Vaginitis is any inflammation or infection of the vagina. It’s a common problem in girls and women of all ages. It develops when the walls of the vagina become inflamed because of an infection or irritant.

Gender words are used here to talk about anatomy and health risk. Please use this information in a way that works best for you and your doctor as you talk about your care.

Bacteria, yeast, viruses, and chemicals can cause vaginitis. The most common types are:

• Yeast infection. This is caused by one of the many species of fungus known as candida. They normally live in the vagina in small numbers. Candida may also be in the mouth and digestive tract in both boys and girls. Infection happens when something upsets the normal balance. For example, antibiotics can kill bacteria that normally balance the amount of yeast in the vagina. Too much yeast grows, causing an infection. Another cause can be pregnancy, which changes hormone levels. Diabetes can also be a cause because of too much sugar in the urine.
• Bacterial vaginosis. This infection is caused when certain types of normal vaginal bacteria grow out of control and cause inflammation.
• Trichomoniasis (trich). This is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite. The parasite passes between partners during sexual contact. Most boys with trichomoniasis don’t have symptoms. So the infection is often not diagnosed until a girl has vaginitis symptoms.
• Viral vaginitis. Viruses are a common cause of vaginitis. Most are spread through sexual contact. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can cause viral vaginitis. The human papillomavirus (HPV) can also cause viral vaginitis. Both of them are spread through sexual contact.
• Noninfectious vaginitis. This is vaginal irritation without an infection. It’s most often caused by irritation or an allergic reaction. Chemicals in vaginal sprays, douches, and spermicides can cause it. It may also be caused by perfumed soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners. Even chemicals in clothing can cause symptoms.

A girl is more at risk for vaginitis if she:

• Has recently taken antibiotics.
• Is pregnant.
• Has diabetes that is not well-controlled.
• Has HIV.
• Is using an immunosuppressant medicine.
• Is using high-estrogen contraceptives.
• Is having corticosteroid therapy, which weakens the immune system.
• Has multiple sexual partners.

Symptoms can be a bit different in each girl.

The symptoms of a yeast infection can include:

• A thick, white, odorless vaginal discharge that is like cottage cheese.
• Itching and redness of the vulva and vagina.
• Pain when peeing (urination) or during sex.

The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis can include:

• A thin, white fluid from the vagina.
• A thick, gray or green fluid from the vagina.
• Fishy smell to the fluid.

The symptoms of trichomoniasis can include:

• Frothy, greenish-yellow fluid from the vagina that smells musty.
• Itching or burning in and around the vagina and vulva.
• Swelling or redness at the opening of the vagina.
• Light bleeding, especially after sex.
• Burning feeling when peeing.
• Pain in the lower belly (abdomen).
• Pain during sex.
• No symptoms, in some cases.

The symptoms of viral vaginitis can include:

• Pain in the genital area from sores, if the cause is HSV.
• Painless warts on the vagina, rectum, vulva, or groin, if the cause is HPV. But a girl may have the virus without visible warts.

The symptoms of noninfectious vaginitis can include:

• Vaginal itching or burning feeling.
• Fluid from the vagina.
• Pelvic pain, especially during sex.

The symptoms of vaginitis can be like other health conditions. Make sure you see your doctor for a diagnosis.

The doctor will ask about your teen’s symptoms and health history. They will give your teen a physical exam. The physical exam may include a pelvic exam. The doctor may also check vaginal fluid under a microscope.

Treatment will depend on your teen’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the cause and how severe the condition is.

Treatment may include:

• Antifungal vaginal creams and suppositories.
• Vaginal tablets.
• Antifungal medicines that are taken by mouth (oral).

Treatment is with oral antibiotics. If the doctor prescribes antibiotics for your teen, give them as directed. Do not stop giving them just because your teen feels better. Your teen needs to take the full course of antibiotics.

Treatment is done with oral antibiotics. All sexual partners need to be treated. This is to prevent the infection from occurring again.

Treatment depends on the cause:

• This virus can be treated with antiviral medicine. They include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. These medicines don’t kill the virus. But they can decrease the pain and shorten the length of the outbreak.
• Most HPV infections go away within 6 to 12 months. Some infections last and can lead to cancer of the vulva, vagina, or anus.

Treatment is done by finding out what caused the reaction or irritation, and stopping its use.

Talk with your teen’s doctor about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer in women.

An HPV vaccine can prevent infection by the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. The vaccine also helps prevent genital warts as well as some cancers of the vulva, vagina, and anus. The vaccine is given to children and young adults ages 9 to 26, ideally before they become sexually active. Ask your doctor for more information.

Contact the doctor if your teen has:

• Symptoms that don’t get better, or get worse.
• New symptoms.

• Vaginitis is any inflammation or infection of the vagina. It’s a common problem in girls and women of all ages. It develops when the walls of the vagina become inflamed because of an infection or irritant.
• Bacteria, yeast, viruses, and chemicals can cause vaginitis.
• The symptoms of vaginitis can include pain, itching, burning, sores, fluid from the vagina, and other problems.
• Treatment may include medicines. The type of medicine depends on the cause.
• An HPV vaccine can prevent infection by the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your teen’s doctor:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your doctor gives you for your teen.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your teen. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.
• Ask if your teen’s condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
• Know what to expect if your teen does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
• If your teen has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose of that visit.
• Know how you can contact your teen’s doctor after office hours. This is important if your teen becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.