any infection or inflammation of the vagina.

What are the symptoms of vaginitis?

In general, vaginitis may cause itching, irritation, or abnormal vaginal discharge.

There are a several different kinds of vaginitis, each with their own causes and symptoms:

Yeast infections

Candida or "yeast" infections - Yeast infections of the vagina are probably the most familiar form of vaginitis. They occur when too much of the fungus Candida grows in the vagina.

Yeast infections produce a thick, white discharge from the vagina that can look like cottage cheese. The discharge can be watery and often has no smell. Yeast infections usually cause the vagina and vulva (the area outside the vagina) to become itchy and red.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis - Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. It is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that are usually present in the vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis will often cause a thin, milky vaginal discharge that may have a "fishy" odor. Many women with bacterial vaginosis have no symptoms and only discover they have it during a routine gynecologic exam.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis - Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by a single-cell parasite. It can cause vaginal itching, burning, and soreness of the vagina and vulva, as well as burning during urination. Many women with trichomoniasis do not develop any symptoms.