Vulvovaginitis
National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
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General Discussion
Vulvovaginitis is a common bacterial infection characterized by the simultaneous inflammation of the external parts of the female genital organs (vulva) and the canal that leads from the uterus to the external opening (vagina). It is one of the most common causes of genital symptoms in women. When only the vagina is inflamed, the disorder is called vaginitis. The symptoms and treatments of vulvovaginitis depend on the specific bacteria that caused the disorder.
The most common types of vulvovaginitis are genital candidiasis (also called yeast infection), trichomoniasis, and nonspecific vaginitis (also called haemophilus vaginalis vaginitis, bacterial vaginitis or gardnerella vaginalis vaginitis). Some types of vulvovaginitis are more rare than others.
Vulvovaginitis occurs when the normal acid/base balance of the vagina is disturbed. Yeast, fungi and other harmful organisms that are normally present in non-symptomatic concentrations may grow in excessive amounts causing infection of the vaginal walls.
Supporting Organizations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- 1600 Clifton Road NE
- Atlanta, GA 30333
- Tel: (404)639-3534
- Tel: (800)232-4636
- Email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
- Website: http://www.cdc.gov/
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
- PO Box 8126
- Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
- Tel: (301)251-4925
- Fax: (301)251-4911
- Tel: (888)205-2311
- Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- NIAID Office of Communications and Government Relations
- 5601 Fishers Lane, MSC 9806
- Bethesda, MD 20892-9806
- Tel: (301)496-5717
- Fax: (301)402-3573
- Tel: (866)284-4107
- Email: ocpostoffice@niaid.nih.gov
- Website: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/
National Vulvodynia Association
- P.O. Box 4491
- Silver Spring,, MD 20914-4491
- USA
- Tel: (301)299-0775
- Fax: (301)299-3999
- Email: mate@nva.org
- Website: http://www.nva.org
For a Complete Report
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). For a full-text version of this report, go to www.rarediseases.org and click on Rare Disease Database under "Rare Disease Information".
The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only.
It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
Last Updated: 5/11/2009
Copyright 2009 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.
