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

Nonspecific vaginitis has been described in prepubertal girls and is thought in many cases to be due to poor hygiene involving the anal and genital areas, allowing bacteria from the stool to spread into the vulvovaginal area. The suspected presence of an STD in children is possible and warrants an investigation of child abuse.

Vaginitis that occurs during pregnancy can have adverse effects on the mother and fetus. For example, bacterial vaginosis has been associated with premature labor, premature birth, infection of the amniotic fluid, and pelvic inflammatory disease of the mother after delivery. Bacterial vaginosis that causes symptoms in pregnancy should be treated. Likewise, any STD that occurs during pregnancy should be treated.

The diagnosis of vaginitis is suggested by the characteristic signs and symptoms, when present. A careful history and physical exam are the first steps in diagnosis. The physical examination will include a pelvic examination and possibly the removal of samples of vaginal discharge. A wet prep is an examination of vaginal discharge under the microscope. This test may be used to identify Trichomonas or yeast organisms. In other cases, a culture of vaginal secretions or from the area of the cervix may be sent to the laboratory to precisely identify the organism responsible for the vaginitis.