Vaginitis is a common condition affecting women of all ages, with various causes and symptoms. Abnormal vaginal discharge, often referred to as vaginitis, can be caused by several factors, including yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), and sexually transmitted infections like trichomoniasis.
Yeast infections, a frequent cause of vaginitis, result from an overgrowth of naturally-occurring yeast (Candida albicans) in the vagina. This overgrowth can lead to symptoms like thick white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge, which is usually watery and odorless. Yeast infections may also cause itching and redness of the vulva and vagina. It’s important to understand that a yeast infection involves an unusually high concentration of yeast, causing these symptoms, and treatment does not necessarily mean complete eradication of yeast from the vagina.
Another common cause of vaginitis is bacterial vaginosis (BV), characterized by a grayish, frothy discharge with an odor. Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, might not always show symptoms but can cause frothy, musty-smelling discharge when present.
It’s crucial to recognize that an increase in normal vaginal discharge is not always indicative of an infection. It can be linked to the menstrual cycle or other non-infectious factors. However, symptoms like vaginal itching, burning, and unusual discharge patterns should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Infections like gonorrhea, another bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI), can also lead to increased vaginal discharge, burning with urination, painful intercourse, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Pregnant women with undetected or untreated gonorrhea risk infecting the baby during vaginal delivery.
For more detailed information and resources on vaginitis, visit the following links:
University of Rochester Medical Center
Children’s Hospital of Vaginitis
University of Utah Health
Columbia University
University Health Services
Mayo Clinic
Hopkins Medicine
The Well by Northwell
Understanding the symptoms and causes of vaginitis is key to seeking appropriate treatment and maintaining vaginal health.