subject: Vaginal Infections: What is Vaginitis, Candidiasis, Trichomoniasis, and Bacterial Vaginosis [print this page] Vaginal Infections: What is Vaginitis, Candidiasis, Trichomoniasis, and Bacterial Vaginosis
There are a number of terms or names associated with the vaginal infections. It is important to know the differences between these names in terms of its nature and cause of diseases. A confusion of terms used might lead to wrong treatment.
Vaginitis. This is a medical term referring to three types of infection in the vagina, namely candidiasis, trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis. The nature of these three kind of infection is completely different from one to another, however, generally, everyone of them is referred to as vaginitis.
Candidiasis. This medical term refers to infection in the vagina caused by candida albicans, a yeast-like micro-organism. In popular terms, it is known as yeast infection of the vagina, or thrush, or monilia. The common symptoms are itching in the vagina, whitish discharge from the vagina, and pain during urination and sexual intercourse. Sometimes, more specific terms like candida systemic, candida vaginal, and candida vaginitis might be used.
Trichomoniasis. This is an infection in the vagina caused by parasitic protozoa. The infection primarily takes place in the urogenital tract. In women, urethra and vagina are the most common sites of infection. The common symptoms of trichomoniasis are yellow or green vaginal dicharge, vaginal itching, and discomfort during urination.
Bacterial Vaginosis. This is a mild infection in the vagina caused by bacteria. There are a lot of "good" bacteria living in vagina. These good bacteria are known as lactobacilli. Some other types of bacteria called anaerobes also live in the vagina. It is when these anaerobes bacteria overgrow, then an infection happens. The symptoms are mainly odor and vaginal discharge.
As have been shown above, vaginitis is a very general term used for infection in the vaginal area. Candidiasis has to do with infection caused by yeast, trichomoniasis by protozoa, and lastly, bacterial vaginosis by bacteria.
