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The most common symptoms of vaginitis are itching and burning of the area outside the vagina called the vulva. The vulva may be red and swollen. The vaginal discharge is usually present which may or may not have any odour. The common symptoms are:-

• vaginal itching
• a change in the amount of discharge from your vagina
• a change in the color of your vaginal discharge
• pain or burning during urination
•  pain during intercourse
•  vaginal bleeding or spotting

A change in the microflora of the vagina consisting of the delicate balance of fungal and bacterial microorganism lead to inflammation of the vagina. The main reasons for vaginitis are

• Usage of antibiotics or OTC drugs
• Hormonal levels changes due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause alter the microflora
• Vaginal douching
• Spermicides
• Frequent Sexual intercourse
• Infection

The treatment will depend on the cause of the vaginitis. Treatment may be either with a pill or a cream or gel that is applied to the vagina.

Yeast infection also is known as candidiasis. It is one of the most common types of vaginal infection.

A yeast infection is caused by a fungus called Candida. It is found in small numbers in the normal vagina. However, when the balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is altered, the yeast may overgrow and cause symptoms.

The use of some types of antibiotics increases your risk of a yeast infection. The antibiotics kill normal vaginal bacteria, which keep yeast in check. The yeast can then overgrow. A woman is more likely to get yeast infections if she is pregnant or has diabetes. Overgrowth of yeast also can occur if the body’s immune system, which protects the body from disease, is not working well.

The most common symptoms of a yeast infection are itching and burning of the area outside the vagina called the vulva. The vulva may be red and swollen. The vaginal discharge usually is white, lumpy, and has no bad odor. Some women with yeast infections notice an increase or change in discharge.

Yeast infections can be treated either by placing medication into the vagina or by taking a pill.

Over-the-counter treatments are safe and often effective in treating yeast infections. But many women think that they have a yeast infection when they actually have another problem. In these cases, a medication for a yeast infection will not work and may cause a delay in proper diagnosis and treatment of the actual problem.

Even if you have had a yeast infection before, it may be a good idea to call your health care professional before using an over-the-counter medication to treat your symptoms. If this is the first time you have had vaginal symptoms, you should see your health care professional. If you have used an over-the-counter medication and your symptoms do not go away, see your health care professional.

Pregnancy makes yeast infections more likely. Without treatment, the baby may develop an infection in the mouth called thrush during delivery. Consult with your doctor to get appropriate treatment. Generally, over-the-counter topical creams for yeast infection are safe during pregnancy. However, the drug fluconazole—a pill to treat yeast infections—is not safe during pregnancy. It may cause birth defects.

Bacterial vaginosis is caused by an overgrowth of the bacteria that occur naturally in the vagina.

The main symptom is increased discharge with a strong fishy odor. The discharge usually is thin and dark or dull gray, but may have a greenish color. Itching is not common but may be present if there is a lot of discharge.

Several different antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial vaginosis. They can be taken by mouth or inserted into the vagina as a cream or gel.

Trichomoniasis is a condition caused by the microscopic parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. It is spread through unprotected sexual intercourse. Women who have trichomoniasis are at an increased risk of infection with other Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Signs of trichomoniasis may include a yellow-gray or green vaginal discharge. The discharge may have a fishy odor. There may be burning, irritation, redness, and swelling of the vulva. Sometimes there is pain during urination.

Trichomoniasis can be treated with a single dose of an antibiotic by mouth. Sexual partners must be treated to prevent the infection from recurring.

Atrophic vaginitis is not caused by an infection but can cause vaginal discharge and irritation, such as dryness, itching, and burning. This condition may occur any time when female hormone levels are low, such as during breastfeeding and after menopause. Atrophic vaginitis is treated with estrogen, which can be applied as a vaginal cream, ring, or tablet. A water-soluble lubricant also may be helpful during intercourse.

Soaps, body washes, perfumes, and vaginal contraceptives can all irritate your vagina. This can cause inflammation. Tight-fitting clothes may also cause heat rashes that irritate your vagina.

Make an appointment with your doctor anytime your discharge is accompanied by these symptoms or signs:

• itching
• pain
• burning sensation while you pee
•  a strong, foul odor
• frothy texture
•  the thick, cottage cheese texture
• vaginal bleeding
• gray in color
• bleeding that’s unrelated to your period