What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis (pronounced vaj-uh-NAHY-tis) is an inflammation or infection of the vagina that can cause itching, burning, pain, discharge, or bad odor. The vagina is the tubelike passage that connects the opening of the womb to the outside of a woman's body. It is sometimes called the "birth canal." There are a several types of vaginitis, each with its own causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Vaginitis is different from vulvodynia (pronounced vuhl-voh-DIN-ee-uh), which describes chronic pain or discomfort of the vulva, the area outside the vagina. Whereas vulvodynia affects only the vulva, vaginitis affects the vagina and can cause itching, burning, and pain to the vulva.