What is Vaginitis?

Vaginitis is the inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching, pain, and discomfort. It is a common condition that may be caused by infections, changes in vaginal flora, or irritants. There are several types of vaginitis, including bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and trichomoniasis.

What Are the Symptoms of Vaginitis?

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause but may include:
Unusual vaginal discharge (color, consistency, or odor changes)
Vaginal itching or irritation
Pain during urination or intercourse
Redness or swelling around the vaginal area
Light vaginal bleeding or spotting in some cases.

What Causes Vaginitis?

Vaginitis can be triggered by various factors, including:
Infections:

• Bacterial vaginosis caused by an imbalance in natural bacteria
• Yeast infections caused by Candida species
• Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite

Non-infectious causes:

• Allergic reactions to soaps, douches, or hygiene products
• Hormonal changes, especially during menopause
• Irritation from tight clothing or poor hygiene.

How is Vaginitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves:
Medical history and symptom review
Pelvic examination to observe signs of inflammation
Microscopic examination or lab tests of vaginal discharge
pH testing of vaginal fluids
Cultures or DNA tests to identify specific infections.

How is Vaginitis Treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
Bacterial vaginosis: Antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin
Yeast infection: Antifungal creams, suppositories, or oral medications
Trichomoniasis: Oral antiprotozoal medications like metronidazole
Non-infectious vaginitis: Avoiding irritants, using hypoallergenic products, or applying estrogen creams for menopausal women.

What Are the Complications of Vaginitis?

If left untreated, vaginitis can lead to:
Recurrent infections
Pelvic inflammatory disease (in cases of untreated STIs)
Increased risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections
Complications during pregnancy (for infectious types).