Vaginal infection can also be identified as vaginits which is the inflammation of the reproductive organ of females. Another infection called vulvovaginitis affects not just the vagina but also the other external reproductive parts of the females. There are a number of facets that could lead to these conditions such as growth of microorganisms within these areas, as well as irritation from chemicals and solutions in creams, sprays and even clothing that touches these parts. It is also very much possible to get these disease having sexual intercourse with an infected partner.

The signs and symptoms of this vaginal disease differ depending on the cause of infection. Some women could manifest no symptoms at all, while others could experience abnormal vaginal secretion with unpleasant odor, burning sensation during urination, itching around the outer side of the vagina, and discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Under normal and controlled circumstances the vaginal discharge a female secretes is usually clear or slightly, non-irritating and has no odor. However, the menstrual cycle could also influence the amount and consistency of these discharges. At one period, there could be a scanty amount of very thin or watery discharge; while on other days, a thicker discharge may be secreted. All of which are considered to be normal. On the other hand, if the vaginal discharge becomes irritating to the skin and gives off a foul-smelling odor, then it is already abnormal. The irritation can be very itchy to the skin or has a burning sensation, or both. The itching and irritating discomforts could be felt frequently during night time but there are daytime incidents, too. These symptoms are usually made worse when having a sexual intercourse. It is therefore significant to get an advice from experts when you perceive variation in the color, amount, consistency, and odor of your discharges.

The most common forms of vaginal infections are candida or yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis vaginitis, Chlamydia vaginitis, viral vaginitis, and non-infectious vaginitis. Even if these different infections have their own signs and symptoms, identifying which type of disease hit a patient could be difficult. And in fact, professional and experienced doctors can still commit mistakes in diagnosing these diseases. The reason for this is because sometimes there are more than one infection affecting the patient at the same period. And, an infection could even be at hand without any signs and symptoms.

For very young children, vaginal infections are typically due to microorganisms coming from the anus. The transmission of microorganisms is very possible if the young girls wipe off their important organs back to front from the bottom after defecating which is not advised.

Hormonal changes soon before and during menstrual periods or during pregnancy can lessen acidic environment in the vagina, as well as frequent douching, use of spermicides, and semen.

Reduced acidity encourages the growth of bacteria that causes vaginal infection . Having tampons in place for a long time can also lead to various kinds of infection as this will give a warm and moist place for bacteria and other microorganisms to propagate, and this will also irritate the vagina.

For menopausing women, they experience decrease in estrogen level and the vaginal walls and tissues become thinner, drier and more frail. Cracks or sores may develop, providing access for bacteria or yeast.