Vaginitis
Causes of vaginitis
Vaginitis may be caused by any of the following infections or irritants:
- Thrush a fungal infection that commonly affects the vagina
- bacterial vaginosis a bacterial infection of the vagina
- trichomoniasis a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a tiny parasite
- chemical irritation for example, from perfumed bubble bath, soap or fabric conditioner, or from spermicide (a chemical that kills sperm, sometimes found on condoms)
- washing inside your vagina
- chlamydia an STI caused by bacteria
- genital herpes an STI caused by the herpes simplex virus
Vaginaldryness , itching or discomfort (particularly during sex) can also sometimes be caused by a fall in oestrogen levels after the menopause . This is called vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis, and is due to the thinning of the vagina's lining.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina (soreness and swelling).
Causes of vaginitis
Vaginitis may be caused by any of the following infections or irritants: Thrush a fungal infection that commonly affects the vagina bacterial vaginosis a bacterial infection of the vagina
When to see your GP
See your GP if you have any unusual vaginal symptoms, particularly if: you haven't had a vaginal infection before you've had vaginal infections in the past, butthis time your symptoms are different
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