What are the Symptoms and Complications of Vaginitis?

Vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina. It can result in discharge. itching and pain,and is often associated with an irritation or infection of the vulva. It is usually due to infection. The three main kinds of vaginitis are bacterial vaginosis (BV), vaginal candidiasis, and trichomoniasis. A woman may have any combination of vaginal infections at one time. The symptoms that arise vary with the infection, although there are general symptoms that all vaginitis infections have and infected women may also be asymptomatic. Testing for vaginal infections is not a part of routine pelvic exams; therefore, women should neither assume their health care providers will know of the infection, nor that they will provide appropriate treatment without their input.

What are the symptoms of vaginitis?

A woman with this condition may have itching or burning and may notice a discharge. The following symptoms may indicate the presence of infection, which should be followed up with a professional health care practitioner for diagnosis and treatment:

- irritation and/or itching of the genital area
- inflammation (irritation, redness, and swelling caused by the presence of extra immune cells) of the labia majora, labia minora, or perineal area
- vaginal discharge
- foul vaginal odor
- pain/irritation with sexual intercourse

The complications of vaginitis

Recent studies have shown that vaginal infections left untreated can lead to further complications, especially for the pregnant woman. For bacterial vaginosis, these include "premature delivery, postpartum infections, clinically apparent and subclinical pelvic inflammatory disease, [as well as] postsurgical complications (after abortion, hysterectomy, caesarian section), increased vulnerability to HIV infection and, possibly, infertility" .Studies have also linked trichomoniasis with increased likelihood of acquiring HIV; theories include that "vaginitis increases the number of immune cells at the site of infection, and HIV then infects those immune cells."

Further, there are complications which lead to daily discomfort such as:
- persistent discomfort
- superficial skin infection (from scratching)
- complications of the causative condition (such as gonorrhea and candida infection)

If you have the signs of vaginitis,you should go to see the doctor to make sure and consult the relevant treatment and prevention.