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A complete, publish-ready guide to vaginitis. Learn what vaginitis is, how common it is, the different types, risk factors, how doctors diagnose it, evidence-based treatments, complications, and practical prevention strategies. Includes answers to frequently asked questions for patients and health professionals.
Introduction
Vaginitis is the medical term for inflammation or infection of the vagina. It is one of the most common gynecological conditions, especially among women of reproductive age, but it can also occur in childhood and after menopause. Symptoms usually include unusual vaginal discharge, itching, burning, irritation, pain during urination, or discomfort during sexual intercourse. Because vaginitis has different possible causes, proper diagnosis is essential to choose the right treatment.
Causes of Vaginitis
Vaginitis can result from both infectious and non-infectious conditions. The main types include:
1. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Caused by an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome when healthy lactobacilli decrease and anaerobic bacteria overgrow.
Symptoms: thin, grayish discharge with a fishy odor, especially after intercourse.
Risk factors: frequent douching, multiple partners, and antibiotic use.
2. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Caused by overgrowth of Candida species, most often Candida albicans.
Symptoms: thick white curd-like discharge, itching, burning, redness, and irritation.
Risk factors: antibiotics, uncontrolled diabetes, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and weakened immunity.
3. Trichomoniasis
A sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
Symptoms: frothy yellow-green discharge, strong odor, vaginal irritation, painful urination, sometimes no symptoms at all.
It is one of the most common curable sexually transmitted infections worldwide.
4. Atrophic Vaginitis (Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause)
Caused by low estrogen levels, usually after menopause.
Symptoms: dryness, burning, irritation, painful intercourse.
Not an infection but a result of hormonal deficiency.
5. Allergic or Irritant Vaginitis
Triggered by chemicals, perfumed soaps, douches, spermicides, latex, or other irritants.
Symptoms improve when the irritant is avoided.
Risk Factors
Unprotected sex or multiple partners
Poor hygiene or excessive douching
Antibiotic use
Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)
Diabetes or weak immune system
Tight, non-breathable clothing
Symptoms of Vaginitis
Abnormal vaginal discharge (color, odor, or consistency changes)
Itching and burning sensation
Vaginal or vulvar redness and swelling
Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
Painful urination
Vaginal dryness (especially in atrophic vaginitis)
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose vaginitis by combining history, examination, and laboratory tests.
Pelvic examination: to check for redness, swelling, discharge type.
Vaginal pH test: high pH suggests BV or trichomoniasis.
Microscopy: “clue cells” confirm BV, yeast cells confirm candidiasis, motile protozoa confirm trichomoniasis.
Whiff test: fishy odor after adding potassium hydroxide indicates BV.
Culture or PCR tests: done when results are unclear or recurrent infections occur.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause:
Bacterial Vaginosis: antibiotics such as metronidazole (oral or gel) or clindamycin cream.
Yeast Infection: antifungal medications like clotrimazole, miconazole, or oral fluconazole.
Trichomoniasis: oral metronidazole or tinidazole; sexual partners must be treated as well.
Atrophic Vaginitis: local estrogen creams, tablets, or rings; non-hormonal moisturizers for symptom relief.
Allergic/Irritant Vaginitis: avoid the triggering product; symptoms usually improve without medication.
Complications if Untreated
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Increased risk of infertility
Higher risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV
Pregnancy complications (preterm birth, low birth weight)
Chronic discomfort and quality-of-life issues
Prevention
Avoid douching and perfumed vaginal products
Practice safe sex (condoms, limiting partners)
Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight clothes
Keep diabetes well controlled
Use antibiotics only when prescribed
Consider probiotics (though research evidence is still mixed)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can vaginitis be cured permanently?
Yes, most cases are curable with correct treatment, but recurrence may happen if risk factors persist.
Is vaginitis always sexually transmitted?
No. Trichomoniasis is sexually transmitted. BV and yeast infections are not strictly STIs but may be influenced by sexual activity.
Can vaginitis cause infertility?
Indirectly, yes. Untreated infections may spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
Can men get vaginitis?
Men do not develop vaginitis but can carry and transmit organisms like Trichomonas and Candida. Partner treatment is essential in trichomoniasis.
What provides the fastest relief?
Relief depends on accurate diagnosis. Yeast infections often improve quickly with antifungals. BV and trichomoniasis need antibiotic therapy.
Conclusion
Vaginitis is a very common gynecological condition, but it has different causes that require different treatments. Accurate diagnosis is the key to proper management. Untreated vaginitis may cause complications such as infertility, pregnancy problems, and increased risk of other infections. With the right treatment and prevention strategies, most women can fully recover and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Dr. Tahmina Akhtar
MBBSDGO (DU)
Infertility Specialist Gynecologist & Obstetrician
18 Years of Experience Overall
BMDC Reg.: Coming Soon
ID: D75HY58
