Causes of Vaginal Infection
Vaginal irritation can be caused by an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast. “Yeast infections are perhaps the most well-known cause of vaginitis, but not the only one,” Dr. Zubair says. In addition to bacterial infections, sometimes the cause may be a one-celled organism called Trichomonas Vaginalis. An allergic reaction to chemicals in lotion or sprays used in or near the vagina may also cause similar symptoms.
Bacteria and yeast occur in the vagina naturally. It is only when normal, beneficial bacteria or yeast get out of balance that women experience symptoms of vaginitis, Dr. Zubair says. This imbalance can happen when a woman’s immune system is compromised by certain medications, in women with uncontrolled diabetes, during pregnancy, or when taking antibiotics for other conditions. However, the imbalance can happen without any of these identifiable causes.