Sexually Transmitted

There are several vaginal infections that are transmitted through sexual contact.

Trichomoniasis is an sexually transmitted infection (STI) and the most common curable STI. It is caused by a tiny single-celled organism that infects the vagina, The time between exposure to trichomoniasis and the onset of symptoms is from 5 to 28 days. While some women don’t experience any symptoms, other women have symptoms such as a frothy yellowish-greenish vaginal discharge, a foul vaginal odor, pain during sexual intercourse, pain during urination, vaginal itching and general irritation and soreness of the vagina and vulva, and rarely pelvic pain. If you suspect you may have trichomoniasis, you should discontinue sexual intercourse and see your doctor immediately. If your doctor diagnoses trichomoniasis, your sexual partner(s), should be diagnosed and receive treatment. Sexual intercourse should not resume until both you and your partner are treated and symptom -free.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is another sexually transmitted form of vaginitis. Unfortunately, most women with Chlamydia infection do not have symptoms, which makes diagnosis difficult. A vaginal discharge is sometimes present, but not always. More often, a woman might experience light bleeding, especially after intercourse, and she may have pain in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Chlamydial vaginitis is most common in young women (18 to 35 years) who have multiple sexual partners. If you fit this description, you should request screening for chlamydia from your doctor or local sexual health clinic. If left untreated, chlamydia can cause damage to a woman’s reproductive organs, and can make it difficult for a woman to become pregnant.

Viral Vaginitis

Several sexually transmitted viruses cause vaginitis, including the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The primary symptom of herpes is pain associated with lesions or sores. These sores are usually visible on the vulva or the vagina but occasionally are deep inside the vagina and can only be seen during a gynaecological examination.

HPV – sometimes referred to as genital warts – can cause warts to grow in the vagina, rectum, vulva or groin. These warts, when visible, are usually white to grey in colour, but they may be pink or purple. When warts are not visible, a cervical smear, or a more specialised HPV test may be the only way to detect the virus.