Overview of vaginal infections

[PussyCat]

In the United States, vaginal infections are one of the most common reasons women see their doctor, accounting for millions of visits each year.

Vaginal infections are caused by microorganisms, but women can take precautions, such as wearing loose, absorbent underwear, to reduce their risk of getting infections.
Infections usually cause a discharge with itching, redness, and sometimes burning and soreness.
Doctors examine a sample of fluids from the vagina or cervix to check for microorganisms that can cause infections.
Treatment depends on the cause.

Vaginal infections include

Bacterial vaginosis
Trichomonas vaginitis
Yeast infections (candidiasis)

Vaginal infections can cause vaginal discharge, discomfort, and vaginal odor. However, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate an infection. Instead, they may result from other conditions that affect the vagina. For example, chemicals or other materials (such as hygiene products, bubble bath, laundry detergents, contraceptive foams and jellies, and synthetic underwear) can irritate the vagina and cause a discharge and discomfort. The inflammation that results is called noninfectious (inflammatory) vaginitis.
A vaginal discharge may be caused by a disorder that affects other reproductive organs, rather than the vagina. For example, a discharge can result from certain sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydial infection or gonorrhea. The bacteria that cause these diseases can spread from the vagina to the cervix (the lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina) and the uterus, causing pelvic inflammatory disease. Genital herpes, which can cause blisters on the vulva (the area around the opening of the vagina), in the vagina, and on the cervix, can also cause a vaginal discharge.