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Vaginitis

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Vaginitis

Reviewed by Dr Philip Owen, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist

Vaginitis literally means an inflammation of the vagina.

The commonest causes of vaginitis are infections, but sometimes allergies to products such as soap or perfume, or to the rubber in some condoms, can be responsible.

What are the symptoms of vaginitis?

A change in discharge, both in smell and colour.

An itching or a burning sensation in the vagina.

Discomfort when passing water, or during sex.

What causes vaginitis?

Vaginitis can be caused by many different types of organism, although the symptoms tend to be similar.

The most common causes are described below.

Thrush Thrush infection caused by a fungus (candida albicans) is the most common cause of vaginitis and is a cause of irritation for many women.

Symptoms are itching in the crotch area and vagina, but increased discharge is not necessarily present.

Other causes Your risk of developing fungal infections increases if you:

have diabetes.

are pregnant.

have a defective immune system.

Trichomonas

Trichomonas is caused by a small organism called a flagellate. It is common to experience an abundant greenish-yellow discharge, an itching, burning sensation, or pain in the vagina.

Diagnosis is performed by analysing a swab of the discharge. Treatment is a short course of antibiotics.

Bacterial vaginosis

Gardnerella vaginalis (bacterial vaginosis) is caused by the growth of bacteria that causes the acidity of the vagina to become more alkaline. It commonly causes a greyish, foamy discharge with a fishlike smell.

Diagnosis is carried out by analysing a swab from the discharge. Treatment is a short course of antibiotics.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is caused by the gonococcus bacteria, and is only transmitted sexually.

Gonorrhoea can be present without any symptoms, but some people have burning pain when urinating. However, gonorrhoea is rarely seen these days.

Diagnosis is confirmed by analysing a swab from the cervix, urethra (entrance to the bladder) or back passage. Treatment is with antibiotics.

Sexual partners should also be traced, tested for gonorrhoea and treated.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an unusual cause of vaginitis, since infection often does not produce symptoms unless pelvic inflammatory disease is present. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Diagnosis is made by analysing a sample taken from the cervix or the urethra. Treatment is with antibiotics.

Sexual partners should be traced, tested and treated.

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