Vaginitis

Vaginitis

“The cause is usually a change in the balance of vaginal
bacteria or an infection. Reduced estrogen levels after
menopause and some skin disorders also can cause…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Vaginitis Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Atrophic Vaginitis
  • Inflammation of the Vagina
  • Vaginal Inflammation
  • Vaginal Yeast Infection
  • Vaginitis
  • Vulvovaginitis

Vagina

What is the vagina?

DotS the definition of the vagina may vary. The (United States) MedlinePlus’ definition is:

“The vagina is the female body part that connects the womb (uterus) and cervix to the outside of the body”.2

Vaginitis

What is vaginitis?

DotS the definition of vaginitis may vary. In Vaginitis: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:

“Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain”.3

Signs and Symptoms

What can vaginitis signs and symptoms include?

In Vaginitis: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Vaginitis signs and symptoms can include:

  • Change in color, odor or amount of discharge from your vagina
  • Vaginal itching or irritation
  • Pain during sex
  • Painful urination
  • Light vaginal bleeding or spotting”.4

In Vaginitis: Symptoms of Vaginitis the (United Kingdom) NHS elaborate on:

“Symptoms of vaginitis include:

  • An itchy or sore vagina
  • Vaginal discharge that’s a different colour, smell or thickness to usual
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Pain when peeing or having sex
  • Light vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Sore, swollen or cracked skin around your vagina

You might not have all these symptoms”.5

Vaginal Discharge

Is there an association between vaginal discharge and the type of vaginitis?

The Mayo Clinic explain:

“If you have vaginal discharge, the characteristics of the discharge might indicate the type of vaginitis you have. Examples include:

  • Bacterial vaginosis. You might develop a grayish-white, foul-smelling discharge. The odor, often described as a fishy odor, might be more obvious after sex
  • Yeast infection. The main symptom is itching, but you might have a thick white discharge that resembles cottage cheese
  • Trichomoniasis. An infection called trichomoniasis (trik-o-moe-NIE-uh-sis) can cause a greenish-yellow, sometimes frothy discharge”.6

Vaginitis Cause

What may cause vaginitis?

In Vaginitis: Symptoms and Causes – How Do You Get Vaginitis? the (United States) Cleveland Clinic elaborate on:

Vaginitis “Vaginitis has multiple causes, depending on what kind of vaginitis you have. Some of the causes are:

  • Changes in the microorganisms in your vagina
  • Sexually transmitted infections
  • Products with chemical irritants
  • Changing hormone levels”.7

Bacterial Vaginosis

What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

DotS the definition of BV may vary. In Bacterial Vaginosis the NHS’s definition is:

“Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common cause of unusual vaginal discharge. BV is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can increase your risk of getting an STI such as chlamydia”.8

In Bacterial Vaginosis: What Are the Symptoms of BV? the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov elaborate on:

“Many women have no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

  • Unusual vaginal discharge. The discharge can be white (milky) or gray. It may also be foamy or watery. Some women report a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex
  • Burning when urinating
  • Itching around the outside of the vagina
  • Vaginal irritation

These symptoms may be similar to vaginal yeast infections and other health problems. Only your doctor or nurse can tell you for sure whether you have BV”.9

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

What is the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)?

DotS the definition of GSM may vary. In Menopause Topics – Symptoms: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause the Menopause Society’s definition (formerly the North American Menopause Society) is:

“The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is defined as a collection of signs and symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency that can involve changes to the lips of the vagina (labia), vaginal opening and vagina, clitoris, bladder, and the short tube through which urine is eliminated from the body (urethra). The syndrome includes genital symptoms of dryness, irritation, and burning; sexual symptoms such as pain with vaginal penetration; and urinary symptoms. These symptoms can range from mildly annoying to debilitating”.10

Treatment

How is vaginitis treated?

According to the NHS:

“Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause.

For example, you may need:

  • Antifungal medicine for thrush
  • Antibiotics for a sexually transmitted infection
  • Vaginal moisturiser, lubricant or hormone treatment for menopause symptoms
  • Steroid medicine for a skin condition”.11

Genital Hygiene

How can women keep their genital area clean and dry when they have vaginitis?

In Vaginal Itching and Discharge – Adult and Adolescence: Home Care the MedlinePlus explain:

“Keep your genital area clean and dry when you have vaginitis. Make sure to seek help from your health care provider for the best treatment.

  • Avoid soap and just rinse with water to clean yourself. Using a spray bottle to wash with water after urination may be helpful
  • Soaking in a warm but not hot bath may help your symptoms. Dry thoroughly afterward. Rather than using a towel to dry, you may find that gentle use of warm or cold air from a hair dryer may result in less irritation than the use of a towel

Avoid douching. Many women feel cleaner when they douche, but it may actually worsen symptoms because it removes healthy bacteria that line the vagina. These bacteria help protect against infection.

Avoid current popular trends like vaginal steaming which may increase risk of vaginal infections”.12

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have vaginitis?

If you think you have vaginitis, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The Mayo Clinic note:

“You can’t prevent all vaginal issues. But having regular checkups can help make sure that issues of the vagina are diagnosed as soon as possible. It’s important to talk openly with your healthcare professional about vaginal health”.13

In Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Are Symptoms of Vaginal Issues? the Mayo Clinic elaborate on:

“Talk with a member of your healthcare team if you have:

  • A change in the color, odor or amount of vaginal discharge
  • Changes in vaginal skin color or itching
  • Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause
  • A mass or bulge in your vagina
  • Pain during sex or trouble having sex
  • Problems putting in a tampon”.14

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to the Vaginitis?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Vaginitis?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

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  8. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
  9. Boxers, Briefs and Bacterial Vaginosis: How Your Underwear Can Affect Your Health
  10. Candidiasis/Yeast Infection [Multiply Languages]
  11. Care Down There
  12. Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Vaginitis
  13. Chlamydia
  14. Chlamydia
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  17. Checking Your Vulva: What To Look Out For
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  18. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  19. “Doctor, is it normal?” [Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) [11 May 2026]
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  21. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Management [10 April 2026]
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  25. FAQs: Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  26. FAQs: Vaginitis
  27. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  28. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  29. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  30. Gonorrhoea
  31. Gonorrhoea
  32. HRT Questions Answered
  33. How Vaginal Hormones Can Transform the Health of Women
  34. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
  35. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
  36. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases
  37. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  38. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
  39. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  40. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Sexual Wellbeing, Intimacy and Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Is the End of Your Sex Life] [Other Languages and Formats]
  41. Medical Advice: Bacterial Vaginosis
  42. Medical Advice: Chronic Thrush (Also Known As Candida)
  43. Medical Advice: DIV (Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis)
  44. Myths and Suggestions: Myths About Thrush
  45. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  46. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  47. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2025: The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  48. Pain Down There? 9 Reasons Your Vagina Hurts
  49. Pelvic Exam Techniques
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    Vaginitis
  53. Prosayla Supported By ISSWSH [International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health]
  54. SHE+ Explains: Does the Vagina Clean Itself? (By Parents, for Parents)
  55. SHE+ Explains: Vulva vs Vagina (By Parents, for Parents)
  56. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
  57. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  58. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  59. The Normal Vulva [Multiply Languages]
  60. Thrush In Men and Women
  61. Trichomoniasis
  62. Trichomoniasis
  63. Trichomoniasis
  64. Vagina
  65. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not?
  66. Vaginal Atrophy
  67. Vaginal Atrophy
  68. Vaginal Cancer
    Vaginitis
  69. Vaginal Discharge
  70. Vaginal Discharge
  71. Vaginal Discharge: When To See A Doctor
  72. Vaginal Dryness
  73. Vaginal Itching and Discharge – Adult and Adolescent
  74. Vaginal Odour
  75. Vaginal Yeast Infection
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  77. Vaginal and Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
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  90. Vulval Irritation and Treatment
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  92. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  93. Vulval and Vaginal Pain
  94. Vulvovaginitis
  95. Which Vaginal Moisturiser Should You Use?
  96. Why You Do Not Ever Need To Douche
  97. Why You Get An Itch or Thrush on Vaginal Estrogen and What To Do About It
  98. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September]
    Vaginitis
  99. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women [Multiply Languages]
  100. Yeast Infection (Vaginal)

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Vaginitis: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 22 December 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354707 Accessed: 14 February 2026
  2. Vagina: Information. Review Date: 01 November 2023. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002342.htm Accessed: 14 February 2026
  3. Vaginitis: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 22 December 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354707 Accessed: 14 February 2026
  4. Vaginitis: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 22 December 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354707 Accessed: 14 February 2026
  5. Vaginitis: Symptoms of Vaginitis. Page Last Reviewed: 27 February 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginitis/#symptoms-of-vaginitis Accessed: 14 February 2026
  6. Vaginitis: Symptoms & Causes – Symptoms. 22 December 2021. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354707 Accessed: 14 February 2026
  7. Vaginitis: Symptoms and Causes – How Do You Get Vaginitis? Last Reviewed: 18 June 2024. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9131-vaginitis Accessed: 14 February 2026
  8. Bacterial Vaginosis. Page Last Updated: 27 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/ Accessed: 14 February 2026
  9. Bacterial Vaginosis: What Are the Symptoms of BV? Page Last Updated: 31 May 2022. Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/bacterial-vaginosis Accessed: 14 February 2026
  10. Menopause Topics: Symptoms – Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. Menopause Society https://menopause.org/patient-education/menopause-topics/symptoms Accessed: 14 February 2026
  11. Vaginitis: Treatments for Vaginitis From A Doctor. Page Last Reviewed: 27 February 2023. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginitis/#treating-vaginitis Accessed: 14 February 2026
  12. Vaginal Itching and Discharge – Adult and Adolescent: Home Care. Review Date: 18 August 2025. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003158.htm Accessed: 14 February 2026
  13. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Can I Do To Keep My Vagina Healthy? 30 January 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 Accessed: 14 February 2026
  14. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not – What Are Symptoms of Vaginal Issues? 30 January 2025. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562 Accessed: 14 February 2026
Topic Last Updated: 17 May 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 14 February 2026

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