Vaginitis symptoms can be uncomfortable, itchy and often accompanied by a discharge that looks different from normal. Sometimes the problem is caused by bacteria, yeast or chemicals in soaps or sprays that have been applied to this area. Other times it is due to sexual intercourse, which can cause a change in the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina.
Yeast infections
One of the most common causes of vaginitis is a type of yeast infection called candida. This fungus normally lives in the vagina in small numbers, but when it starts to grow in large amounts, it can make you sick. Women who have diabetes, are pregnant or have a weak immune system are more likely to get yeast infections.
Yeast infections usually resolve quickly with treatment with antifungal medication, but your doctor may need to prescribe antibiotics for more serious cases. Your doctor may also need to take a sample of your vaginal discharge for analysis to make sure the problem isn’t related to a sexually transmitted infection.
Bacterial vaginosis
Up to half of the vaginitis cases in the United States are caused by bacterial vaginosis, which is an overgrowth of “bad” bacteria in your vagina. The good bacteria normally live in your vagina, helping to keep an acidic environment that fights off infections. However, situations such as pregnancy, multiple sexual partners or using perfumed soap can disrupt this delicate balance and allow bad bacteria to grow.
This condition can result in a white, gray or green discharge that is itchy and has a strong fishy odor. It can also cause pain and burning, and it is most common during periods or after sex.
It’s very important to treat a vaginitis infection as soon as possible, because it can lead to more severe infections or even cancer of the vagina. If left untreated, bacterial vaginosis can increase your risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can increase your risk for infertility and tubal pregnancy.
Other symptoms include abnormal discharge, itching, pain or burning and a fishy odor. These symptoms can occur at any time of the day, but they are most bothersome during the night.
Trichomoniasis and other STIs can cause vaginitis, too. Your health care provider will test your blood for these conditions, or they may do a vaginal exam and swab test of the discharge.
You can also find out what’s causing your symptoms by asking your health care provider about your medical history. She or he will need details of any medications you are taking, and about other health issues that you have, like diabetes, HIV infection and high blood pressure.
Yeast infections are very common and affect millions of women each year. The most common symptoms are a thick, odorless white discharge that resembles cottage cheese and is itchy.
The infection can be very difficult to diagnose because it’s not always clear what’s causing it. Your health care provider will check your medical history, perform a physical exam and look at a sample of your vaginal discharge under a microscope.
