1. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Menopause Quiz
3. What's Causing Your Pelvic Pain Slideshow Pictures

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.

View Full Profile

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.

View Full Profile

In this Article

• 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 Index

There are several different types of vaginitis:

• Bacterial infection: Bacterial vaginosis is a form of vaginitis that results from an imbalance of the normal bacteria present in the vagina and an overgrowth of certain bacterial types. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. The role of sexual activity in the development of bacterial vaginosis is poorly understood, and while most experts believe that bacterial vaginosis does not occur in women who have not had sexual intercourse, others feel that women who have not had sexual intercourse can develop the condition. Bacterial infections that cause vaginitis may also be STDs such as gonorrhea or syphilis.
• Trichomonas infection: Trichomonas is a parasitic organism that causes a sexually transmitted vaginal infection. Trichomoniasis vaginitis is sometimes referred to as "trich" and is a common condition.
• Yeast infection: Yeast vaginitis is typically caused by an overgrowth of the yeast organism Candida. Yeast vaginitis is sometimes referred to as Candida vaginitis. Yeast infections are very common and are not considered to be sexually transmitted.
• Other (non-infectious) causes of vaginitis: Physical or chemical irritation of any type can cause inflammation of the vagina. It is often caused by a reaction to irritating substances including douches, soaps, spermicides, or detergents. The inflammation may be the result of an allergic reaction to these substances or may be due to simple irritation. Postmenopausal women may experience irritation in the vaginal area due to a reduction in levels of estrogen. Reduced estrogen levels can lead to thinning and dryness of the vaginal lining that can produce symptoms. This condition has been referred to as atrophic vaginitis. Nonspecific vaginitis has also been described, particularly in children, and a specific cause cannot be identified although it may be related to contamination of the vaginal area with bacteria present in stool.