1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Women's Health

Vaginitis FAQs What is noninfectious vaginitis?

By , About.com Guide

Updated June 22, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

What is noninfectious vaginitis?

Occasionally, a woman can have itching, burning, and even a vaginal discharge without having an infection. The most common cause is an allergic reaction or irritation from vaginal sprays, douches, or spermicidal products. The skin around the vagina can also be sensitive to perfumed soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners.

Another noninfectious form of vaginitis results from a decrease in hormones because of menopause or because of surgery that removes the ovaries. In this form, the vagina becomes dry or "atrophic." The woman may notice pain, especially with sexual intercourse, as well as vaginal itching and burning. Reprinted from the National Institute for Child Health & Human Development

Previous Page

Vaginitis FAQs

Next Page

More About Vaginal Infections

Previous Features

100+ Subjects

Explore Women's Health
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this season. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Women's Health

©2010 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.