What are vaginitis and vaginosis?
Vaginitis and vaginosis are common conditions in women of childbearing age. They can happen when something changes the delicate balance of bacteria and yeast flora in the vagina.
Vaginitis and vaginosis are often linked and have similar symptoms. This can make it hard to differentiate between the two conditions. It’s important to learn the symptoms of vaginitis and vaginosis so you can treat these conditions quickly and avoid complications.
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis is an inflammation or infection of the vagina. It’s defined as any condition that causes odor, abnormal vaginal discharge, or inflammation. Vaginitis can be caused by a range of infections. Each infection has its own symptoms and treatments.
What is vaginosis?
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina. Having bacteria in the vagina is normal. BV happens when something alters their balance, and one type of bacteria starts to multiply and take over, causing unpleasant symptoms.
Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but it may increase your likelihood of contracting an STD {Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).”}. It doesn’t always cause symptoms. You can even have it for months and not know it. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to vaginitis.
Symptoms and signs of vaginitis and vaginosis
Vaginosis can cause vaginitis. That means the symptoms are similar and sometimes overlap. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of each condition so you can get proper treatment quickly.
Symptoms of vaginitis
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vaginal area. There may be several symptoms. The doctor will need to determine the cause so they can treat the underlying problem.
Symptoms of vaginitis include:
- Burning and inflammation
- Itchiness
- Visible redness
- Abnormal discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Vaginal soreness
The symptoms that vaginitis presents can help the doctor identify what’s causing the infection.
Symptoms of vaginosis
Vaginosis doesn’t always cause symptoms. However, symptoms of vaginosis can include:
- A fish-like odor that may intensify after intercourse
- A thin, gray discharge
- Extreme itchiness and irritation on the vulva
- A burning sensation when you pee
QUESTION
The vagina includes the labia, clitoris, and uterus. See AnswerCauses of vaginitis and vaginosis
As a general rule, you should only use water and unscented soap to clean the exterior of your vagina. The inside of your vagina is self-cleaning. Vaginitis and vaginosis can occur because perfume or other irritants are sprayed in the vagina, changing its bacterial balance.
Causes of vaginitis
There are multiple underlying causes for vaginitis:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis)
- Trichomoniasis (an STD)
- Vaginal sex, due to lubricants, sex toys, or partner’s genital chemistry
- Estrogen deficiency, sometimes during pregnancy or menopause
- Allergies and irritants, like scented tampons or certain detergents
Causes of vaginosis
Doctors don’t know the exact cause of vaginosis. They do know it happens when something changes the balance of vaginal bacteria. Changes to bacterial balance in the vagina can be caused by:
- Having a new sex partner or multiple partners
- Douching
- Using feminine sprays and washes
- Taking long baths with perfumed oils or soaps
Diagnosis for vaginitis vs. vaginosis
In order to treat vaginitis, the doctor needs to first find what’s causing it. They will take your medical history and may perform a pelvic exam.
There are many potential causes for vaginitis and your doctor will likely have to examine discharge from your vagina. They may also do a urine test.
Vaginosis is usually diagnosed through lab tests that assess bacterial balance and pH levels in the vaginal fluids.
Treatments for vaginitis vs. vaginosis
Once the doctor has determined what condition you have, they will be able to effectively treat it.
Treatments are often pills or creams designed to relieve your symptoms quickly. It usually takes one to two weeks to treat vaginal infections, depending on the type.
Treatment for vaginitis
The treatment of vaginitis will depend on the type of vaginitis you have:
- Yeast infection: If a yeast infection is causing your vaginitis, an over-the-counter pill inserted into the vagina can usually resolve the infection and relieve your symptoms. A topical cream can also treat yeast infections.
- Bacterial Vaginosis: If BV is the cause, you will need antibiotics.
- Trichomoniasis: This is an STD and is usually treated with a single-dose antibiotic. Unlike most other causes of vaginitis, trichomoniasis is contagious and can spread to men. Your partner will also need treatment.
- Allergies: If you used a new product and are experiencing an allergic reaction, use the process of elimination to find out which product you are allergic to.
Treatment for vaginosis
If you’ve been diagnosed with BV, you will need antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria that’s causing the overgrowth. Antibiotics usually prescribed for BV are:
- Metronidazole
- Clindamycin
- Tinidazole
If you are pregnant or suspect you may be, tell your healthcare provider. Bacterial vaginosis can cause complications in pregnancy.
American Family Physician: “Vaginitis: Diagnosis and Treatment.”
American Pregnancy Association: “Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “2015 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines: Bacterial Vaginosis.”
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: “How is vaginitis treated?”
National Health Service: “Bacterial vaginosis.”
Planned Parenthood: “Vaginitis.”
Top Difference Between Vaginitis and Vaginosis Related Articles
9 Home Remedies for Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infection is also called vaginal candidiasis. It is caused when there is an overgrowth of a germ called Candida albicans that is a normal resident of the vagina.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis is an abnormal vaginal condition with signs and symptoms of vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, and vaginal pain. It results from an overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina.
What Are the Best Home Remedies for Vaginal Itching?
What Is Vaginal itching? Learn what remedies you can use at home to help to relieve your symptoms. Women may experience vaginal itching inside their vagina or on their external genitals. Some causes include bacterial vaginosis, contact dermatitis, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
How Can I Treat Vaginitis at Home?
What Is Vaginitis? Learn whether you need antibiotics and what other treatments can help to relieve your symptoms.
Vaginal Bleeding
Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. Causes of abnormal may arise from a variety of conditions that may include, uterine fibroids, IUDs, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, lupus, STDs, pelvic inflammatory disease, emotional stress, anorexia nervosa, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cancers, early pregnancy.
Vaginal Dryness and Vaginal Atrophy
Vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy occurs in women during perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. With vaginal atrophy, the lining of the vaginal wall becomes thinner, drier, less elastic, and light pink to bluish in color. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and/or pain during intercourse. Treatment options for vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy include hormone treatment and over-the-counter vaginal lubricating and moisturizing products.
Vaginal Health Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Take this Vaginal Health Quiz to learn about about common problems that women experience, and when to see a doctor about problems down there.
Vaginal Pain (Vulvodynia)
Vulvodynia or vaginal pain, genital pain is a condition in which women have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. There are two types of vulvodynia, generalized vulvodynia, and vulvar vestibulitis. Researchers are trying to find the causes of vulvodynia, for example, nerve irritation, genetic factors, hypersensitivity to yeast infections, muscle spasms, and hormonal changes. The most common symptoms of vaginal pain (vulvodynia) are burning, rawness, itching, stinging, aching, soreness, and throbbing. There are a variety of treatments that can ease the symptoms of vulvodynia (vaginal pain).Vaginitis (Inflammation of the Vagina)
Vaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis can be caused by infections, menopause, or poor hygiene. Symptoms of vaginitis include vaginal itching, discharge, odor, pain, or discomfort. Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause. Antibiotics may be necessary for some forms of vaginitis.
What Happens When Vagina Gets Wet?
The vaginal fluid is a thin layer of fluid that lines the vaginal walls. Several factors may cause vaginal wetness; sexual arousal is not the only reason. It can be a natural part of the body’s physiological functioning.
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Vaginal yeast infections in women are caused by an organism called Candida albicans. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal pain with urination, vaginal discharge, odor, and itching.
Treatment is generally OTC medications. A man can contract a yeast infection from his female sexual partner. Symptoms of a yeast infection in men include penile itching. Treatment is with oral or topical medication.