Some Causes of Vaginal Itching or Discharge
Cause | Common Features* | Diagnostic Approach |
|---|---|---|
During the childbearing years | ||
A thin, yellow-green or gray frothy discharge with a fishy odor Sometimes vaginal or vulvar irritation | Examination of the discharge under a microscope and analysis of a sample of the discharge | |
Irritation, itching, redness, and swelling of the vulva or vagina A thick, white, curd-like vaginal discharge Sometimes worsening of symptoms after intercourse and before menstrual periods Sometimes diabetes or recent use of antibiotics | Examination of the discharge under a microscope and analysis of a sample of the discharge | |
Trichomoniasis (an infection caused by protozoa) | A yellow-green, frothy discharge (often in large amounts) with a fishy odor Irritation, redness, and swelling of the vulva or vagina Sometimes pain during sexual intercourse or urination | Examination of the discharge under a microscope and analysis of a sample of the discharge |
Pelvic or abdominal pain A yellow-green discharge that sometimes has a foul odor Sometimes pain during sexual intercourse or urination Sometimes fever or chills | Tests to detect sexually transmitted infections using a sample from the urine, vagina, or cervix Sometimes pelvic ultrasound | |
A foreign object (such as a forgotten tampon) in the vagina | A discharge (often in large amounts) with a foul odor | A doctor's evaluation |
After menopause | ||
Thinning of the tissue of the vagina | A scant white or pale yellow discharge, sometimes with blood Vaginal dryness and/or pain during sexual intercourse | Examination of the discharge under a microscope and analysis of a sample of the discharge |
At any age | ||
Chemical irritation (such as that due to soaps, bubble baths, feminine hygiene sprays, or vaginal creams) | Irritation, itching, redness, and swelling of the vulva or vagina | A doctor's evaluation |
An abnormal connection (fistula) between the intestine and genital tract, which may result from
| A discharge with a foul odor Presence of stool or urine in the vagina or in the vaginal discharge | A doctor's evaluation |
Inflammation due to
| Recent treatment of a disorder affecting the pelvis A scant white or pale yellow discharge Sometimes pain during sexual intercourse Sometimes itching, redness, burning pain, and mild bleeding | A doctor's evaluation Usually examination of the discharge under a microscope and analysis of a sample of the discharge |
Skin disorders such as psoriasis, lichen sclerosus, lichen simplex chronicus, and lichen planus (due to an autoimmune reaction, when the body attacks its own tissues) | Rashes, itching, or other symptoms, depending on the disorder | Usually a doctor's evaluation alone Sometime a biopsy |
Irritation caused by urine or stool | Limited mobility due to injury or illness, sometimes bedbound General redness in the area around the genitals and anus | A doctor's evaluation |
*Features include symptoms and results of the doctor's examination. Features mentioned are typical but not always present. | ||