Bacterial Vaginosis - Symptoms, Types & Testing
Vaginitis can be caused by infections of bacteria, fungi and pathogens, and this can show which type of vaginitis it is. The most accurate method is, of course, through relevant testing. Targeted treatment can be given by verification of relevant infections.
Bacterial Vaginosis
The most common type of vaginitis, under normal circumstances, the vagina is dominated by lactic acid bacteria, which will make the vagina acidic (about pH 4 to 4.5) to maintain vaginal health. If the type of bacteria in the vagina changes, such as the proliferation of Gardnerella, it will change the pH value of the vagina, and then appear abnormal.
Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms
Symptoms of BV usually get discharge, itchy, pain or burning sensation from the vagina.
| grayish-white and thin discharge | Foul or fishy-smelling discharge |
| vaginal itching | tingling when urinating |
| Vaginal pain | Vaginal itching or burning sensation |
But still 50% to 75% of women do not experience symptoms after diagnosis.
Candida vaginitis
Candida vaginitis is common in young women and is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans (Candida for short) in the vagina. Under normal circumstances, there is a small amount of Candida in the vagina of women, but when the pH of the vagina changes, the balance of vaginal bacteria will be unbalanced, the number of Candida will increase, and the chance of women being infected by Candida will increase.
Symptoms of Candida Vaginal Inflammation
Some women experience symptoms of vaginal inflammation, such as:
- Vaginal discharge will increase, turn yellow, and be cheesy,
- itchy vulva,
- vaginal pain,
- Discomfort during sex.
In severe cases, the vulva, perineum, and groin may become inflamed, ulcerated, and very painful.
Trichomonas vaginitis
It is an infectious disease caused by Trichomonas vaginalis and is a sexually transmitted disease. It is often transmitted through
- vaginal sex,
- oral sex
- anal sex
It can cause inflammation of the female vagina or male urethra. About 70% of women and men have no specific symptoms after the disease. Symptoms, if present, usually do not appear until 5 to 28 days after infection and include
- genital itching
- Unpleasant smell in vaginal discharge (fishy, musty smell, accompanied by foamy yellow-green discharge)
- Painful urination and
- Pain during intercourse
Bacterial vaginosis infection in men
Men can also be infected with vaginitis-causing bacteria without showing any symptoms. If the woman continues to be infected with bacterial vaginosis, it may be repeatedly transmitted by men, and we also recommend that men should be tested for bacterial vaginosis.
Vaginitis caused by STDs
Unsafe sex (not using condoms) or having multiple sexual partners, common causes include Infection with trichomonas vaginalis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes and condyloma acuminatum, etc.
Symptoms of vaginitis caused by STDs
- vaginal itching
- increased vaginal discharge
- pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- difficulty urinating
- abnormal bleeding
