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Vaginitis
Paul Bolin
Related terms:
hematocolpos
vaginal disease
vaginal fistula
vagina neoplasm
vaginal discharge
hydrocolpos
vaginospasm
Disease or Syndrome
vaginitis Audio
vag·i·ni·tis [ vaj-uh-nahy-tis ]
Subclass of:
Vaginal Diseases
Etymology:
Latin vagina = a sheath + Greek -itis = inflammation
Definitions related to vaginitis:
  • A non-infectious or infectious inflammatory process affecting the vagina.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Inflammation of the vagina characterized by pain and a purulent discharge.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • Inflammation of the vagina that can result from a spectrum of conditions that cause vaginal and sometimes vulvar symptoms, such as itching, burning, irritation, odor, and vaginal discharge.
    Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)
    The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2025
  • Vaginitis, also called vulvovaginitis, is an inflammation or infection of the vagina. It can also affect the vulva, which is the external part of a woman's genitals. Vaginitis can cause itching, pain, discharge, and odor. Vaginitis is common, especially in women in their reproductive years. It usually happens when there is a change in the balance of bacteria or yeast that are normally found in your vagina. There are different types of vaginitis, and they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15-44. It happens when there is an imbalance between the "good" and "harmful" bacteria that are normally found in a woman's vagina. Many things can change the balance of bacteria, including: Taking antibiotics; Douching; Using an intrauterine device (IUD); Having unprotected sex with a new partner; Having many sexual partners. Yeast infections (candidiasis) happen when too much candida grows in the vagina. Candida is the scientific name for yeast. It is a fungus that lives almost everywhere, including in your body. You may have too much growing in the vagina because of: Antibiotics; Pregnancy; Diabetes, especially if it is not well-controlled; Corticosteroid medicines. Trichomoniasis can also cause vaginitis. Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is caused by a parasite. You can also have vaginitis if you are allergic or sensitive to certain products that you use. Examples include vaginal sprays, douches, spermicides, soaps, detergents, or fabric softeners. They can cause burning, itching, and discharge. Hormonal changes can also cause vaginal irritation. Examples are when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or when you have gone through menopause. Sometimes you can have more than one cause of vaginitis at the same time. The symptoms of vaginitis depend on which type you have. With BV, you may not have symptoms. You could have a thin white or gray vaginal discharge. There may be an odor, such as a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex. Yeast infections produce a thick, white discharge from the vagina that can look like cottage cheese. The discharge can be watery and often has no smell. Yeast infections usually cause the vagina and vulva to become itchy and red. You may not have symptoms when you have trichomoniasis. If you do have them, they include itching, burning, and soreness of the vagina and vulva. You may have burning during urination. You could also have gray-green discharge, which may smell bad. To find out the cause of your symptoms, your health care provider may: Ask you about your medical history; Do a pelvic exam; Look for vaginal discharge, noting its color, qualities, and any odor; Study a sample of your vaginal fluid under a microscope. In some cases, you may need more tests. The treatment depends on which type of vaginitis you have. BV is treatable with antibiotics. You may get pills to swallow, or cream or gel that you put in your vagina. During treatment, you should use a condom during sex or not have sex at all. Yeast infections are usually treated with a cream or with medicine that you put inside your vagina. You can buy over-the-counter treatments for yeast infections, but you need to be sure that you do have a yeast infection and not another type of vaginitis. See your health care provider if this is the first time you have had symptoms. Even if you have had yeast infections before, it is a good idea to call your health care provider before using an over-the-counter treatment. The treatment for trichomoniasis is usually a single-dose antibiotic. Both you and your partner(s) should be treated, to prevent spreading the infection to others and to keep from getting it again. If your vaginitis is due to an allergy or sensitivity to a product, you need to figure out which product is causing the problem. It could be a product that you started using recently. Once you figure it out, you should stop using the product. If the cause of your vaginitis is a hormonal change, your health care provider may give you estrogen cream to help with your symptoms. It is important to treat BV and trichomoniasis, because...
    MedlinePlus
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • (vaginal inflammation) A disorder characterized by inflammation involving the vagina. Symptoms may include redness, edema, marked discomfort and an increase in vaginal discharge.
    Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events
    U.S. National Institutes of Health, 2021
  • Vaginitis is infectious or noninfectious inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, sometimes with inflammation of the vulva. Symptoms include vaginal discharge, irritation, pruritus, and erythema. Diagnosis is by testing of vaginal secretions. Treatment is directed at the cause and at any severe symptoms.
    Merck Manuals
    Merck & Co., Inc., 2025
  • Vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) is the most common gynecologic condition encountered in the office. It is a diagnosis based on the presence of symptoms of abnormal discharge, vulvovaginal discomfort, or both.
    Medscape
    WebMD, 2025
  • Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that can result in discharge, itching and pain. The cause is usually a change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection. Reduced estrogen levels after menopause and some skin disorders can also cause vaginitis.
    Mayo Clinic
    Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2025
  • Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina due to changes in the composition of the vaginal microenvironment from infection, irritants, or from hormonal deficiency (e.g., atrophic vaginitis). Bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and candidiasis are types of infections that cause vaginitis.
    Epocrates
    Athenahealth, Inc., 2019
  • Vaginitis, inflammation of the vagina, usually due to infection. The chief symptom is the abnormal flow of a whitish or yellowish discharge from the vagina (leukorrhea). The treatment of vaginitis depends on the cause of the inflammation. Several different microorganisms can produce vaginitis in...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.

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