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Vaginal Diseases
Vaginal problems, Vaginal Disorders
Vaginal diseases can cause uncomfortable symptoms like itching, burning, and pain. Read about vaginitis (inflammation) and other vaginal problems.
Image of the vagina, uterus and womb
Image by Wellcome Images
Vaginitis
Image by BruceBlaus
Vaginal problems are some of the most common reasons women go to the doctor. They may have symptoms such as
One common problem is vaginitis, an inflammation of the vagina. Other problems that affect the vagina include sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal cancer, and vulvar cancer. Treatment of vaginal problems depends on the cause.
Source: NIH
Illustration of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria
Image by CDC/ Antibiotic Resistance Coordination and Strategy Unit; Photo credit: Medical Illustrator: Alissa Eckert
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. The contact is usually vaginal, oral, or anal sex. But sometimes they can spread through other intimate physical contact. This is because some STDs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact.
There are more than 20 types of STDs, including
STDs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Most STDs affect both men and women, but in many cases the health problems they cause can be more severe for women. If a pregnant woman has an STD, it can cause serious health problems for the baby.
STDs don't always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms. So it is possible to have an infection and not know it. But you can still pass it on to others.
If there are symptoms, they could include
If you are sexually active, you should talk to your health care provider about your risk for STDs and whether you need to be tested. This is especially important since many STDs do not usually cause symptoms.
Some STDs may be diagnosed during a physical exam or through microscopic examination of a sore or fluid swabbed from the vagina, penis, or anus. Blood tests can diagnose other types of STDs.
Antibiotics can treat STDs caused by bacteria or parasites. There is no cure for STDs caused by viruses, but medicines can often help with the symptoms and lower your risk of spreading the infection.
Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
There are vaccines to prevent HPV and hepatitis B.
Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading STDs. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.
There are vaccines to prevent HPV and hepatitis B.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Vaginal Canal Close-Up
Image by TheVisualMD
Menstruation, or period, is a woman's monthly bleeding. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is different from normal menstrual periods. It could be bleeding that is between periods, is very heavy, or lasts much longer than usual. It also includes bleeding that happens before puberty or after menopause. Causes can include
Bleeding during pregnancy can have several different causes. It is not always serious, but to be safe you should contact your health care provider right away.
Pelvic exams, blood tests, imaging tests, and other procedures can help your health care provider diagnose the problem. Treatment depends on the cause. Treatments may include medicines, hormones, and surgery.
Source: MedlinePlus
Vaginal Cancer - Stage 3
Image by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer. It is more common in women 60 and older. You are also more likely to get it if you have had a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or if your mother took diethylstilbestrol (DES) when she was pregnant. Doctors prescribed DES in the 1950's to prevent miscarriages. You are also at higher risk if you have had abnormal cells in the vagina, cervix, or uterus.
It often doesn't have early symptoms. However, see your doctor if you notice
A Pap test can find abnormal cells that may be cancer. Vaginal cancer can often be cured in its early stages. Treatment might include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Source: NIH: National Cancer Institute
Vaginal Wall
Image by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it spreads to other body parts later.
When cancer starts in the vagina, it is called vaginal cancer. The vagina, also called the birth canal, is the hollow, tube-like channel between the bottom of the uterus and the outside of the body.
When cancer forms in the vulva, it is vulvar cancer. The vulva is the outer part of the female genital organs. It has two folds of skin, called the labia. Vulvar cancer most often occurs on the inner edges of the labia.
Vaginal and vulvar cancers are very rare. While all women are at risk for these cancers, very few will get them. Together, they account for 6% to 7% of all gynecologic cancers diagnosed in the U.S.
Several factors may increase the chance that you will get vaginal or vulvar cancer.
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause vaginal and vulvar cancers.
Symptoms of vaginal cancer may include vaginal discharge or bleeding, a change in bathroom habits, or pelvic pain. Vulvar cancer symptoms may include skin changes in the vulva or sores, lumps, or ulcers on the vulva.
Since there is no simple and reliable way to screen for vaginal or vulvar cancers, it is especially important to recognize warning signs and learn what you can do to lower your risk.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Diagrams showing the layers of the vaginal wall
Image by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
The vagina is the canal leading from the cervix (the opening of uterus) to the outside of the body. At birth, a baby passes out of the body through the vagina (also called the birth canal).
Vaginal cancer is not common. There are two main types of vaginal cancer:
Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk. Risk factors for vaginal cancer include the following:
Vaginal cancer often does not cause early signs or symptoms. It may be found during a routine pelvic exam and Pap test. Signs and symptoms may be caused by vaginal cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
The following tests and procedures may be used:
The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the following:
When found in early stages, vaginal cancer can often be cured.
Treatment options depend on the following:
Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Female Reproductive Organ
Image by TheVisualMD
The vagina is a fibromuscular tube, about 10 cm long, that extends from the cervix of the uterus to the outside. It is located between the rectum and the urinary bladder. Because the vagina is tilted posteriorly as it ascends and the cervix is tilted anteriorly, the cervix projects into the vagina at nearly a right angle. The vagina serves as a passageway for menstrual flow, receives the erect penis during intercourse, and is the birth canal during childbirth.
Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Anatomy of the Vagina
Image by TheVisualMD
Vaginitis, also called vulvovaginitis, is an inflammation or infection of the vagina. It can also affect the vulva, which is the external part of a woman's genitals. Vaginitis can cause itching, pain, discharge, and odor.
Vaginitis is common, especially in women in their reproductive years. It usually happens when there is a change in the balance of bacteria or yeast that are normally found in your vagina. There are different types of vaginitis, and they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women ages 15-44. It happens when there is an imbalance between the "good" and "harmful" bacteria that are normally found in a woman's vagina. Many things can change the balance of bacteria, including
Yeast infections (candidiasis) happen when too much candida grows in the vagina. Candida is the scientific name for yeast. It is a fungus that lives almost everywhere, including in your body. You may have too much growing in the vagina because of
Trichomoniasis can also cause vaginitis. Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by a parasite.
You can also have vaginitis if you are allergic or sensitive to certain products that you use. Examples include vaginal sprays, douches, spermicides, soaps, detergents, or fabric softeners. They can cause burning, itching, and discharge.
Hormonal changes can also cause vaginal irritation. Examples are when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or when you have gone through menopause.
Sometimes you can have more than one cause of vaginitis at the same time.
The symptoms of vaginitis depend on which type you have.
With BV, you may not have symptoms. You could have a thin white or gray vaginal discharge. There may be an odor, such as a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex.
Yeast infections produce a thick, white discharge from the vagina that can look like cottage cheese. The discharge can be watery and often has no smell. Yeast infections usually cause the vagina and vulva to become itchy and red.
You may not have symptoms when you have trichomoniasis. If you do have them, they include itching, burning, and soreness of the vagina and vulva. You may have burning during urination. You could also have gray-green discharge, which may smell bad.
To find out the cause of your symptoms, your health care provider may
In some cases, you may need more tests.
The treatment depends on which type of vaginitis you have.
BV is treatable with antibiotics. You may get pills to swallow, or cream or gel that you put in your vagina. During treatment, you should use a condom during sex or not have sex at all.
Yeast infections are usually treated with a cream or with medicine that you put inside your vagina. You can buy over-the-counter treatments for yeast infections, but you need to be sure that you do have a yeast infection and not another type of vaginitis. See your health care provider if this is the first time you have had symptoms. Even if you have had yeast infections before, it is a good idea to call your health care provider before using an over-the-counter treatment.
The treatment for trichomoniasis is usually a single-dose antibiotic. Both you and your partner(s) should be treated, to prevent spreading the infection to others and to keep from getting it again.
If your vaginitis is due to an allergy or sensitivity to a product, you need to figure out which product is causing the problem. It could be a product that you started using recently. Once you figure it out, you should stop using the product.
If the cause of your vaginitis is a hormonal change, your health care provider may give you estrogen cream to help with your symptoms.
It is important to treat BV and trichomoniasis, because having either of them can increase your risk for getting HIV or another sexually transmitted disease. If you are pregnant, BV or trichomoniasis can increase your risk for preterm labor and preterm birth.
To help prevent vaginitis
Source: MedlinePlus
Vulval cancer - Stage 3
Interactive by Cancer Research UK uploader
Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer. It forms in a woman's external genitals, called the vulva. The cancer usually grows slowly over several years. First, precancerous cells grow on vulvar skin. This is called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), or dysplasia. Not all VIN cases turn into cancer, but it is best to treat it early.
Often, vulvar cancer doesn't cause symptoms at first. However, see your doctor for testing if you notice
You are at greater risk if you've had a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or have a history of genital warts. Your health care provider diagnoses vulvar cancer with a physical exam and a biopsy. Treatment varies, depending on your overall health and how advanced the cancer is. It might include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or biologic therapy. Biologic therapy boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer.
Source: NIH: National Cancer Institute
Drawing of vulvar cancer
Image by Internet Archive Book Images
Vulvar cancer forms in a woman's external genitalia. The vulva includes:
Vulvar cancer most often affects the outer vaginal lips. Less often, cancer affects the inner vaginal lips, clitoris, or vaginal glands.
Vulvar cancer usually forms slowly over many years. Abnormal cells can grow on the surface of the vulvar skin for a long time. This condition is called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). Because it is possible for VIN to become vulvar cancer, it is important to get treatment.
The prognosis and treatment options depend on the following:
Source: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Vulvectomy
Image by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
The vulva is the external part of a woman's genitals. Some problems you can have with the vulvar area include
Symptoms may include redness, itching, pain, or cracks in the skin. Treatment depends on the cause.
Source: NIH
What if I get a vaginal yeast infection while I’m pregnant?
Image by TheVisualMD/CDC
Candida is the scientific name for yeast. It is a fungus that lives almost everywhere, including in your body. Usually, your immune system keeps yeast under control. If you are sick or taking antibiotics, it can multiply and cause an infection.
Yeast infections affect different parts of the body in different ways:
Antifungal medicines get rid of yeast infections in most people. If you have a weak immune system, treatment might be more difficult.
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Vaginal discharge
Image by VeeBabzel
Vaginal discharge is a fluid—usually white or clear—that comes out of the vagina. Most females have vaginal discharge. The amount and consistency of vaginal discharge changes at different points in a female’s cycle. Increased vaginal discharge can be caused by normal menstrual cycle changes, vaginal infection, or cancer (rare). Unusual vaginal discharge can also be a symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of a female’s reproductive organs often caused by some sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If a female has more than her usual amount of vaginal discharge, she may need to see her healthcare provider.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Image by BruceBlaus
Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Candida normally lives inside the body (in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina) and on skin without causing any problems. Sometimes Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the vagina changes in a way that encourages its growth. Candidiasis in the vagina is commonly called a “vaginal yeast infection.” Other names for this infection are “vaginal candidiasis,” “vulvovaginal candidiasis,” or “candidal vaginitis.”
The symptoms of vaginal candidiasis include:
Although most vaginal candidiasis is mild, some women can develop severe infections involving redness, swelling, and cracks in the wall of the vagina.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms. These symptoms are similar to those of other types of vaginal infections, which are treated with different types of medicines. A healthcare provider can tell you if you have vaginal candidiasis and how to treat it.
Vaginal candidiasis is common, though more research is needed to understand how many women are affected. Women who are more likely to get vaginal candidiasis include those who:
Wearing cotton underwear might help reduce the chances of getting a yeast infection. Because taking antibiotics can lead to vaginal candidiasis, take these medicines only when prescribed and exactly as your healthcare provider tells you. Learn more about when antibiotics work and when they should be avoided.
Scientists estimate that about 20% of women normally have Candida in the vagina without having any symptoms. Sometimes, Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the vagina changes in a way that encourages its growth. This can happen because of hormones, medicines, or changes in the immune system.
Healthcare providers usually diagnose vaginal candidiasis by taking a small sample of vaginal discharge to be examined under a microscope in the medical office or sent to a laboratory for a fungal culture. However, a positive fungal culture does not always mean that Candida is causing symptoms because some women can have Candida in the vagina without having any symptoms.
Vaginal candidiasis is usually treated with antifungal medicine. For most infections, the treatment is an antifungal medicine applied inside the vagina or a single dose of fluconazole taken by mouth. Other treatments may be needed for infections that are more severe, that don’t get better, or that keep coming back after getting better. These treatments include more doses of fluconazole taken by mouth or other medicines applied inside the vagina, such as boric acid, nystatin, or flucytosine.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Vaginal Yeast Infection
Image by BruceBlaus
Signs that you may have a vaginal infection include itching, burning, pain in or around your vagina, or a problem with your vaginal discharge (fluid). If you've had sexual contact with someone, these signs may mean that you have a sexually transmitted disease (also known as an STD or STI, which means sexually transmitted infection). Not all vaginal infections are caused by sexual contact. Keep in mind that any time you have itching, burning, or pain in or around your vagina, you need to see a doctor to get treated.
You may wonder if the fluid, or discharge, that comes out of your vagina is a sign of infection. Discharge changes throughout your menstrual cycle, but it normally may look clear, cloudy white, or yellowish. There is no need to worry if you have normal-looking discharge. Signs of possible problems include discharge that is:
Problems with your discharge may be a sign of infection. Keep reading to learn more about vaginal infections and how to prevent them.
Two common vaginal infections are bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when a certain kind of bacteria (a type of germ) that’s in your vagina grows too much. Possible symptoms include:
It’s important to see your doctor if you have symptoms. BV can be treated with antibiotics. If BV is not treated, it sometimes may cause serious health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (though this is rare).
BV usually happens to people who have sex, but you can also get it without having sex. Experts don’t know exactly what causes BV. The best way to avoid BV is to avoid having sex. If you are having sex, use a condom to protect your health. Douching also increases the chances that you’ll get BV.
Yeast infections happen when a fungus (a type of germ) that’s usually in the vagina grows too much. Possible symptoms include:
Lots of women think they have a yeast infection when they really have something else. Before trying to treat yourself with an over-the-counter medicine, it’s important to talk with a doctor. That’s especially true if you’ve never had a yeast infection before or if you have them often.
Sometimes you may have symptoms that make you believe you have a vaginal infection, but you instead have a urinary tract infection.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) happen when bacteria get inside the parts of your body that make, store, or remove urine, like your bladder. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:
Most UTIs are not serious, but some can lead to serious problems, including kidneys that don't work well. UTIs can be cured with antibiotics.
You can’t always prevent vaginal infections. But you can take steps to help keep your vagina (and your bladder) healthy:
Having sex may increase your odds of some infections even if they’re not considered sexually transmitted infections. Abstinence is the safest way to avoid infections.
If you have pain, itching, or other symptoms around your vagina, don’t try to treat them yourself. Don’t risk your health. See a doctor or other health care professional who can figure out the cause and right treatment.
Source: Office on Women's Health (OWH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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