Almost every woman is going to get vaginitis, or an irritation of the vagina or vulva, at least once in her lifetime. One of the most common causes of vaginitis is a yeast infection, although bacterial vaginosis is another common cause of vaginal irritation. Most of these infections are uncomfortable or inconvenient, but they are typically not serious.

What Causes Them?

Vaginal yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus, called Candida albicans, or other Candida species. Many healthy women already have some level of yeast in their vaginas. But when the balance of microbes in our bodies is thrown off, when we wear certain types of clothing (such as tight clothing or clothing made from synthetic materials that don’t breathe), when we take antibiotics or other medications, or when our hormone levels change, we may experience an increase in these yeasts that cause infection.

If you develop chronic yeast infections, or if your yeast infection doesn’t appear to be responding to treatment, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor to be sure that your irritation isn’t coming from another cause. Other possible causes include:

●      Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) - a condition caused by a flourishing of certain types of bacteria in the vagina; most commonly, gardnerella vaginalis.

●      Trichomoniasis - a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is one of the most common causes of vaginal irritation

●      Allergies - ranging from perfumed soaps, bubble baths, feminine hygiene sprays or products, or even laundry detergents. You may have an allergy to latex in diaphragms or condoms, or the silicone in cervical caps or shields, or be reacting to a spermicide.

●      Lack of Estrogen - this can happen during breastfeeding periods, menopause, or as a result of damage to the ovaries. This can cause the vaginal tissue to dry and thin, causing irritation.