Vaginitis: symptoms, causes, treatment and which doctor to see
The common causes of vaginal itching, discharge and odour, how each type is diagnosed and treated, how to prevent it, and when to see a gynaecologist.
Also known as: Bacterial Vaginosis; Vaginal Yeast Infection; Vulvovaginitis
What vaginitis is
Vaginitis means inflammation or infection of the vagina. It is one of the most common reasons women of all ages see a gynaecologist. The vagina naturally contains a balance of bacteria, mainly protective lactobacilli, that keep it slightly acidic and healthy. When this balance is upset, or an infection is passed on during sex, or hormone levels fall, the result can be itching, burning, unusual discharge or odour.
Some vaginal discharge is completely normal. Healthy discharge is clear or white, may change in amount and texture through the menstrual cycle, and does not usually itch or smell unpleasant. Many women in India feel shy about discussing these symptoms, or try remedies from the chemist for months. Vaginitis is common, treatable and nothing to be embarrassed about, but the right treatment depends on the cause, and the different types can feel very similar.
Symptoms
- Abnormal discharge — a change in colour, amount, thickness or smell
- Itching in or around the vagina
- Burning, especially when passing urine
- Odour, often described as fishy, which may be stronger after sex or during a period
- Redness, soreness or swelling of the vulva
- Pain during sex
- Light spotting in some cases
Some women have no symptoms at all, particularly with trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis, and the condition is found only on a check-up.
The main types and their causes
| Type | Cause | Typical features |
|---|---|---|
| Bacterial vaginosis | Overgrowth of certain bacteria that upsets the normal balance | Thin grey-white discharge with a fishy smell, often worse after sex; little itching |
| Yeast infection (candidiasis) | Overgrowth of a fungus called Candida | Thick white, curd-like discharge with intense itching, redness and soreness; usually little smell |
| Trichomoniasis | A sexually transmitted parasite | Frothy yellow-green discharge, unpleasant smell, itching and soreness; can be silent |
| Atrophic vaginitis | Low oestrogen after menopause, while breastfeeding or with some treatments | Dryness, burning, pain during sex, and urinary symptoms |
| Irritant or allergic vaginitis | Reaction to soaps, washes, douches, perfumed products, pads, condoms or spermicides | Burning, itching and redness without an infection |
You can read more about yeast infections on their own page. Burning when passing urine can also come from a urinary tract infection, and some women have both at once.
What raises the risk
- Courses of antibiotics, which can kill protective bacteria and allow yeast to grow
- Poorly controlled diabetes, which makes yeast infections more frequent
- Pregnancy, and hormonal changes from contraceptive pills
- Douching, or washing inside the vagina with soaps, antiseptics or intimate washes
- Tight, synthetic underwear, wet swimwear or sweaty clothes kept on for long periods, especially in hot and humid weather
- A new sexual partner or several partners, which raises the risk of bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis
- Menopause, for atrophic vaginitis
- A weakened immune system
How it is diagnosed
Because the types overlap and treatment differs, a proper diagnosis is worth getting, especially the first time, if you are pregnant, or if symptoms keep coming back. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, periods, sexual history, contraception, medicines and any recent antibiotics. This is routine and confidential. Then:
- Pelvic examination — the doctor looks at the vulva and gently inside the vagina using a speculum
- Vaginal swab — a sample of discharge is examined under the microscope or sent to the laboratory to look for yeast, bacterial vaginosis or trichomonas
- pH test — a simple strip that shows how acidic the vagina is, which helps tell bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis apart from a yeast infection
- Tests for other sexually transmitted infections, and a blood sugar test when yeast infections keep returning
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause your doctor finds:
- Antifungal medicines — creams, vaginal tablets (pessaries) or tablets by mouth for yeast infections. Women who have repeated infections may need a longer course
- Antibiotics — tablets or vaginal gels or creams for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis. Alcohol should be avoided with some of these medicines; ask your doctor
- Partner treatment — trichomoniasis is sexually transmitted, so the partner must be treated at the same time, and sex avoided until both have finished treatment, or the infection will pass back and forth. For yeast infections, male partners usually do not need treatment; for bacterial vaginosis that keeps coming back, ask your doctor whether your partner should be treated too
- Vaginal oestrogen — a low-strength cream, tablet or ring for atrophic vaginitis after menopause, along with vaginal moisturisers and lubricants
- Stopping the irritant product, for irritant or allergic vaginitis
Finish the full course even if symptoms settle early. Antifungal creams are sold without a prescription, but use them only if a doctor has diagnosed a yeast infection before and the symptoms are exactly the same. Using them for the wrong type delays the right treatment. In pregnancy, always see your doctor before using any medicine, as some are not suitable and bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis need treatment to protect the pregnancy.
Prevention
- Wash the outside area (vulva) gently with plain water; avoid soaps, scented washes, sprays and douching inside the vagina
- Wipe from front to back after using the toilet
- Wear cotton underwear and change out of wet or sweaty clothes promptly
- Change sanitary pads regularly during periods and avoid scented products
- Use condoms with new or multiple partners
- Keep blood sugar well controlled if you have diabetes
- Take antibiotics only when prescribed
There is limited evidence that probiotics or yoghurt prevent vaginitis, so they should not replace treatment.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if this is the first time you have had these symptoms, if you are pregnant, if you have a new sexual partner or think you may have a sexually transmitted infection, if symptoms return soon after treatment or happen several times a year, or if you have bleeding after sex or after menopause.
Seek urgent care, by calling 112 or 108 or going to the nearest emergency department, if vaginal symptoms come with high fever, severe pain in the lower tummy or pelvis, vomiting, or fainting. These can be signs of a spreading infection such as pelvic inflammatory disease, or of a problem in pregnancy.
Which doctor to see
A gynaecologist is the specialist for vaginitis, particularly for repeated infections, symptoms in pregnancy, or after menopause. A general physician can also diagnose and treat many straightforward cases. A dermatologist may help with long-term vulval itching or skin conditions affecting the area. If you prefer a woman doctor, it is fine to ask for one.
You can find gynaecologists in Bengaluru or general physicians in Bengaluru on The Doctor Index, each with a registration you can check.
Questions to ask at your appointment
- What type of vaginitis do I have?
- Does my partner need treatment too?
- Should I avoid sex or alcohol during treatment?
- What should I do if it comes back?
- Do I need tests for other infections or for diabetes?
Common questions
Questions people ask
- Is white discharge always a sign of infection?
- No. Clear or white discharge without itching, burning or a bad smell is normal and changes through the menstrual cycle. See a doctor if the discharge changes colour, becomes thick and curd-like, frothy, or smells fishy, or if it comes with itching, burning or pain.
- Is vaginitis a sexually transmitted infection?
- Only some types. Trichomoniasis is sexually transmitted, and bacterial vaginosis is more common with new partners. Yeast infections and atrophic vaginitis are not sexually transmitted, and women who have never had sex can get them. A swab test shows which type you have.
- Can I use an intimate wash to prevent infections?
- It is better not to. The vagina cleans itself, and washes, soaps, sprays and douches can upset its natural balance and cause irritation or infection. Washing the outside area with plain water is enough for most women.
- Why does my yeast infection keep coming back?
- Repeated yeast infections can be linked to diabetes, frequent antibiotics, pregnancy, a weak immune system, or symptoms that were actually another type of vaginitis. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis with a swab, check blood sugar and suggest a longer treatment plan.
This condition is usually assessed by a gynaecologist. Every profile shows the doctor’s registration and what has been checked.
Gynaecologists in Bangalore
A few gynaecologists listed on The Doctor Index. They are shown because of their speciality, not a stated interest in Vaginitis; ask the clinic whether the doctor sees it.
Related conditions
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
- Miscarriage
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Uterine Fibroids
All obstetrics and gynaecology conditions →
Practical reading
All postsSources
- MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine — Vaginitis
- Emergency Response Support System, Government of India — 112
- MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine — Vaginitis — Public-domain health-topic summary
Vaginitis: symptoms, causes, treatment and which doctor to see is original text by The Doctor Index; the compiled source draft was used for research. Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Orphadata Science: Free access data from Orphanet. © INSERM 1999; July 2026 data, CC BY 4.0. This product uses the Human Phenotype Ontology (hp/releases/2026-09-01). Only sources listed for this article apply. Source material has been selected and arranged; HPO definitions are reproduced without alteration. No source organisation endorses this compilation. Köhler S et al. The Human Phenotype Ontology project: linking molecular biology and disease through phenotype data. Nucleic Acids Research 2014;42(D1):D966–D974. doi:10.1093/nar/gkt1026.
General information, not advice about your situation. Errors can be reported through the corrections process. Reference TDI-C-2391.