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

Itching

Conditions that may cause itching include:

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

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.