Vaginitis

Symptoms of vaginitis include: an itchy or sore vagina vaginal discharge that's a different colour, smell or thickness to usual vaginal dryness pain when peeing or having sex light vaginal bleeding or spotting sore, swollen or cracked skin around your vagina You might not have all these symptoms.

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. Common causes of vaginitis Symptoms Possible cause 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 like trichomoniasis or chlamydia A dry, itchy vagina and pain when having sex Hormone changes from the menopause , breastfeeding or some types of contraception Itchy, sore patches around your vagina and on other parts of your body A skin condition like eczema or lichen 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).

To find out what's causing your vaginitis, a doctor or nurse may: ask about any sexual partners you have look at the skin around your vagina look inside your vagina (pelvic examination) Having a pelvic examination You'll be asked to remove your underwear and lie on your back. The doctor or nurse will gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (speculum) into your vagina to hold it open so they can see inside. A small cotton bud (swab) may be wiped inside your vagina to check for infections. You can ask the doctor or nurse to stop at any point if you find it too uncomfortable.

Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause. For example, you may need: antifungal medicine for thrush antibiotics for a sexually transmitted infection vaginal moisturiser, lubricant or hormone treatment for menopause symptoms steroid medicine for a skin condition

There are things you can do to ease symptoms of vaginitis and reduce your chances of getting it again. Do wash around your vagina with water and dry thoroughly wear loose, cotton underwear use pads instead of tampons when you're on your period use condoms and lubrication when having sex Don’t do not clean inside your vagina (douching) do not have hot baths do not use scented hygiene products in or around your vagina, such as soaps and deodorants