What Is It?

Vaginitis, Vulvitis and Vulvovaginitis are all the same thing. Simply put it is an inflammation, pain and/or discharge in the vagina, vulva or both.

Symptoms

Symptoms of vaginitis/vulvitis are present in the vagina and/or vulva.

Transmission

Vaginitis is not normally the result of sexual transmission.

However, one way that vaginitis can develop is through a sexually transmitted infection. See the sections on Thrush, Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomoniasis for more information.

Prevention

If you want to protect yourself from these infections in general, don't share sex toys and consider using new gloves or washing your hands between entering or rubbing vaginas, (tribidism). Washing your hands after any form of sexual activity will reduce the risk of transmission.

Control

If you have been diagnosed with Vaginitis your sexual partner(s) should avoid contact with the affected areas or use barriers such as glyde dams, condoms or female condoms until the infection has cleared. If you have a regular sexual partner it is advisable that they also get treatment as they may not have symptoms but they are still likely to be infected.

Remember – Regular screening at your local STI clinic is recommended to maintain your sexual health.

Treatment

As there are a number of different kinds of infection that can affect the vagina and vulva it is very important that you get appropriate medical advice from your local STI clinic at any sign of inflammation or unusual discharge.