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Wet Mount (Vaginitis Test): Procedure, Results & More

Vaginitis (Vaginal Infection)

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. It’s due to an imbalance of yeast and bacteria that normally live in the vagina.

Along with discomfort, you may notice a smell that’s different than usual. You could have an infection caused by bacteria, yeast, or viruses. Chemicals in soaps, sprays, or even clothing that come in contact with this area could be irritating the delicate skin and tissues.

It’s not always easy to figure out what’s going on, though. You’ll probably need your doctor’s help to sort it out and choose the right treatment.

Doctors call several diseases that can lead to infection or inflammation of the vagina. The most popular diseases include:

  • Bacterial vaginosis. This is the inflammation of the vagina caused by the accumulation of bacteria. It is characterized by a strong fishy odor. Candida or “yeast” infection, an overgrowth of the fungus candida, which is usually seen in small amounts in the vagina.
  • Chlamydia is the most known sexually transmitted infection (STI) in women, especially in women between the ages of 18 and 35 who have more than one sex partner.
  • Gonorrhea is a common infection spread through sex. It mostly occurs with chlamydia.
  • Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite. It increases the risks of other STIs
  • Viral vaginitis is inflammation caused by a virus, such as the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transferred through sex. Sores or warts on the genitals can be painful.