Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis may cause itching, burning, a bad odor, or a large amount of discharge. It is one of the most common reasons for visiting an ob-gyn.
The most common types of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and yeast infections. Treatment depends on which type you have.
What can cause vaginitis?
The vagina contains many organisms, such as bacteria and yeast, that are important to its normal function. A change in the normal balance of either yeast or bacteria can result in vaginitis. This causes the lining of the vagina to become inflamed.
Factors that can change the normal balance of the vagina include:
- antibiotics
- changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause
- douching
- spermicides
- sexual intercourse (vaginal sex)
- infection
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