Vaginitis: Symptoms

What are the symptoms of vaginitis?

The symptoms of vaginitis result from the inflammation of the moist, sensitive mucosa of the vagina and vulva. Symptoms vary in character and intensity depending on the underlying cause of the vaginitis and individual factors.

General symptoms of infectious or noninfectious vaginitis can include:

• Redness and swelling of the vagina and vulva

• Unusual vaginal discharge

• Vaginal and genital burning

• Vaginal and genital itching

Symptoms of vaginitis caused by a bacterial infection include vaginal discharge that is thin and white and has a fishy odor. However, some women may have no symptoms.

Symptoms of vaginitis caused by trichomoniasis (a parasitic infection) include:

• Burning of the vaginal and genital area

• Burning with urination

• Vaginal itching

Symptoms of vaginitis caused by genital herpes include:

• Genital itching

• Genital pain

• Outbreaks of blisters in the vagina

• There may be no symptoms of genital herpes between outbreaks.    

Symptoms of vaginitis caused by a yeast infection include:

• Severe genital and vaginal itching

• A thick, white vaginal discharge that has the consistency of cottage cheese