Vaginitis
Is vaginitis a sexually transmitted disease? Gynecologist in Seoul, Korea
The short answer
Not usually. The two most common types, bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, are not sexually transmitted diseases, although sex can trigger them. Trichomoniasis, however, is an STD, and STDs such as chlamydia can cause similar symptoms. Testing tells you which one you have.
Vaginitis simply means inflammation of the vagina. Its causes fall into two groups:
Not STDs
- Bacterial vaginosis: an imbalance of vaginal bacteria; frequent sex or douching can trigger it
- Yeast infection: fungal overgrowth, often after antibiotics or when run down
STDs
- Trichomoniasis: a parasite passed during sex
- Infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and Mycoplasma can cause discharge that looks like ordinary vaginitis
If you have a new partner, adding an STD panel to the swab gives a complete answer.
Keep reading
Answered by Dami Women's Clinic (다미산부인과의원), Yeouido, Seoul · Dr. Ko Sang-hyun, OB/GYN. General information, not a diagnosis. Emergencies in Korea: call 119. Medical disclaimer · International Patient Center