vaginitis

Definition

An inflammation or irritation of the vagina and the vulva marked by pain, itching and discharge; it is caused by one of many different conditions such as an allergic reaction to an irritating chemical (spermicide, douche, bath soap); a low level of estrogen after menopause or during the menstrual cycle; a foreign body (a tampon that was not removed); or an infection (bacterial vaginosis, candida infection, trichomonas). There are three types of vaginitis: gardnerella, monilia and trichomoniasis.