Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Vaginitis

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: February 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

• What is vaginitis?
• What causes vaginitis?
• Who can get vaginitis?
• What are the symptoms of vaginitis?
• Is vaginitis contagious?
• How is vaginitis treated?
• How long does vaginitis last?
• How can vaginitis be prevented?
• What are some common types of vaginitis?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is vaginitis?

• Vaginitis is the most common women's health problem.
• It is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
• It is pain, heat, redness, swelling, or itching of the vaginal area.

What causes vaginitis?

• Vaginitis can be caused by a number of things depending on the type of infection.
• It can be caused by a bacteria, fungus, or parasite.
• Poor hygiene or diet can be a cause.
• It is often related to douching.
• It sometimes results from using contraceptive devices that do not fit.
• It is not caused by an STD.

Who can get vaginitis?

• A woman of any age and race can get it.
• A woman can get vaginitis even if she is not sexually active.
• Women with STDs may be more likely to get it.

What are the symptoms of vaginitis?

• Symptoms vary depending on the cause. It is necessary that women see a doctor to diagnose the vaginitis. Proper diagnosis is needed to find the right treatment.
• Symptoms include more discharge, strange discharge, and pain with sex or urination.
• There may be vaginal itching, burning, swelling, and redness.
• Some women do not show symptoms.

Is vaginitis contagious?

• Trichomoniasis (trich) can be passed through sexual intercourse. See "Common types" below.
• Most types of vaginitis are not contagious.

How is vaginitis treated?

• Women must see a doctor. Proper diagnosis is needed to find the right treatment.
• The doctor will take simple tests.
• Vaginitis should not be treated with douches or deodorant sprays. These can make diagnosis more difficult.
• Sometimes it can be treated with over-the-counter products, but only with recommendation from a doctor.
• Take all medication prescribed. Symptoms may improve before the infection is cured.
• Left untreated, vaginitis can lead to more serious problems.

How long does vaginitis last?

• Treatment usually lasts about a week.
• With proper treatment, symptoms usually clear up in 3-4 days.

How can vaginitis be prevented?

• Avoid douching. It can lead to infection.
• Change out of wet clothes, bathing suits, or sweaty clothes as soon as possible.
• Keep the vaginal area clean. Dry off after bathing. Using a hair dryer on a low setting can help.
• Avoid tight clothing.
• Wear cotton underwear. It helps absorb moisture. Wearing no underwear at night may help.
• Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to avoid spreading germs toward the vagina.
• Do not use scented sanitary napkins (pads), scented toilet paper, or scented deodorant when the vaginal area is irritated. Avoid harsh soaps and detergents.
• Clean diaphragms and the caps of spermacide applicators after each use.
• If you have diabetes, keep blood sugars under control.

What are some common types of vaginitis?
The most common types of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and trichomoniasis (trich). There is also noninfectious vaginitis.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

• BV is caused by bacteria.
• Symptoms include vaginal itching, burning, and increased discharge.
• Discharge may be thin and milky white or gray.
• It may smell bad (fishy or musty), especially after sex.
• See a doctor.
• BV is treated with prescription antibiotics.

Yeast Infection

• Yeast infections are caused by a fungus. Yeast is present in normal amounts in the body. The fungus can cause too much yeast to grow in the vagina, causing a yeast infection.
• Symptoms include vaginal itching and burning.
• There may be pain and burning with urination.
• Discharge may be thick, white, and curdy (like cottage cheese).
• It does not usually smell.
• There may be pain during or after sex.
• See a doctor.
• Yeast infections can be treated with prescription medication or over-the-counter medication in the form of creams or oral tablets.

Trichomoniasis (Trich)

• Trich is caused by a parasite.
• Discharge may be yellowish, greenish, or gray and is frothy or sticky.
• It may smell bad (like fish).
• Symptoms include vaginal itching and pain with urination.
• See a doctor.
• Trich must be treated with a prescription.
• Trich is contagious.
• Men can get trich through sexual intercourse with a woman who has trich. The man rarely shows symptoms and the infection usually goes untreated. The woman is likely to be reinfected by the man. Both partners must be treated at the same time to stop this pattern.
• In rare cases, trich can be passed by washcloths, bathing suits, and wet towels.

Noninfectious Vaginitis (Contact Vulvitis)

• Noninfectious vaginitis is not caused by infection.
• It is common after menopause, after a hysterectomy, or when the vagina become dry.
• Irritation can be caused by douches, vaginal sprays, contraceptives, tampons and pads, soap, or detergent and fabric softeners.
• Symptoms include vaginal itching, burning, and increased discharge.
• There may be pain with sex or while using a tampon.
• Women may describe a feeling of "wetness." The damp feeling is caused by the oozing of irritated skin.
• See a doctor.
• Avoid wearing irritating materials and using irritating products, especially while you have vaginitis.

When should I call the doctor?

• Women who are pregnant or want to get pregnant should talk to their doctor about any strange vaginal symptoms.
• Call if you have symptoms of vaginitis.
• Call if symptoms do not improve after 3-4 days of treatment.
• Call if you have questions or concerns.

Quick Answers

• Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. It is the most common women's health problem.
• It can be caused by different things depending on the type of infection.
• A woman of any age and race can get vaginitis, even if she is not sexually active.
• Symptoms include vaginal irritation, pain, heat, redness, swelling, or itching.
• Most types of vaginitis are not contagious. However, trich can be passed through sexual intercourse.
• Women must see a doctor. Proper diagnosis is needed to find the right treatment.
• With proper treatment, symptoms usually clear up in 3-4 days.
• Prevent infection by changing out of wet clothes as soon as possible. Avoid douching. Keep the vaginal area clean. Avoid irritating materials and products.
• Some types of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, trichomoniasis (trich), and noninfectious vaginitis.
• Call your doctor if you have any strange vaginal symptoms.

References

• 3M National Vaginitis Association. Women's Guide to Vaginal Infections. 1998 (cited 2002 January 16). Available from: URL: http://www.vaginalinfections.com/booktc.html#anchor4606940
• Iowa Family Health Book. Contact Vulvitis. Virtual Hospital. 1999 February (cited 2002 January 17). Available from: URL: http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/ObGyn/ContactVulvitis.html
• Iowa Health Book. Yeast Infection. Virtual Hospital. 1997 September (cited 2002 January 16). Available from: URL: http://www.vh.org/Patients/IHB/OgGyn/Yeast.html

See related Patient Topics Child and Teen Health, Food, Nutrition and Metabolism, Infections, Itching, Skin, Hair and Nails, Symptoms and Manifestations, Teen Health, Vaginal Diseases or Women's Health.

See related Provider Topics Child and Teen Health, Food, Nutrition and Metabolism, Infections, Symptoms and Manifestations, Teen Health, Vaginal Diseases or Women's Health.

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