Health issues with your vagina and vulva can impact many everyday activities, from sexual intimacy to urination. At UC Davis Health, we offer expert care to restore your quality of life.
Medically reviewed by L. Elaine Waetjen, M.D. on Aug. 22, 2023.
The experienced providers in the UC Davis Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) diagnose and treat all vulvovaginal disorders. We provide compassionate gynecologic care for people of all ages.
Vaginal and vulvar conditions are a spectrum of health concerns that impact your vagina and vulva (external genitalia). They are also known as vulvovaginal disorders. These conditions can range from common infections to rare or complex cancers.
Common vaginal and vulval conditions include:
Your symptoms will depend on your condition. Sometimes, you may have no symptoms.
Possible signs of a vaginal or vulvar condition include:
Seek care immediately if you have any of the following:
Vaginal and vulvar conditions can have many causes. They are more common after puberty and can continue into your postmenopausal years. Common causes include:
You can be allergic to chemicals in detergents, douches, soaps or spermicides. These allergies are a common cause of vulvovaginal conditions like vaginitis.
A healthy vagina has “good” bacteria (called lactobacilli) that protect it from diseases. Sometimes “bad” bacteria invade your vagina and grow, killing off the lactobacilli. This causes bacterial vaginosis.
Changing hormones can cause vaginal dryness. This is most common during breastfeeding and after menopause, when estrogen levels are low.
HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. Certain strains of HPV cause most vulvar and vaginal cancers.
The most common STIs that cause vaginal discharge and/or vulvovaginal irritation are trichomonad, chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Yeast (candida) is a normal part of the flora in your vagina. Sometimes yeast can grow out of control. This causes a yeast infection.
Our providers use the latest technology and procedures to diagnose all vulvovaginal conditions. We will discuss your medical history and symptoms and do a physical exam.
Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend one or more of the following tests:
The gynecologists at UC Davis Health use the most advanced treatments available for all vaginal and vulvar conditions. Our treatment options include:
We treat bacterial infections with oral antibiotics (taken by mouth) or vaginal creams or suppositories.
We treat yeast infections with antifungal creams, ointments or suppositories.
For hormone-related vaginal dryness, we may prescribe estrogen therapy using creams, pills or other methods.
Our treatment options for pre-cancerous lesions on your vulva include laser, excision and sometimes medications.
You can lower your risk of developing some disorders with healthy lifestyle habits:
These products contain chemicals that can alter the balance of bacteria in your vagina.
Avoid fragrances, harsh chemicals and soaps to prevent an allergic reaction.
You can prevent STIs by using condoms and other safe sex practices.
This helps to reduce irritation.
29%Of women between ages 14-49 are affected
84%Of women report no symptoms
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Statistics
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