Causes
There are many different causes of vaginitis.
Non-infectious vaginitis refers to vaginal inflammation that's due to chemical irritants or allergies. Spermicides, douches, detergents, fabric softeners, and latex condoms can all irritate the vaginal lining. Also, some sanitary napkins can cause irritation at the entrance to the vagina.
Atrophic vaginitis may occur after a woman has reached menopause. It results from lower hormone (estrogen) levels that cause thinning of the vaginal lining. This makes the vagina more prone to irritation.
Infectious vaginitis is caused by an infection with bacteria or yeast. Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite and spreads through unprotected sex with an infected partner. Other types of vaginal infections can occur when a woman has a fistula, an abnormal passage connecting the intestine to the vagina. This allows stool to enter the vaginal area, greatly increasing the risk of infections.
Bacterial vaginosis may be due to an imbalance between normally occurring bacteria that protect the vagina and potentially infectious ones. Using intrauterine devices or having multiple sexual partners can cause a bacterial imbalance. Infectious bacteria are often sexually transmitted.
Yeast infections can occur if you're taking antibiotics, if you have high levels of estrogen (for instance, during pregnancy), if you have uncontrolled diabetes, or if your immune system is suppressed. You are also at higher risk for vaginal yeast infections if you are under stress from a poor diet, lack of sleep, or illness, or if you are taking an oral contraceptive pill.
Newborns can also have vaginal inflammation and discharge for the first couple weeks of life, caused by exposure to the mother's estrogen just prior to the birth.