Vaginitis: Bacteria Gone Bad

Vaginitis is a general term that refers to an inflammation in the vagina that can cause genital pain. The cause of this vagina pain is usually either an infection or a change in the balance of the bacteria that occur naturally in the vagina.

Sometimes these infections cause pain and soreness in the clitoris area, or sometimes they cause discharge or a bad smell.

Vaginitis could be a simple yeast infection or a sign of a larger medical problem. Other causes include:

 

• Bacterial vaginosis: When the balance of bacteria in the vagina gets out of balance due to an overgrowth of unhealthy organisms.
• STDs: If you have a new infection or if you have pain after sex with a new partner, it’s important to consult an expert to rule out a sexually transmitted disease such as trichomoniasis, which spreads during sex with an infected person.
• Noninfectious vaginitis: Other causes of vaginal pain include reactions to soaps, perfumes, vaginal sprays, or spermicide products.

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