What causes vaginitis?

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina. Causes include:

-  Infections, such as yeast infection (whitish itchy discharge with a little smell), bacterial (often with a fishy smell), Trichomoniasis and others.
-  Hormonal (estrogen) deficiencies during menopause.
-  Irritating substances

There are many causes of vaginitis. When estrogen levels drop and the vaginal wall becomes dry and thin atrophic vaginitis can result. Bacteria and yeast are common causes of bacterial and candida vaginitis respectively. There is a parasite called trichomonas, which is a common cause of vaginitis and is sexually transmitted. Certain soaps and perfumes can cause vaginal irritation, which can also result in vaginitis.