Misdiagnosis of Underlying Causes of Vaginitis

About underlying conditions: With a diagnosis of Vaginitis, it is important to consider whether there is an underlying condition causing Vaginitis. These are other medical conditions that may possibly cause Vaginitis. For general information on this form of misdiagnosis, see Underlying Condition Misdiagnosis or Overview of Misdiagnosis

Underlying conditions list: The list of possible underlying conditions mentioned in various sources for Vaginitis includes:

Bacterial vaginosis
Trichomoniasis
Vaginal yeast infection
Candidiasis
Vaginal candidiasis
Cervical inflammation
Possible causes of allergic vaginitis or chemical vaginitis:
- Vaginal allergies
- Soap allergy
- Tampon allergy
- Bubble baths
- Spermicide allergies
- Vaginal hygiene product allergies
- Detergent allergies
- Douche allergies
- Fabric softener allergies
Menopause - can cause dryness and a form of vaginal irritation; see also atrophic vaginitis.
Atrophic vaginitis - usually related to aging and menopause
Ovary removal surgery
Foreign body in vagina
Vaginal cancer
Pelvic inflammatory disease
See also causes of vaginal discharge, vaginal discomfort, or vaginal itching

Vaginitis as a complication: Other conditions that might have Vaginitis as a complication might be potential underlying conditions. The list of conditions listing Vaginitis as a complication includes:

Vaginitis as a symptom: Conditions listing Vaginitis as a symptom may also be potential underlying conditions:

Underlying conditions discussion: Vaginitis often is caused by infections, which cause distress and discomfort. Some infections are associated with more serious diseases. The most common vaginal infections are bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and vaginal yeast infection or candidiasis. Some vaginal infections are transmitted through sexual contact, but others such as yeast infections probably are not, depending on the cause. ¹

Although most vaginal infections in women are due to bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, or yeast, there may be other causes as well. These causes may include allergic and irritative factors or other STDs. Noninfectious allergic symptoms can be caused by spermicides, vaginal hygiene products, detergents, and fabric softeners. Cervical inflammation from these products often is associated with abnormal vaginal discharge, but can be distinguished from true vaginal infections by appropriate diagnostic tests. ¹

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Vaginitis Due to Vaginal Infections, NIAID Fact Sheet: NIAID

Last revision: June 23, 2003

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