Vaginitis (cont.)
What are the symptoms of vaginitis?
In general, vaginitis may cause itching, irritation, or abnormal
vaginal discharge.
There are a several different kinds of vaginitis, each with their own causes and symptoms:
Yeast infections
Candida or "yeast" infections - Yeast infections of the vagina
are probably the most familiar form of vaginitis. They occur when too much
of the fungus Candida grows in the vagina.
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 (the area outside
the vagina) to become itchy and red.
For more, please read the Yeast
Infection article.
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis - Bacterial vaginosis is the most common
vaginal infection in women of reproductive age. It is caused by an
overgrowth of bacteria that are usually present in the vagina.
Bacterial vaginosis will often cause a thin, milky discharge from the
vagina that may have a "fishy" odor. Many women with bacterial vaginosis
have no symptoms and only discover they have it during a routine gynecologic
exam. For more, please read the
Bacterial Vaginosis article.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis - Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease
that is caused by a single-cell parasite. It can cause
vaginal itching,
burning, and soreness of the vagina and vulva, as well as burning during
urination. Many women with trichomoniasis do not develop any symptoms. For
more, please read the
Trichomoniasis article.
Next: Non-infectious vaginitis »
- Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives) - Read about the different types of birth control pills (oral contraceptives) such as monophasic, biphasic, and triphasic. Find out which birth control pill may be the best for you.
- Douching (Vaginal Douche) - Learn why doctors do not recommend vaginal douching. Douching increases the risk for vaginal infections, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other conditions.
- Yeast Infection - Learn about vaginal yeast infection symptoms like vaginal burning, itching, soreness discharge, and pain during sex and urination. Treatment information is included in the information.
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