Some infections may cause sores, swelling or pain in the vaginal area and changes after the menopause can give troublesome symptoms. Other vaginal conditions include genital warts and herpes, which are caused by viruses, and Trichomonas, a type of organism called a protozoan . Thrush and BV are not sexually transmitted infections, although their effects may be worse after sexual intercourse. Thrush is caused by an organism called Candida, which is a type of yeast and is usually harmless. However, it may cause symptoms during pregnancy, after taking a course of antibiotics for another illness, or for women who take the pill and for women who have diabetes.
Some women tend to suffer thrush every month just before their period.
BV is caused by a mixture of bacteria that multiply in the vagina when the natural acidic vaginal secretions are disturbed, but the reason for this is unclear. Genital warts, herpes, and Trichomonas infections may be transmitted when the organisms come into direct contact with the vaginal area, usually during sexual intercourse. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are infections that can only be acquired by sexual contact. Thinning of the vaginal skin can occur after the menopause and is known as atrophic vaginitis . Cancers in this area do occur, but are very uncommon.