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What is Vaginitis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Vaginitis, properly called vulvovaginitis since it often involves the vulva as well, is an infection or irritation of the vagina and vulva of a woman. There are numerous causes for vaginitis, which affects women of all ages and levels of sexual activity. Many women will have a vaginal infection at least once in their lives, and it should not be a cause of embarrassment. Because untreated vaginitis can lead to fertility issues and other health problems, women should always see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Many women associate yeast infections with vaginitis and use the terms interchangeably. A yeast infection, also called candidiasis, is only one type of vaginal infection. The condition can also be caused by bacteria, parasites, allergies, and irritants. This is why it is important to not self-medicate for this condition, because treatment with the wrong medication will not eliminate the condition. The symptoms of the problem include itching, burning, unusual discharge, painful urination, or bleeding.

Practicing good hygiene may help a woman prevent vaginitis.
Practicing good hygiene may help a woman prevent vaginitis.

One of the most common forms of this condition is bacterial vaginitis or BV, caused by a bacterial infection or an imbalance in the bacterial flora of the vagina. It can be treated with antibiotics and some natural techniques, such as introducing beneficial bacteria into the vaginal environment. Candidiasis, or a yeast infection, is treated with anti-fungal medications. Trichomoniasis or "trich" is a form of vaginal infection caused by parasites, and usually viewed as a sexually transmitted infection, since it is passed from person to person. Antibiotics are used to treat trich.

An allergic reaction to scented soaps may cause vaginitis.
An allergic reaction to scented soaps may cause vaginitis.

The condition can also be caused by a foreign object in the vagina. Symptoms are usually relieved when it is removed, although a soothing cream may be prescribed to promote healing. Women may also develop vaginitis as an allergic response, typically because of the use of scented products.

Prevention of vaginitis is relatively straightforward. Women can reduce the likelihood of infection by eating healthy diets, practicing good genital hygiene, and avoiding harsh soaps and scented products. It is also important to refrain from douching, as a douche can disturb the bacterial balance of the vagina. Wiping front to back, wearing loose clothing and natural fibers, and using barrier protection during sexual activity will also reduce the risk of a vaginal infection. Ultimately, despite a woman's best efforts, she may become infected anyway. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent long term problems and to catch the condition early, making it much easier to cure.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

Can a female puppy get vaginitis?

My puppy has been peeing a lot these past few days and she is always licking that area. I asked the vet over the phone and he said it sounds like vaginitis symptoms. Is this possible?

discographer

@ankara-- Just go to the doctor! There is nothing to be embarrassed about, everyone experiences this at some point. You will not be your doctor's first patient who has vaginitis.

You really can't treat this on your own, you don't even know what it is. The doctor can do some tests to find out what kind of an infection it is so that he or she can prescribe the right medication.

I got a vaginal infection last year when I had to share a bathroom with three roommates. So I must have picked up the infection from one of the other girls. It was shocking because I was really careful about hygiene. The foul odor was also one of the first symptoms I had. I didn't have itching or pain, just the discharge and the odor. I took a course of antibiotics and the symptoms went away after that.

The treatment is really easier than you think. You just need to be courageous and speak to your doctor about it.

bluedolphin

I think I have vaginitis but I've been avoiding going to the doctor because I'm so embarrassed. I have some pain, especially when I urinate, but he main symptoms that are really bothering me is the vaginal discharge and the odor.

The odor is really bad, it almost smells like fish. I'm sorry for that description, I'm embarrassed just writing about this but I need help. What can I do? Can I treat this with over-the-counter ointments or something like that so that I don't have to see the doctor?

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    • Practicing good hygiene may help a woman prevent vaginitis.
      By: Rido
      Practicing good hygiene may help a woman prevent vaginitis.
    • An allergic reaction to scented soaps may cause vaginitis.
      By: Syda Productions
      An allergic reaction to scented soaps may cause vaginitis.
    • Prompt treatment of vaginitis is essential to preventing long-term problems.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Prompt treatment of vaginitis is essential to preventing long-term problems.
    • An imbalance of the bacterial flora in the vagina may cause bacterial vaginitis or BV.
      By: isyste
      An imbalance of the bacterial flora in the vagina may cause bacterial vaginitis or BV.
    • Vaginitis may cause painful urination.
      By: Chatchai
      Vaginitis may cause painful urination.