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Vaginitis: what are the main infections of the vagina?

By Cristiano Antonino On Sep 26, 2022

Vaginitis are infections of the vagina caused by bacteria, fungi, protozoa or viruses. They can occur due to a variety of causes: stress, poor or inadequate intimate hygiene or local irritation (due to perfume, synthetic undergarments, excessive use of vaginal douches, overuse of tampons…) or they can be sexually transmitted

Vaginitis is caused by many different types of microorganisms and the symptoms

Common symptoms such as itching, burning, vaginal discharge and pain during sexual intercourse or dyspareunia can vary depending on the microorganism that attacked the vagina.

In Candida Albicans vaginitis, itching and white, curdled-milk discharge prevails, while in non-Candida Albicans vaginitis the discharge is scarce and the main symptom is vulvar pain and swelling.

Itching, burning and malodorous yellowish discharge are typical in Trichomonas vaginitis and scanty discharge with a fishy odour in Gardnerella.

In some cases there may be little or no vaginitis symptoms

Asymptomatic vaginitis is detected during a routine gynaecological examination or when performing the periodic Pap test.

In the case of symptomatic vaginitis, consult a gynaecologist: he or she will recognise the microbe responsible and recommend specific treatment, usually with antibiotics or antimycotics by mouth or by the general route.

Important for the treatment and prevention of recurrences are correct hygiene rules.

The use of cotton and ‘undyed’ underwear is of paramount importance. A diet low in starches, sugars and yeasts is also helpful both in the acute phase and for prevention.

If vaginitis is suspected, one should abstain from sexual intercourse, both so as not to aggravate the pain and not to transmit it to one’s partner.