Conditions That Cause Vaginal Symptoms

Most women have minor vaginal problems from time to time. These problems can be related to menstrual cycles, sex, infection, birth control methods, aging, medicines, or changes after pregnancy.

Vaginal symptoms may include vaginal itching or a change in your normal vaginal discharge.

Discharge

Conditions that may cause a change in your normal vaginal discharge include:

• Infections of the vagina, such as a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.
• A sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or genital herpes.
• Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis).
• Atrophic vaginitis.
• Foreign object in the vagina, such as a tampon left in too long.
• Excess of normal secretions.

Itching

Conditions that may cause itching include:

• Contact dermatitis (irritation of the skin, usually caused by a chemical, soap, or detergent).
• Allergic reaction.
• A sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as genital herpes, genital warts (human papillomavirus, or HPV), or trichomoniasis.
• Pinworms.
• Atrophic vaginitis (a common condition in postmenopausal women).
• Other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
• Impaired immune system conditions, such as infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised	July 27, 2011