Lifestyle Health Information

No woman should smell "fishy" it is a sign of a bacterial imbalance in the vagina. Called Vaginosis - not yet vaginitis. Please read below for information. This can be easily fixed.

What are vaginitis and vaginosis?

Vaginitis and vaginosis are often linked and have similar symptoms. This can make it hard to differentiate between the two conditions. Vaginitis and vaginosis are often linked and have similar symptoms. This can make it hard to differentiate between the two conditions.

Vaginitis and vaginosis are common conditions in women of childbearing age. They can happen when something changes the delicate balance of bacteria and yeast flora in the vagina.

Vaginitis and vaginosis are often linked and have similar symptoms. This can make it hard to differentiate between the two conditions. It’s important to learn the symptoms of vaginitis and vaginosis so you can treat these conditions quickly and avoid complications. 

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is an inflammation or infection of the vagina. It’s defined as any condition that causes odor, abnormal vaginal discharge, or inflammation. Vaginitis can be caused by a range of infections. Each infection has its own symptoms and treatments. 

What is vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an imbalance of bacteria in your vagina. Having bacteria in the vagina is normal. BV happens when something alters their balance, and one type of bacteria starts to multiply and take over, causing unpleasant symptoms. 

Bacterial vaginosis is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but it may increase your likelihood of contracting an STD {Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).”}. It doesn’t always cause symptoms. You can even have it for months and not know it. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to vaginitis. 

Symptoms and signs of vaginitis and vaginosis

Vaginosis can cause vaginitis. That means the symptoms are similar and sometimes overlap. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of each condition so you can get proper treatment quickly. 

Symptoms of vaginitis

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vaginal area. There may be several symptoms. The doctor will need to determine the cause so they can treat the underlying problem.

Burning and inflammation

Itchiness

Visible redness 

Abnormal discharge

Pain during intercourse

Vaginal soreness 

The symptoms that vaginitis presents can help the doctor identify what’s causing the infection. 

Symptoms of vaginosis

Vaginosis doesn’t always cause symptoms. However, symptoms of vaginosis can include: 

A fish-like odor that may intensify after intercourse

A thin, gray discharge 

Extreme itchiness and irritation on the vulva

A burning sensation when you pee

Causes of vaginitis and vaginosis

As a general rule, you should only use water and unscented soap to clean the exterior of your vagina. The inside of your vagina is self-cleaning. Vaginitis and vaginosis can occur because perfume or other irritants are sprayed in the vagina, changing its bacterial balance. 

Causes of vaginitis 

There are multiple underlying causes for vaginitis: 

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis)

Trichomoniasis (an STD)

Vaginal sex, due to lubricants, sex toys, or partner’s genital chemistry

Estrogen deficiency, sometimes during pregnancy or menopause

Allergies and irritants, like scented tampons or certain detergents

Causes of vaginosis

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of vaginosis. They do know it happens when something changes the balance of vaginal bacteria. Changes to bacterial balance in the vagina can be caused by:

Having a new sex partner or multiple partners

Douching 

Using feminine sprays and washes

Taking long baths with perfumed oils or soaps