Vaginitis

Vaginitis is included here with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) because it can develop after sexual contact with another person. You can also get vaginitis from nonsexual causes.

What Is Vaginitis?

Vaginitis is an infection in the vagina. The vagina has a special discharge that keeps it healthy. This discharge varies in amount and consistency during your normal menstrual cycle.

Having your period or sexual intercourse, using a diaphragm, being pregnant or in menopause, or taking antibiotics can sometimes trigger one of the three most common types of vaginitis:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV).
• Candidiasis, or yeast infection.
• Trichomoniasis, or “trich.”

Symptoms

Vaginitis symptoms can include:

1. Itching.
2. Burning.
3. Pain.
4. Blood spotting.
5. Change in vaginal discharge: may be heavier than usual, different smell or color (yellow, brown, gray) or different consistency (thick or clumpy).

Treatment

If you think you have vaginitis — and most women will experience at least one type during their lifetime — go see a clinician. Do not douche or use a deodorant spray. The discharge and odor, if there is any, will help the clinician make a diagnosis.

Depending on which type(s) of vaginitis you have, treatment may involve medication, suppositories or cream. It’s possible to have more than one type of vaginitis at the same time.

If your symptoms don’t clear up, go back to your clinician and make sure your sexual partner (if you have one) is also treated.

Take all the medication you’re given, even if your symptoms clear up before you’ve finished it.

Last Reviewed: October 2019