Vaginitis

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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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• Vaginitis facts
• What is vaginitis?
• What causes vaginitis?
• What are the risk factors for vaginitis?
• What are the symptoms of vaginitis?
• What about vaginitis in children?
• What about vaginitis during pregnancy?
• How is vaginitis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for vaginitis?
• What home remedies are available to treat vaginitis?
• Can vaginitis be prevented?
• What is the prognosis for vaginitis?
• Patient Comments: Vaginitis - Possible Causes
• Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town

*Vaginitis facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

• Vaginitis refers to any type of inflammation or infection of the vagina.
• There are different types of vaginitis including yeast vaginitis (yeast infection), bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis vaginal infection ("trich"), and non-infectious vaginitis due to chemical irritation.
• Treatment for vaginitis depends upon the cause. Antibiotics are used to treat vaginal infections while antifungal or supportive care is indicated for other forms of vaginitis.
• Some forms of vaginitis are due to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• Symptoms of vaginitis can include burning, itching, discomfort, pain with urination or sexual intercourse, and vaginal discharge.

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina that arises from any cause. Infections with bacteria, yeast, or Trichomonas organisms are common causes of vaginitis, but physical or chemical irritation can also lead to inflammation and vaginitis. Some of the infections that cause vaginitis are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), but not all forms of vaginitis are due to STDs. Often, the vulvar area is also inflamed along with vaginitis, a condition that is referred to as vulvovaginitis.