Gynecology

Vaginitis

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Any woman can get vaginitis or inflammation of the vagina. The normal environment of the vagina is acidic which helps to prevent overgrowth of organisms that can cause vaginitis. When disruption of the lining occurs due to extreme stress or antibiotic use, women may develop vaginitis.

There are different types of vaginitis. The most common are yeast vaginitis, a bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis and vaginitis related to sexually transmitted diseases such as Trichimonas.

Signs and symptoms vary depending on what type of vaginitis you have but may include vaginal discharge, itching, burning, foul odor or general vaginal irritation.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 28, 2008