Vulvovaginitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Vulvovaginitis?
A primary care doctor or a gynecologist usually treats vulvovaginitis. A gynecologist is a doctor for the female reproductive system. Girls may see a pediatrician, a children's doctor. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is vulvovaginitis?
Vulvovaginitis, also called vaginitis, is swelling or infection of the vulva and vagina. The vulva is the outer part of a woman's genitals. It is a common problem that can affect women and girls of all ages. It usually happens when the balance of germs in the vagina changes. These germs are bacteria and yeast. There are different types, and they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- Irritation and itching of the genital area.
- Redness and swelling of the genital area.
- Vaginal discharge.
- A foul vaginal odor.
- Discomfort or burning when you urinate.
- Pain during sex.
- Vaginal spotting.
The symptoms depend on which type you have. A yeast infection often causes a thick, white discharge that can look like cottage cheese. Bacterial vaginosis may cause a thin white or gray discharge and a strong fish-like odor. With bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, you may have no symptoms at all.
Causes and who gets it
Many things can cause vulvovaginitis, including:
- Yeast infections, most often caused by a fungus called Candida albicans.
- Bacterial vaginosis, which happens when more unhealthy bacteria than healthy bacteria grow in the vagina.
- Trichomoniasis, a less common type that is spread by sexual contact.
- Chemicals in spermicides, sprays, perfumes, bubble baths, soaps, and body lotions.
- Low estrogen after menopause, which can dry and thin the skin of the vagina and vulva.
- Tight clothing that does not let air through.
Sometimes the exact cause cannot be found. When no cause is found, it is most common in young girls before puberty. Wiping from back to front can spread bacteria from the rectum to the vagina.
How doctors diagnose it
Your provider will do a pelvic exam. It may show red, tender areas on the vulva or vagina. The provider may ask about your health history. The provider may also look at your vaginal discharge. A wet prep is usually done, which means looking at the discharge under a microscope. A culture of the discharge may help find the germ that is causing the infection. A biopsy, which is a test of a small piece of tissue, may be done if there is no sign of infection.
Treatment
Treatment depends on which type of vaginitis you have. Creams or suppositories treat yeast infections. These are medicines placed in the vagina. You can buy most of them over-the-counter. See your provider if this is your first time with these symptoms. Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are treated with antibiotics. Trichomoniasis is usually treated with a single-dose antibiotic. Your partners should be treated too. If a product is causing the problem, stop using it. Hormone changes may be treated with estrogen cream. Cortisone cream or antihistamine pills may help with itching.
Treating an infection works in most cases. Keep your genital area clean and dry. Avoid soap and just rinse with water. Wearing loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear can also help.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if:
- You have symptoms of vulvovaginitis.
- You do not get relief from the treatment you receive.
- Your symptoms do not go away after about a week of treating a yeast infection yourself.
Treating bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis matters. They can raise your risk for HIV or another sexually transmitted infection. If you are pregnant, they can raise your risk for preterm labor and preterm birth.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine you, order basic tests, and start treatment. They can also follow up if symptoms keep coming back and refer you to a gynecologist.
Common questions
What causes vulvovaginitis?
Infections are a common cause, such as a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis. Chemicals in soaps, bubble baths, and sprays can also cause it. So can low estrogen after menopause.
Can I treat vulvovaginitis at home?
Some yeast infection treatments are sold over-the-counter. Be sure you have a yeast infection and not another type of vaginitis. If your symptoms do not go away in about a week, contact your provider.
Is vulvovaginitis a sexually transmitted infection?
Not usually, but one cause, called trichomoniasis, is spread by sexual contact. Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis happen when the balance of germs in the vagina changes.
Can vulvovaginitis be prevented?
Yes, a few habits can lower your risk. Do not douche or use vaginal sprays. Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding clothes that hold in heat and moisture also helps. Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Use condoms to avoid catching or spreading infections.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
