Vaginitis is a medical term used to describe various conditions that cause infection or inflammation of the vagina. Vulvovaginitis refers to inflammation of the vagina and vulva – the external female genitalia. These conditions can result from vaginal infections due to organisms such as bacteria, viruses, as well as irritation from chemicals in creams, sprays, or even clothing that comes into contact with the area. In some cases, vaginitis is caused by organisms exchanged between sexual partners. 1. What are the symptoms of vaginal infection? Symptoms of a vaginal infection vary depending on what’s causing it. It is possible that they are missing. Some of the most common symptoms of vaginitis include: abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor; burning sensation during urination; itching around the outside of the vagina; discomfort during intercourse. 2. Vaginal discharge – when is it normal? Normally, a woman’s vagina produces a discharge that is usually described as clear or slightly cloudy, non-irritating, and odorless. Its amount and consistency can vary during a normal menstrual cycle. A larger amount is released during ovulation, sexual arousal and during breastfeeding. These descriptions can be considered normal. Vaginal discharge that has an odor or is irritating is usually considered abnormal. The irritation may be associated with itching or burning, or both. Itching can be felt at any time of the day, but is often most annoying at night. These symptoms often worsen with intercourse. It is important to see a doctor if there is a change in the amount, color or smell of the discharge. NEWS_MORE_BOX 3. What are the most common types of vaginal infections? The six most common types of vaginal infections are: candida or yeast infection; bacterial vaginosis; trichomoniasis; chlamydia; viral vaginitis; non-infectious vaginitis. Although each of these vaginal infections can have different symptoms, it is not always easy to determine which type a woman has. In fact, diagnosis can be a difficult task even for an experienced physician. Part of the problem is that sometimes more than one type of infection can develop at the same time. On the other hand, the infection can occur without any symptoms. 4. Which vaginal infections are spread through sexual contact? One of them is trichomoniasis. It is caused by a small single-celled organism that infects the vagina and can cause a frothy, greenish-yellow discharge. It is often accompanied by a bad smell. Women affected by this type of vaginitis may also complain of itching and inflammation of the vagina and vulva, as well as burning during urination. A feeling of discomfort in the lower abdomen and vaginal pain during intercourse is also possible. These symptoms may worsen after the menstrual period. Many women, however, do not develop any symptoms. Chlamydia is another sexually transmitted,form of vaginitis. Unfortunately, most women with this infection have no symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. There may be an unusual vaginal discharge, but not always. A woman is more likely to experience light bleeding, especially after intercourse, as well as pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Chlamydial vaginitis occurs most often in young women, ages 18-35. The risk is especially high in women with multiple sexual partners. If the infection is not treated, chlamydia can cause damage to a woman’s reproductive organs and make it difficult to get pregnant. Several sexually transmitted viruses can cause vaginitis, including herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus (HPV). The main symptom of herpes is pain associated with lesions or “sores”. They are usually visible on the vulva or vagina, but sometimes they are deep inside the vagina and can only be seen during a gynecological examination. HPV can cause warts to grow in the vagina, rectum, vulva, or groin. These warts, when visible, are usually white to gray in color, but can also be pink or purple. When the warts are not visible, detection of the virus is through a more specialized HPV test, such as DNA testing, screening and genotyping. 5. Ways to protect against vaginal infections The condom is the best tool that protects against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. For yeast infections, specialists usually recommend avoiding wearing clothes that trap heat and moisture. The use of nylon panties, non-cotton pantyhose, and tight jeans has also been linked to vaginal yeast infections. Because they can cause vaginal irritation, most doctors do not recommend using vaginal sprays or heavily perfumed soaps to cleanse this area. Similarly, a vaginal douche can cause irritation or, more importantly, it can also “hide” a vaginal infection. Douching removes beneficial bacteria that help keep the vagina clean. Removing these bacteria can lead to, or worsen, vaginitis. Maintaining good hygiene and healthy habits is also important, as well as conducting regular preventive examinations, including a PAP test (smear).including herpes simplex virus and human papilloma virus (HPV). The main symptom of herpes is pain associated with lesions or “sores”. They are usually visible on the vulva or vagina, but sometimes they are deep inside the vagina and can only be seen during a gynecological examination. HPV can cause warts to grow in the vagina, rectum, vulva, or groin. These warts, when visible, are usually white to gray in color, but can also be pink or purple. When the warts are not visible, detection of the virus is through a more specialized HPV test, such as DNA testing, screening and genotyping. 5. Ways to protect against vaginal infections The condom is the best tool that protects against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. For yeast infections, specialists usually recommend avoiding wearing clothes that trap heat and moisture. The use of nylon panties, non-cotton pantyhose, and tight jeans has also been linked to vaginal yeast infections. Because they can cause vaginal irritation, most doctors do not recommend using vaginal sprays or heavily perfumed soaps to cleanse this area. Similarly, a vaginal douche can cause irritation or, more importantly, it can also “hide” a vaginal infection. Douching removes beneficial bacteria that help keep the vagina clean. Removing these bacteria can lead to, or worsen, vaginitis. Maintaining good hygiene and healthy habits is also important, as well as conducting regular preventive examinations, including a PAP test (smear).including herpes simplex virus and human papilloma virus (HPV). The main symptom of herpes is pain associated with lesions or “sores”. They are usually visible on the vulva or vagina, but sometimes they are deep inside the vagina and can only be seen during a gynecological examination. HPV can cause warts to grow in the vagina, rectum, vulva, or groin. These warts, when visible, are usually white to gray in color, but can also be pink or purple. When the warts are not visible, detection of the virus is through a more specialized HPV test, such as DNA testing, screening and genotyping. 5. Ways to protect against vaginal infections The condom is the best tool that protects against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. For yeast infections, specialists usually recommend avoiding wearing clothes that trap heat and moisture. The use of nylon panties, non-cotton pantyhose, and tight jeans has also been linked to vaginal yeast infections. Because they can cause vaginal irritation, most doctors do not recommend using vaginal sprays or heavily perfumed soaps to cleanse this area. Similarly, a vaginal douche can cause irritation or, more importantly, it can also “hide” a vaginal infection. Douching removes beneficial bacteria that help keep the vagina clean. Removing these bacteria can lead to, or worsen, vaginitis. Maintaining good hygiene and healthy habits is also important, as well as conducting regular preventive examinations, including a PAP test (smear).more importantly, it can also “hide” a vaginal infection. Douching removes beneficial bacteria that help keep the vagina clean. Removing these bacteria can lead to, or worsen, vaginitis. Maintaining good hygiene and healthy habits is also important, as well as conducting regular preventive examinations, including a PAP test (smear).more importantly, it can also “hide” a vaginal infection. Douching removes beneficial bacteria that help keep the vagina clean. Removing these bacteria can lead to, or worsen, vaginitis. Maintaining good hygiene and healthy habits is also important, as well as conducting regular preventive examinations, including a PAP test (smear).