Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. It can be caused by infections, changes in hormone levels or irritation, and often leads to itching, soreness and changes in discharge.
Vaginitis has many possible causes. Infections are the most common, including bacterial vaginosis (BV), thrush (a yeast infection) and some sexually transmitted infections, such as trichomoniasis. Lower estrogen levels during and after menopause can make the vaginal walls thinner and drier. Irritation from soaps, bubble baths, douches, spermicides or a tampon left in too long can also cause it.
Typical symptoms include an itchy or sore vagina and discharge that is a different color, smell or thickness than usual. Some people also have vaginal dryness, pain when peeing or during sex, light bleeding or spotting, or sore and swollen skin around the vagina. Not everyone has all of these symptoms.
The treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause, so getting the right diagnosis matters. A doctor or nurse may ask about symptoms and take a swab. Depending on the result, they may suggest antibiotics, antifungal medicine, hormone treatment for menopause-related dryness, or avoiding the product that causes irritation.
See a GP or sexual health clinic if you have symptoms for the first time, if symptoms keep coming back, if you are pregnant, or if treatment has not helped. Many causes are easy to treat once they are known.
Sources: NHS, MedlinePlus.
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