Other Conditions That Affect the Vagina
There are other common vaginal infections and causes of vaginal itching.
Chlamydia
“Sexually active women up to age 26 should be tested annually for chlamydia because it so often comes without symptoms and can linger and do a fair amount of damage to fertility,” Dr. Moore says.
To treat chlamydia, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is another, highly contagious sexually transmitted infection that often doesn’t cause any symptoms but can cause vaginal discharge, pain during urination, and pain during vaginal sex.
Noninfectious Vaginitis
Noninfectious vaginitis occurs when the vagina becomes sensitive to an irritant. This is not an infection, so the first line of defense is to remove whatever you are having a reaction to, Moore says.
In some cases, removing the cause may not be enough, and additional treatment, such as steroids, might be the next step.
Another form of noninfectious vaginitis is called atrophic vaginitis, and it typically occurs when female hormone levels decrease around the time of menopause, and the vaginal walls become thinner, drier, and less flexible.
Vulvodynia: Persistent Pain of the Vulva
Viral Vaginitis
Viruses also can cause vaginal infections. Most viruses that directly affect the vagina are spread through sexual contact.
The Takeaway
Vaginal infections are extremely common, and nearly every woman will experience one at some point in her life. A number of factors can cause a vaginal infection, so if you’re experiencing symptoms like itching, burning, and a strong odor, it’s best to check with your gynecologist to find the cause and get the appropriate treatment.
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