Vaginitis (Vulvovaginitis): Symptoms, Causes, and Conservative Care

Vaginitis (a vaginal infection or inflammation) refers to irritation and infection of the vagina; when both the vulva and vagina are involved, it’s called vulvovaginitis. Accurate diagnosis matters because more than one cause can be present at once.¹

Symptoms of Vaginal Infection (Vaginitis) May Include:¹

• Itching around the vagina
• Burning during urination
• Irritation of the vagina and vulva
• Abnormal vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor
• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse

Possible Causes:

• Yeast — most commonly Candida overgrowth (vulvovaginal candidiasis).²
• Bacteria — bacterial vaginosis (BV) from a shift toward anaerobic bacteria (e.g., Gardnerella).³
• Viruses — less common, part of the differential.¹
• Parasite — Trichomonas vaginalis (trichomoniasis).⁴
• Irritants — soaps, douches, scented pads, detergents, fabric softeners, tight/synthetic clothing.¹
• Sexually transmitted infections — e.g., trichomoniasis; partners require coordinated management when an STI is diagnosed.⁴

Diagnosing the cause can be challenging—even for experienced clinicians—because mixed infections are possible and some infections may be asymptomatic. At-home vaginal pH or mail-in tests can provide clues, but they are screening tools only; definitive diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and lab testing.⁵¹

Antibiotic exposure is a known risk factor for Candida vaginitis. When an STI such as trichomoniasis is confirmed, both sexual partners should be treated; routine partner treatment for simple yeast infections is generally not recommended unless symptomatic.²⁴

Treatment & Therapies

1. Chiropractic care can co-manage musculoskeletal pain, stress, and lifestyle factors while coordinating with your medical team. Chiropractors screen for red flags, make appropriate referrals, and provide patient-matched, gentle spine care alongside education—an approach that supports comfort and whole-person recovery.⁶⁷
2. Ionic foot bath may be used for relaxation; however, detox claims (e.g., removing “toxins” or “dead yeast” through the feet) are not supported by clinical evidence and it should not be considered a treatment for infection.⁸
3. Diet modifications
   • Limit added sugars and support healthy blood glucose—especially important if you have diabetes (a risk factor for yeast infections).²
   • Avoid vulvar/vaginal irritants (perfumed soaps, douches, scented pads); choose breathable cotton underwear and change out of wet clothing promptly.¹
   • Garlic and colorful vegetables are nutritious; use them as part of a balanced diet (not as a stand-alone treatment).
4. Nutritional supplements
   • Probiotics (oral or vaginal) may be a helpful adjunct for some patients—evidence supports reduced recurrence of BV with the vaginal probiotic Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05 (LACTIN-V) after antibiotics, and emerging data suggest benefits in VVC when used alongside standard therapy.⁹¹⁰
   • Other vitamins/minerals (A, B-complex, C, E, beta-carotene, zinc) can support overall nutrition; dose and necessity should be guided by your clinician.
5. Herbal & intravaginal options (use with clinician guidance)
   • Avoid routine douching. It can disrupt healthy flora and worsen BV risk.³¹¹
   • Boric acid vaginal suppositories have evidence for recurrent or non-albicans Candida and are being studied as an adjunct in difficult BV; use only as directed and avoid in pregnancy.²¹²
   • Vaginal probiotics (e.g., LACTIN-V) reduced BV recurrence in a randomized trial when used after standard antibiotic therapy.⁹
   • Topical essential oils (e.g., tea tree) and strong antiseptic herbal douches can irritate delicate tissue; do not use internally unless your clinician recommends a specific, evidence-based product and protocol.¹

Diet

• No sugars, refined/ultra-processed foods; focus on whole-food meals.²
• For presumed yeast, temporarily reducing sweets may help while you pursue diagnosis and treatment.²
• Garlic, orange-colored vegetables (carrots, pumpkin), and leafy crucifers (cabbage, spinach, mustard greens) are nutrient-dense additions.
• Bioflavonoid-rich foods (citrus, apples, green tea, herbs, spices) support overall health.

Nutritional Supplements: Broad-spectrum probiotics/acidophilus; vitamins A, B-complex, C, E; beta-carotene; bioflavonoids; zinc. Work with your clinician for dosing and to avoid interactions. (Note: lithium is a prescription medicine—not a nutritional supplement—and is not recommended for vaginitis.)

Herbal & Topical Comfort Measures

Discuss any intravaginal product with your clinician first.

• Soothing external applications (e.g., calendula or comfrey external creams) may help comfort; avoid internal use unless directed.
• Probiotic or acidophilus suppositories may be considered under guidance (evidence strongest for specific strains/products used adjunctively).⁹¹⁰
• Boric acid suppositories for selected recurrent cases (avoid if pregnant; never ingest).²¹²

Chiropractors screen for red flags and match the technique to the patient—result: chiropractic care is extraordinarily safe.

Educational only. Your chiropractor will tailor care to your history, exam, and goals.