Vaginitis

Vaginitis causes vaginal irritation, discharge, odor, itching, burning, and/or discomfort during sex. At her practice in Beverly Hills, California, board-certified OB/GYN Lia LaBrant, MD, FACOG, offers thoughtful care for vaginitis with discreet testing, clear answers, and effective treatment. Dr. LaBrant and her team help patients feel comfortable, respected, and ready to move forward. If you have symptoms of vaginitis, call Lia LaBrant, MD, or schedule a consultation online today.

What is vaginitis?

Vaginitis is inflammation or irritation of the vagina. Common types of vaginitis include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis.

Vaginitis often happens when the vagina’s natural balance of bacteria and yeast changes. It can also develop from infections, hormonal shifts, skin sensitivities, or irritation from soaps, wipes, douches, and scented products.

Some patients develop vaginal irritation due to tight clothing or low estrogen levels during menopause. Estrogen is a female sex hormone that your body makes in abundance during your fertile years. It reduces or stops during perimenopause, the time before menopause begins.

What symptoms does vaginitis cause?

Vaginitis symptoms often feel uncomfortable and distracting. Patients could notice a thick white, thin gray, or greenish discharge, and a strong, fishy odor. Burning during urination also occurs when irritated tissue comes into contact with urine.

Other vaginitis symptoms include:

• Vaginal itching or soreness
• Burning, redness, or swelling
• Pain during sex
• Light spotting after sex

Vaginitis symptoms overlap with those of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin conditions. A careful exam helps confirm what’s happening. This gives patients and providers clear answers instead of guesswork.

How does a doctor diagnose vaginitis?

To diagnose vaginitis, Dr. LaBrant asks about:

• Symptoms
• Discharge
• Odor
• Sexual health
• Period changes
• Hygiene products
• Medication
• Recent antibiotic use

These details help pinpoint the cause.

A pelvic exam also provides helpful information. Dr. LaBrant checks for redness, swelling, discharge, tenderness, or visible irritation. She could collect a small sample of vaginal fluid for testing.

Lab tests look for yeast, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and other infections. The Lia LaBrant, MD team explains each step before it happens and keeps the visit calm and respectful.

How is vaginitis treated?

Vaginitis treatment depends on its cause. Yeast infections often need antifungal medication. Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis require prescription medication. Irritation from products improves when patients stop the trigger and support healing.

Dr. LaBrant also offers guidance on prevention. This can include avoiding scented products, wearing breathable underwear, changing out of damp clothing, and using condoms.

Patients with repeat vaginitis receive a closer review. Dr. LaBrant looks for patterns linked to hormones, medication, diabetes, sexual activity, or hygiene habits.

For compassionate vaginitis care, call Lia LaBrant, MD, or book an appointment online today.