Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. It is often caused by infections, some of which are associated with serious diseases. The most common vaginal infections are
Some vaginal infections are transmitted through sexual contact, but others, such as yeast infections, probably are not.
Other causes of vaginitis
Although most vaginal infections in women are due to bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or yeast, there may be other causes as well. These causes include other sexually transmitted infections, allergic reactions, and irritations.
Allergic symptoms can be caused by spermicides, vaginal hygiene products, detergents, and fabric softeners. Inflammation of the cervix (opening to the womb) from these products often is associated with abnormal vaginal discharge, but health care providers can tell them apart from true vaginal infections by doing lab tests.
NIAID Research on Vaginitis
To control vaginitis, research is under way to determine the factors that promote the growth and disease-causing potential of vaginal microbes. This information could help improve efforts to treat and prevent vaginitis. No longer considered merely a harmless annoyance, vaginitis is the object of serious studies as scientists try to clarify its role in such conditions as pelvic inflammatory disease and pregnancy-related complications.
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