Symptoms and Complications
General symptoms of vaginitis can include discharge, odor, irritation, or itching. In some cases, women have no symptoms even if they have a bacterial infection. Generally, bacterial vaginitis causes itching and burning during urination or after sexual intercourse. There may also be whitish discharge with an unpleasant ("fishy") odor. The discharge may be more noticeable after sex.
Symptoms of trichomoniasis can be quite severe for some women, whereas others may have no symptoms at all. Trichomoniasis causes vaginal soreness and, sometimes, abdominal discomfort. It can lead to heavy yellow-green or gray discharge accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Urination and sexual intercourse can be painful. If left untreated during pregnancy, trichomoniasis can lead to premature labor.
Symptoms of yeast infections include vaginal itching and painful urination. The labia (vaginal lips) often swell and can be quite sore. There may be a thick and whitish discharge that can look like cottage cheese. Yeast infections can also lead to pain or discomfort during sex..
Irritant or allergic vaginitis can cause mild-to-severe itching or burning of the vagina, which often becomes swollen and red. This type of vaginitis doesn't cause a vaginal discharge.
Atrophic vaginitis often causes no symptoms. However, some women have dry, sore vaginas, which may be red and irritated. Sexual intercourse is painful and is often followed by a burning feeling. Occasional spotting (light bleeding) and watery discharge are common with this type of vaginitis.