Vaginitis
Overview
Vaginitis is soreness and swelling in and around the vagina. It's common and usually treatable.
Symptoms
Symptoms of vaginitis include: an itchy or sore vaginavaginal dischargethat's a different colour, smell or thickness to usualvaginal drynesspain when peeing or having sexlight vaginal bleeding or spottingsore, swollen or cracked skin around your vagina You might not have all these symptoms.
Causes
Vaginitis has lots of possible causes. Your symptoms might give you an idea what's causing it. But do not self diagnose, get medical help if you're worried. White and lumpy discharge (like cottage cheese), itching and soreness Thrush Yellow, green or smelly discharge, pain when peeing or having sex A sexually transmitted infection liketrichomoniasisorchlamydia A dry, itchy vagina and pain when having sex Hormone changes from themenopause, breastfeeding or some types of contraception Itchy, sore patches around your vagina and on other parts of your body A skin condition likeeczemaorlichen planus Vaginitis can also be caused by irritation (for example, from soap), an injury to your vagina or something in your vagina (like a tampon).
Treatment
Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause. For example, you may need: antifungal medicine for thrushantibiotics for a sexually transmitted infectionvaginal moisturiser, lubricant or hormone treatment for menopause symptomssteroid medicine for a skin condition
Prevention
Plain water washing; Loose cotton underwear.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: symptoms present (itching, discharge, pain).