Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov.

Updates regarding government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at OPM.gov.

About Vaginitis

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis 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, 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 also cause itching, burning, and pain on the vulva.

Learn about Vaginal Candidiasis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Candidiasis website.

top of page BACK TO TOP