Vaginitis

Vaginitis is a common condition involving inflammation or infection of the vagina. It can cause itching, burning, pain, discharge, and bad odor.

There are many types of vaginitis, but most aren't contagious. Pregnant women with some types of vaginitis may be at higher risk of birth complications.

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On this page:  

• What Is Vaginitis?  
• What Are the Symptoms of Vaginitis?  
• How Do You Diagnose Vaginitis?
• How Do You Treat Vaginitis?  

What Is Vaginitis?  

Vaginitis is an inflammation or infection of the vagina — the passage connecting the opening of the uterus to the opening on the outside of the body that's sometimes called the birth canal.

Vaginitis often affects the vulva — the external lips, clitoris, and urethral opening where urine leaves your body — as well as the vagina.

There are several types of vaginitis, each with its own cause, symptoms, and treatments.

How common is vaginitis? 

Vaginitis is very common. Each year, 8% of White women and 18% of Black women report symptoms of vaginal discharge, odor, itch, and discomfort.

What causes vaginitis?

Vaginitis may be caused by an infection passed through sexual contact or by a change in the balance of organisms normally found in the vagina. You can also have multiple causes of vaginitis at the same time.

For most people, one of these infections causes vaginitis:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) — When harmful bacteria outnumber healthy bacteria in the vagina.  
• Trichomoniasis — A sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a single-cell parasite.
• Vaginal yeast infection — A fungal infection that occurs when an imbalance causes too much candida yeast to grow in the vagina.

Other causes of vaginitis include:

• Sensitivity or allergy to detergents, douches, fabric softeners, soaps, spermicides, and other products.
• Hormonal changes from dropping estrogen levels during breastfeeding and after menopause.

What are Vaginitis risk factors and complications?  

Vaginitis risk factors  

Some types of vaginitis can increase a person’s risk of other health problems.

For instance, bacterial vaginosis can cause complications in pregnancy, including miscarriage or having a low birth weight baby, preterm delivery, or your water breaking early. It’s important to treat BV if you're pregnant.

BV also increases your risk of getting other STIs, including HIV, and is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious condition that can impair fertility. People who have BV also are more likely to get an infection after having surgery such as an abortion or hysterectomy.

Trichomoniasis also increases a person's risk of contracting or spreading other STIs, including HIV. Trichomoniasis also may cause preterm birth.

Complications of Vaginitis  

Tell your doctor about your symptoms of vaginitis if you're pregnant because they can cause complications. In addition, some STIs can be passed from a mother to her baby before, during, or after birth.

How can I prevent vaginitis?

There are steps you can take to help prevent vaginitis.

They include:

• Avoiding wearing clothes that hold in heat and moisture, such as tight jeans, synthetic materials, or panties without a cotton lining.
• Not douching or using vaginal sprays that can alter the vagina’s natural organisms and cause irritation.
• Limiting your number of sex partners to limit the introduction of new bacteria to the vagina.
• Thoroughly cleaning diaphragms, cervical caps, spermicide applicators, and sex toys after each use.
• Using a condom and practicing safe sex to prevent sexually transmitted forms of vaginitis.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Vaginitis? 

Your vaginitis symptoms will depend on the type you have.

Common types of vaginitis and their symptoms are:

• Bacterial vaginosis — Most people don't have symptoms, but BV often causes a thin vaginal discharge. The discharge may have a fishy odor that worsens after sex. Your vagina and vulva may also become itchy.
• Trichomoniasis — Many people have no symptoms, but it can cause itching, burning, and soreness of the vagina and vulva, as well as burning when you pee. Some people have a frothy, gray-green discharge that smells bad.
• Yeast infections — Many people produce a thick, white discharge from the vagina that may resemble cottage cheese. The discharge often has no smell, but it can cause your vagina and vulva to become itchy and red.

When should I see a doctor about my vaginitis symptoms?

If you notice a change in discharge or any other symptoms, contact your doctor — especially if you're pregnant.

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How Do You Diagnose Vaginitis?  

To find out the cause of your symptoms, your health care provider will:

• Do a pelvic exam to look at your vagina, the vulva, and the cervix (opening to the uterus).
• Look for vaginal discharge, noting its color, qualities, and odor.
• Study a sample of vaginal fluid under a microscope.

Tests to diagnose vaginitis

Your doctor may need to order lab tests to diagnose vaginitis.

To ensure the results of these tests are accurate, don't use any vaginal medications for at least three days before you see your provider. Also, don't douche, have sex, or use spermicides before your visit.

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How Do You Treat Vaginitis?  

Without treatment, symptoms of vaginitis can worsen.

The treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the type of vaginitis a person has.

Bacterial vaginosis

Prescription antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial vaginosis, and you must complete your prescription to help prevent a recurrence. (BV often recurs.) During treatment, you should either wear a condom during sex or not have sex.

Yeast infections

Over-the-counter (OTC) topical creams, gels, or suppositories you insert into your vagina are common vaginal yeast infection treatments. (But these OTC medicines won't cure other types of vaginitis.) Your doctor can also prescribe fluconazole, which is a single dose you take orally.

Even though OTC treatments for yeast infections are often effective, you should see your health care provider to confirm the cause of your vaginal symptoms, or if an OTC treatment doesn't work.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is an STI that needs to be treated immediately. Both you and your partner will need a single-dose antibiotic to prevent its spread. 

Vaginitis caused by an allergy or sensitivity

Your health care provider may prescribe a medicated cream to relieve symptoms until the itching or burning sensations clear up. Stop using scented products in your intimate area to prevent vaginitis from recurring.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-09-05.