Vaginitis simply means inflammation of the vagina. Most cases occur as a result of overgrowth of certain organisms that normally reside in the vagina, or from an infection. Millions of women develop some form of vaginitis at some point in their life.

The vagina normally secretes a physiologic discharge which is clear or cloudy white.
As with other areas of the body, the vagina is home to a variety of generally harmless microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast. However, when the delicate balance is disturbed and some organisms overgrow their normal numbers, problems can occur and inflammation of the vagina can result.

What factors change the natural microbiologic balance of the vagina?
Antibiotics
Hormonal changes, such as occur with pregnancy, breast-feeding, or menopause
Douches
Sexual intercourse
Spermicides
Venereal disease (sexually transmitted diseases or STDs)

What are signs of vaginitis?
Most women with vaginitis notice a change in the color, consistency, or odor of their vaginal discharge. In some instances, itching and burning are prominent. As a matter of fact, the inflammation can also involve the area around the opening to the bladder causing burning with urination, which mimics a urinary tract infection.

What are common types of vaginitis?
Yeast infections make up a large number of cases of vaginitis. The vaginal discharge is typically thick and white and looks like cottage cheese, though many women have no visible discharge at all. Yeast infections are usually easy to treat with OTC (over-the-counter) medications made for that purpose. However, in some conditions, such as poorly controlled diabetes, the infection may be more difficult to treat.

Bacterial vaginosis is another very common cause of vaginitis. The bacteria that cause this infection are normal inhabitants of the vagina. When their numbers increase infection can result. With bacterial vaginosis the discharge typically is thin and grayish. It also classically smells strong, like fish! In addition to this unusual discharge, many women experience itching. Unlike yeasts infections, bacterial vaginosis treatment needs a prescription. Fortunately, like a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis is typically nothing more than a nuisance. It is rarely considered clinically significant.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Trichomonas is a sexually transmitted parasite, and thus is considered an STD. With Trichomonas the vaginal discharge may be yellowish-gray or green. It may also smell like fish. Other symptoms of this infection include burning and irritation of the vaginal area, as well as redness and swelling. Treatment requires a prescription medication. Luckily, infection with this parasite generally is easy to treat and leaves no residual damage to the reproductive organs.

Other common sexually transmitted diseases that frequently cause an abnormal discharge are gonorrhea and chlamydia. Discharge with these bacterial infections is more likely to be thick white or yellow. Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as between periods, may occur. These infections can even cause pain in the lower abdominal region. While usually pretty easy to treat, these infections can spread up the reproductive tract and cause permanent scarring and infertility. Both infections can be passed on to a baby during delivery, and gonorrhea can also lead to skin disease, arthritis, and blindness. Prescription treatment is needed for both infections, and needed fast to decrease the risk of complications.

Last, but not least, atrophic vaginitis is another common type of vaginitis. Unlike the other types mentioned above, atrophic vaginitis is related to insufficient estrogen, such as after menopause or during breast-feeding. Instead of vaginal discharge, it can lead to vaginal dryness and burning. Treatment consists of estrogen replacement.

While there are various causes of vaginitis, most have one thing in common – they require medical treatment. Unless you are sure you have a yeast infection and the symptoms go away promptly after using an OTC yeast treatment, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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