“Vaginitis” is a word for various conditions that cause inflammation or infection of your vagina. You can get vaginitis from things like bacteria, yeast and low estrogen, or chemical irritants like spray or spermicides. Vaginitis is common and treatable, but treatment depends on the underlying cause.
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“Vaginitis” is a general term to describe conditions that cause inflammation or irritation to your vagina. Depending on the cause, you could have symptoms like itchiness, a burning feeling when you pee or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
You can get vaginitis from bacteria, fungi, parasites or other organisms, or chemicals in creams or personal hygiene products. In some cases, vaginitis occurs due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or vaginal dryness from low estrogen levels. Having vaginitis is very common and affects almost everyone with a vagina at least once in their lifetime.
Your vaginal health probably doesn’t cross your mind until something feels different. Then, your vagina is the only thing you can think about. Itching, burning, pain, swelling and irregular discharge are all signs that something may be going on. While getting regular check-ups are important to your vaginal health, it’s also important to contact a healthcare provider when something doesn’t feel right to you.
There are many possible causes of vaginitis, and each cause has its own symptoms and treatment.
The most common types of vaginitis are:
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common type of vaginitis. BV occurs when bacteria that normally live in your vagina overgrow for some reason, causing a bacterial imbalance. The most common sign is discharge with a fishy smell.
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Yeast infections are the second most common cause of vaginitis. An overgrowth of a fungus called candida causes it. Candida normally lives in your vagina without issue, but with a yeast infection, candida is off balance with other “good” bacteria. It can cause burning, itching and changes to your vaginal discharge.
Trichomoniasis (trich) is an STI caused by a tiny single-celled parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. When this organism infects your vagina, it can cause unpleasant symptoms like vaginal itching and a smelly discharge. This type of vaginitis is typically spread through sexual intercourse.
This type of vaginitis occurs when you have an allergic reaction or develop irritation from vaginal sprays, scented soap, douches or spermicide products. The skin around your vagina can also be sensitive to feminine products and wipes, sexual lubricants, detergents and fabric softeners.
Atrophic vaginitis (genitourinary syndrome of menopause) is a form of vaginitis that occurs due to a decrease in estrogen levels. It causes your vagina to become thin and dry. This occurs primarily during perimenopause and postmenopause, which happens naturally or surgically (removal of your ovaries).
You can also experience similar symptoms if you’re breastfeeding (chestfeeding) or have recently given birth (postpartum) due to changing hormone levels.
Vaginitis has different symptoms depending on what kind you have. Some may not cause symptoms at all. It’s also possible to have multiple types of vaginitis at the same time.
But certain signs and symptoms can occur in several different kinds of vaginitis. These include:
Your vaginal discharge provides several clues that may explain what type of vaginitis you have. Pay attention to what you see in your underwear or what you see when you wipe. Discharge that has a strong odor or is clumpy or foamy are signs of infection. Your discharge should be clear, white or off-white. Discharge that appears green or yellow may also point to an infection.
Yes, it usually changes the smell, color and texture of your discharge. Your vagina normally produces a discharge that’s usually clear or slightly cloudy with very little or no odor.
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It’s important to see a healthcare provider if you’ve noticed a change in the amount, color or smell of a discharge that persists beyond a few days.
Vaginitis has multiple causes, depending on what kind of vaginitis you have. Some of the causes are:
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Yes, it’s possible to spread certain types of vaginitis to your sexual partners. Even types that aren’t considered STIs — like yeast infections — can spread from your vagina to other vaginas or penises.
Healthcare providers don’t classify vaginitis as a sexually transmitted infection, but some STIs (like trichomoniasis and genital herpes) do cause vaginitis.
The following factors may increase your risk for vaginitis:
If you have vaginitis, you may be more likely to get STIs. This is because inflamed or irritated vaginal lining is more prone to infection.
A healthcare provider will take a thorough medical history, complete a physical exam and perform a pelvic exam. Be sure to let them know about any history of STIs.
During the pelvic exam, your provider may swab the inside of your vagina to collect a sample of discharge. They’ll send the sample off to a lab where it will be checked for infection. Your healthcare provider may also check the pH levels (how acidic something is) of your vaginal fluid to get them closer to a diagnosis.
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Some providers may ask that you avoid sex or placing anything inside your vagina for at least 24 hours before your appointment.
Getting a proper diagnosis is key to successful treatment. This isn’t always easy, as the same symptoms can exist in different forms of vaginitis. You can assist your healthcare provider by paying close attention to exactly which symptoms you have and when they occur, along with a description of the color, consistency, amount and smell of your vaginal discharge.
Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment for the specific cause of vaginitis:
You should avoid having sex during treatment for vaginitis until your symptoms go away and/or until your medication is complete.
It isn’t a good idea to wait for vaginitis to disappear unless you know what’s causing it. For instance, some mild yeast infections go away on their own, but not all cases do. Bacterial vaginosis can clear up on its own, but left untreated, it can put you more at risk for STIs. It can also cause complications if you’re pregnant.
There are certain things you can do to decrease your chance of getting vaginitis. Practicing good hygiene and safe sex are key. Other things you can do include:
Vaginitis is uncomfortable, but finding the cause and the right treatment can bring relief. If chemical irritants are causing vaginitis, you can improve your symptoms by avoiding the offending lotion, detergent or spray. Bacterial and antifungal medications may take up to two weeks to clear your infection. Getting the right diagnosis and treating all causes of your vaginitis is key when it comes to relieving your symptoms.
Contact your provider if you have any of the following symptoms:
It’s especially important to contact a provider if you have these symptoms and recently had new or multiple sexual partners. You could have an STI, which requires prompt treatment.
You should also see a provider if you’ve completed treatment for a yeast infection but still have symptoms. Sometimes, a stronger medication is necessary.
Good questions to ask include:
Having unpleasant symptoms below the belt may have you feeling embarrassed or anxious. It doesn’t matter what symptoms you have — itching, pain, burning or an odd smell — you’re probably just ready for some relief.
Don’t be embarrassed to talk to a healthcare provider about symptoms you’re experiencing that might be vaginitis. It’s a common condition that’s treatable. But finding out the cause is key to helping your symptoms. The sooner you and your healthcare provider diagnose what’s causing your discomfort, the sooner you can get the treatment you need for relief.
Last reviewed on 06/18/2024.
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