Common indicators of vaginitis may include:

• Change in amount of vaginal discharge
• Change in color and/or odor of vaginal discharge
• Itching and/or burning inside or around the vagina
• Pain during vaginal intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Pain during urination (dysuria)
• Light bleeding from the vagina

Additionally, some types of vaginitis may be accompanied by unique signs and symptoms. For instance:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV). In addition to vaginal itching or irritation, this type of vaginitis may result in foul-smelling discharge that is grayish-white in color. The odor, which is frequently similar to strong fish, is often more obvious after vaginal intercourse. It is important to note that approximately half of all women with BV do not experience any symptoms.
  
  
• Yeast infection. The primary signs and symptoms of this condition are itching (pruritus) and burning inside and around the vagina. However, yeast infection is often also characterized by a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge. Many times the affected area will also become extremely red and irritated.
  
  
• Trichomoniasis. This form of vaginitis may cause a greenish-yellow discharge that is sometimes frothy in appearance. Soreness and itching of the vulva and vagina and burning during urination are also common, and some women with trichomoniasis may experience abdominal pain. It is important to note that one-third to one-half of all women with trichomoniasis do not experience any symptoms.
  
  
• Atrophic vaginitis. In addition to the signs and symptoms that accompany most types of vaginitis, such as itching and/or burning, spotting/bleeding, and pain during intercourse and/or urination, atrophic vaginitis may be accompanied by frequent urination, urinary urgency or the inability to urinate.
  
  
• Viral vaginitis. Indicators of viral vaginitis typically depend on the type of virus present. For instance, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) is accompanied by painful lesions or sores, whereas the human papillomavirus (HPV) may be accompanied by genital warts.

Individuals should immediately notify their gynecologist (a physician who specializes in treating disorders of the female reproductive system) if they experience any of these signs and symptoms.