Vaginitis – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Vaginal inflammation requires proper treatment based on the specific cause. Several treatment approaches are available:

  • Prescription Medications: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antifungal treatments for yeast infections, and antiparasitic drugs for trichomoniasis.
  • Over-the-Counter Remedies: Antifungal creams, suppositories, and tablets for common yeast infections.
  • Vaginal Health Products: pH-balanced washes, probiotics designed for vaginal health, and moisturizers for dryness.

Most treatments take 3-7 days to resolve symptoms fully. For recurring issues, longer treatment courses or maintenance therapy might be recommended by healthcare providers. Products should be used exactly as directed, whether prescription or over-the-counter.

Symptoms

Vaginitis can cause several noticeable symptoms. These may include:

  • Changes in vaginal discharge (color, smell, or amount)
  • Itching or irritation in the vagina
  • Pain during sexual activity
  • Discomfort when urinating
  • Light bleeding or spotting from the vagina

Different types of vaginitis create different kinds of discharge:

  • Bacterial vaginosis: Produces a grayish-white discharge with a fishy smell that might become stronger after sex.
  • Yeast infection: Mainly causes itching, often with thick, white discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese.
  • Trichomoniasis: Creates a greenish-yellow discharge that sometimes appears frothy.

When You Should Visit a Healthcare Provider

You may not need to see a healthcare provider every time you notice vaginal irritation or discharge. If you’ve had a yeast infection before and recognize the same symptoms, you might be able to treat it yourself. This approach works when:

  • You’ve been diagnosed with a vaginal yeast infection in the past and your current symptoms match your previous experience
  • You understand the typical signs of a yeast infection and feel confident in your self-diagnosis

However, you should make an appointment with your healthcare provider if:

  • You notice an unusual vaginal odor, discharge, or itching
  • This is your first time experiencing these symptoms
  • You’ve had similar infections before but treatments aren’t working
  • You’ve recently had multiple sexual partners or a new partner
  • Over-the-counter treatments haven’t improved your symptoms
  • You have fever, chills, or pain in your pelvic region

Getting a proper diagnosis helps you understand what’s causing your symptoms and learn how to identify them in the future. Some sexually transmitted infections can present with similar symptoms to other vaginal conditions, making professional evaluation important.

Causes

Different types of vaginitis happen for different reasons. Understanding what causes each type can help with proper treatment.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina gets disrupted. While experts don’t fully understand why this happens, BV appears to have some connection to sexual activity.

Women with multiple partners or new partners face higher risk, though women who aren’t sexually active can also develop BV.

Yeast infections develop when a fungus called Candida albicans grows too much in the vaginal area. This same fungus can cause infections in other moist body parts like the mouth (thrush), skin folds, and under nails.

Babies can get diaper rash from it too.

Trichomoniasis is caused by a tiny one-celled parasite that spreads through sexual contact. In women, it typically affects the vagina and may cause symptoms.

This infection also makes women more likely to catch other sexually transmitted infections. Men can have this parasite in their urinary tract but often show no signs.

Noninfectious vaginitis happens when something irritates vaginal tissues. Common culprits include:

  • Vaginal sprays and douches
  • Perfumed soaps
  • Scented detergents
  • Spermicides
  • Foreign objects (like forgotten tampons)

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (formerly called vaginal atrophy) develops when estrogen levels drop after menopause or ovary removal. This causes the vaginal lining to become thinner, which can lead to irritation, burning sensations, and dryness.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of getting vaginitis:

  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy, from birth control pills, or menopause
  • Sexual activity, especially with multiple partners
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Medications like antibiotics and steroids
  • Birth control methods such as spermicides or IUDs

Certain habits can also raise your risk:

  • Using scented hygiene products (bubble bath, vaginal sprays, deodorants)
  • Douching
  • Wearing tight or damp clothing for long periods

Health conditions like uncontrolled diabetes may make you more susceptible to vaginal infections as well.

Complications

Women who have trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis face higher risks of getting STIs. This happens because these conditions cause inflammation in the genital area. When tissues are inflamed, they become more vulnerable to other infections.

Prevention

To prevent vaginitis from coming back, good hygiene practices are essential. Here are some helpful tips:

Bathing and Water Activities

  • Skip baths, hot tubs, and whirlpool spas.
  • Instead, shower instead of bathing in standing water.

Avoid Irritating Products

  • Don’t use scented tampons or pads.
  • Also, choose unscented soaps without deodorants or antibacterial ingredients.
  • Keep bubble bath products away from the genital area, rinse soap thoroughly, and dry the area completely.

Proper Bathroom Habits

  • Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
  • This prevents bacteria from the rectum from reaching the vagina.

Additional Prevention Tips

  • Skip douching—your vagina cleans itself naturally.
  • Also, regular showers provide enough cleansing.
  • Douching disrupts healthy bacteria and won’t treat infections.

Sexual Health

  • Use condoms during sexual activity.
  • Also, limit your number of sexual partners.

Clothing Choices

  • Wear cotton underwear, which allows for better airflow.
  • Choose pantyhose with cotton crotch panels, and consider sleeping without underwear to reduce moisture.

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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.