Illness name: vaginitis
Description:
Vaginitis is soreness and swelling in and around the vagina. It's common and usually treatable.
Symptoms of vaginitis include:
You might not have all these symptoms.
Vaginitis has lots of possible causes.
Your symptoms might give you an idea what's causing it. But do not self diagnose, get medical help if you're worried.
White and lumpy discharge (like cottage cheese), itching and soreness
Thrush
Yellow, green or smelly discharge, pain when peeing or having sex
A sexually transmitted infection like
trichomoniasis
or
chlamydia
A dry, itchy vagina and pain when having sex
Hormone changes from the
menopause
, breastfeeding or some types of contraception
Itchy, sore patches around your vagina and on other parts of your body
A skin condition like
eczema
or
lichen planus
Vaginitis can also be caused by irritation (for example, from soap), an injury to your vagina or something in your vagina (like a tampon).
Do not have sex until you've seen a doctor or nurse. You could have a sexually transmitted infection.
Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.
Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment. They'll often get test results quicker than GP surgeries.
Find a sexual health clinic
To find out what's causing your vaginitis, a doctor or nurse may:
You can ask the doctor or nurse to stop at any point if you find it too uncomfortable.
Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause.
For example, you may need:
There are things you can do to ease symptoms of vaginitis and reduce your chances of getting it again.
wash around your vagina with water and dry thoroughly
wear loose, cotton underwear
use pads instead of tampons when you're on your period
use condoms and lubrication when having sex
do not clean inside your vagina (douching)
do not have hot baths
do not use scented hygiene products in or around your vagina, such as soaps and deodorants
Page last reviewed: 27 February 2023
Vaginitis
Check if you have vaginitis
Causes of vaginitis
Symptoms
Possible cause
Symptoms
Possible cause
Symptoms
Possible cause
Symptoms
Possible cause
Symptoms
Possible cause
Non-urgent advice:
See a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if:
Sexual health clinics can help with vaginitis
What happens at your appointment
Having a pelvic examination
Treatments for vaginitis from a doctor
Things you can do to help vaginitis
Do
Don’t
Next review due: 27 February 2026