Vaginitis is soreness and swelling in and around the vagina. It's common and usually treatable.

Symptoms of vaginitis include:

• an itchy or sore vagina
• vaginal discharge that's a different colour, smell or thickness to usual
• vaginal dryness
• pain when peeing or having sex
• light vaginal bleeding or spotting
• sore, swollen or cracked skin around your vagina

You might not have all these symptoms.

Vaginitis has lots of possible causes.

Your symptoms might give you an idea what's causing it. But do not self diagnose, get medical help if you're worried.

Vaginitis can also be caused by irritation (for example, from soap), an injury to your vagina or something in your vagina (like a tampon).

See a GP or go to a sexual health clinic if:

Sexual health clinics can help with vaginitis

Sexual health clinics treat problems with the genitals and urine system.

Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment. They'll often get test results quicker than GP surgeries.

Find a sexual health clinic

To find out what's causing your vaginitis, a doctor or nurse may:

• ask about any sexual partners you have
• look at the skin around your vagina
• look inside your vagina (pelvic examination)

Having a pelvic examination

1. You'll be asked to remove your underwear and lie on your back.
2. The doctor or nurse will gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (speculum) into your vagina to hold it open so they can see inside.
3. A small cotton bud (swab) may be wiped inside your vagina to check for infections.

You can ask the doctor or nurse to stop at any point if you find it too uncomfortable.

Treatment for vaginitis depends on the cause.

For example, you may need:

• antifungal medicine for thrush
• antibiotics for a sexually transmitted infection
• vaginal moisturiser, lubricant or hormone treatment for menopause symptoms
• steroid medicine for a skin condition

There are things you can do to ease symptoms of vaginitis and reduce your chances of getting it again.