Sarang-i Women's Clinic
  • About Sarang-i
    • About Sarang-i
    • Doctors & Schedule
    • Research Team
    • Facilities
  • Patient Guide
    • Appointments
    • Online Consultation
    • Directions
    • Fertility Treatment Subsidy
    • Medical Certificates
    • Non-covered Services
  • Fertility Care
    • Prenatal Testing
    • Fertility Testing
    • IUI
    • IVF
    • PGT
  • Specialty Clinics
    • Low Ovarian Reserve
    • Endometrial Care
    • Repeated Implantation Failure
    • Recurrent Miscarriage
    • Fertility Preservation
    • Egg Banking
  • Gynecology
    • Cervical Cancer & HPV Vaccine
    • Vaginitis & STD
    • PCOS
  • Sarang-i Story
    • Notice
    • Happy News
    • Thank-you Letters
    • Press & Research
    • YouTube
    • Pregnancy News
Sarang-i Women's Clinic
2F–3F, Apple Tower, 69 Baekjegobun-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea
TEL
02 - 419 - 7501
FAX
02 - 419 - 7588
Institution
Sarang-i Women's Clinic
Representative
Hyung-Jae Won and 2 others
Business No.
230-90-13223

COPYRIGHT (C) 2018 SARANG I IVF CENTER.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Non-covered Services
  • Research Ethics Guidelines
  • Patient Rights & Duties
  • Book
  • Directions
  • Good News
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Blog
  • Medical
    Records
  • Letters

Vaginitis & STDs

Diagnosis and treatment of vaginitis and sexually transmitted diseases.

  • About Sarang-i
  • Patient Guide
  • Fertility Care
  • Specialty Clinics
  • Gynecology
  • Sarang-i Story
  • Cervical Cancer & HPV Vaccine
  • Vaginitis & STD
  • PCOS
Life · Love · FamilyLife · Love · FamilyLife · Love · FamilyLife · Love · Family

What is Vaginitis & STDs?

Vaginitis is common in women, but the causes and pathogens are diverse.
When changes in vaginal discharge, odor, itching or pain persist,
it is important to identify the cause and distinguish STI/STD possibilities.

Vaginitis and STD illustration
Vaginitis vs STIs

Vaginitis and STDs are not the same

Similar symptoms may appear, but the causes and transmission methods can differ.
Rather than judging by symptoms like discharge or itching alone, identifying the pathogen is important.

Vaginitis

A condition where inflammation or discomfort occurs in the vagina
due to changes in vaginal microbiome, bacteria, fungi, or protozoa.

  • Bacterial vaginosis related to Gardnerella
  • Vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida
  • Trichomonas infection can also present as vaginitis symptoms

STIs (STI/STD)

Infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact.
In women, symptoms may be absent or mild.

  • Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas
  • Mycoplasma genitalium
  • HIV, Herpes, Syphilis, etc.
Causes & Types

Major pathogens and diseases

Symptoms that look similar may have different pathogens.
After examination and necessary tests, treatment direction is determined based on the condition.

AIDSHIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system over time, and it can be detected through a blood test. Early detection and consistent management are important for maintaining immune function and overall health.

HSV 1·2Herpes
Genital herpes simplex

Herpes simplex virus has two types (HSV-1 and HSV-2), both of which can cause blisters or ulcers in the genital area. The virus may recur periodically, and antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce transmission risk.

SyphilisSyphilis
Treponema infection

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and progresses through distinct stages if untreated. It often begins with a painless ulcer, can be detected through blood testing, and is effectively treated with antibiotics.

CandidiasisCandida
Vulvovaginal candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection commonly causing itching, irritation, and thick white discharge. It is not typically classified as an STI and can be effectively treated with antifungal medications.

Ureaplasma urealyticumUreaplasma urealyticum
Bacteria detectable in reproductive tract

Ureaplasma urealyticum is a bacterium that can be detected in the reproductive tract and may sometimes be asymptomatic. Treatment is generally considered when symptoms such as discharge or discomfort are present.

Ureaplasma parvumUreaplasma parvum
Bacteria detectable in reproductive tract

Ureaplasma parvum is commonly detected in the reproductive tract and is usually asymptomatic in many individuals. Treatment may be considered during pregnancy or when associated symptoms are present.

GardnerellaGardnerella
Related to bacterial vaginosis

Gardnerella is closely associated with bacterial vaginosis, which can cause changes in vaginal discharge and a characteristic odor. It is not necessarily classified as an STI, and a comprehensive evaluation is recommended to determine the appropriate approach.

ChlamydiaChlamydia
Cervicitis and pelvic inflammation

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can lead to cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if left untreated. It is often asymptomatic, making routine screening important, and it responds well to antibiotic treatment.

TrichomonasTrichomonas
Protozoal STI

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite and can lead to changes in vaginal discharge color, odor, and irritation. Simultaneous treatment of sexual partners is recommended to prevent reinfection.

GonorrheaGonorrhea
Gonococcal infection

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and may present as cervicitis or urethritis in women, sometimes with minimal symptoms. Awareness of antibiotic resistance patterns is important when determining the appropriate treatment regimen.

Mycoplasma genitaliumMycoplasma genitalium
Related to cervicitis

Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging STI pathogen increasingly recognized as a cause of cervicitis and urethritis. Targeted antibiotic therapy based on resistance testing is recommended for effective treatment.

Mycoplasma hominisMycoplasma hominis
Bacteria detectable in reproductive tract

Mycoplasma hominis can be associated with bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Treatment decisions are based on a thorough clinical evaluation and the presence of related symptoms.

AIDSHIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system over time, and it can be detected through a blood test. Early detection and consistent management are important for maintaining immune function and overall health.

HSV 1·2Herpes
Genital herpes simplex

Herpes simplex virus has two types (HSV-1 and HSV-2), both of which can cause blisters or ulcers in the genital area. The virus may recur periodically, and antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce transmission risk.

SyphilisSyphilis
Treponema infection

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and progresses through distinct stages if untreated. It often begins with a painless ulcer, can be detected through blood testing, and is effectively treated with antibiotics.

CandidiasisCandida
Vulvovaginal candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection commonly causing itching, irritation, and thick white discharge. It is not typically classified as an STI and can be effectively treated with antifungal medications.

Ureaplasma urealyticumUreaplasma urealyticum
Bacteria detectable in reproductive tract

Ureaplasma urealyticum is a bacterium that can be detected in the reproductive tract and may sometimes be asymptomatic. Treatment is generally considered when symptoms such as discharge or discomfort are present.

Ureaplasma parvumUreaplasma parvum
Bacteria detectable in reproductive tract

Ureaplasma parvum is commonly detected in the reproductive tract and is usually asymptomatic in many individuals. Treatment may be considered during pregnancy or when associated symptoms are present.

GardnerellaGardnerella
Related to bacterial vaginosis

Gardnerella is closely associated with bacterial vaginosis, which can cause changes in vaginal discharge and a characteristic odor. It is not necessarily classified as an STI, and a comprehensive evaluation is recommended to determine the appropriate approach.

ChlamydiaChlamydia
Cervicitis and pelvic inflammation

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can lead to cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if left untreated. It is often asymptomatic, making routine screening important, and it responds well to antibiotic treatment.

TrichomonasTrichomonas
Protozoal STI

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite and can lead to changes in vaginal discharge color, odor, and irritation. Simultaneous treatment of sexual partners is recommended to prevent reinfection.

GonorrheaGonorrhea
Gonococcal infection

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and may present as cervicitis or urethritis in women, sometimes with minimal symptoms. Awareness of antibiotic resistance patterns is important when determining the appropriate treatment regimen.

Mycoplasma genitaliumMycoplasma genitalium
Related to cervicitis

Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging STI pathogen increasingly recognized as a cause of cervicitis and urethritis. Targeted antibiotic therapy based on resistance testing is recommended for effective treatment.

Mycoplasma hominisMycoplasma hominis
Bacteria detectable in reproductive tract

Mycoplasma hominis can be associated with bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Treatment decisions are based on a thorough clinical evaluation and the presence of related symptoms.

AIDSHIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system over time, and it can be detected through a blood test. Early detection and consistent management are important for maintaining immune function and overall health.

HSV 1·2Herpes
Genital herpes simplex

Herpes simplex virus has two types (HSV-1 and HSV-2), both of which can cause blisters or ulcers in the genital area. The virus may recur periodically, and antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce transmission risk.

SyphilisSyphilis
Treponema infection

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and progresses through distinct stages if untreated. It often begins with a painless ulcer, can be detected through blood testing, and is effectively treated with antibiotics.

CandidiasisCandida
Vulvovaginal candidiasis

Candidiasis is a fungal infection commonly causing itching, irritation, and thick white discharge. It is not typically classified as an STI and can be effectively treated with antifungal medications.

Ureaplasma urealyticumUreaplasma urealyticum
Bacteria detectable in reproductive tract

Ureaplasma urealyticum is a bacterium that can be detected in the reproductive tract and may sometimes be asymptomatic. Treatment is generally considered when symptoms such as discharge or discomfort are present.

Ureaplasma parvumUreaplasma parvum
Bacteria detectable in reproductive tract

Ureaplasma parvum is commonly detected in the reproductive tract and is usually asymptomatic in many individuals. Treatment may be considered during pregnancy or when associated symptoms are present.

GardnerellaGardnerella
Related to bacterial vaginosis

Gardnerella is closely associated with bacterial vaginosis, which can cause changes in vaginal discharge and a characteristic odor. It is not necessarily classified as an STI, and a comprehensive evaluation is recommended to determine the appropriate approach.

ChlamydiaChlamydia
Cervicitis and pelvic inflammation

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can lead to cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if left untreated. It is often asymptomatic, making routine screening important, and it responds well to antibiotic treatment.

TrichomonasTrichomonas
Protozoal STI

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite and can lead to changes in vaginal discharge color, odor, and irritation. Simultaneous treatment of sexual partners is recommended to prevent reinfection.

GonorrheaGonorrhea
Gonococcal infection

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and may present as cervicitis or urethritis in women, sometimes with minimal symptoms. Awareness of antibiotic resistance patterns is important when determining the appropriate treatment regimen.

Mycoplasma genitaliumMycoplasma genitalium
Related to cervicitis

Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging STI pathogen increasingly recognized as a cause of cervicitis and urethritis. Targeted antibiotic therapy based on resistance testing is recommended for effective treatment.

Mycoplasma hominisMycoplasma hominis
Bacteria detectable in reproductive tract

Mycoplasma hominis can be associated with bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Treatment decisions are based on a thorough clinical evaluation and the presence of related symptoms.

01/12
AIDSHIV/AIDS

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system over time, and it can be detected through a blood test. Early detection and consistent management are important for maintaining immune function and overall health.

HSV 1·2Herpes

Herpes simplex virus has two types (HSV-1 and HSV-2), both of which can cause blisters or ulcers in the genital area. The virus may recur periodically, and antiviral medications can help manage outbreaks and reduce transmission risk.

SyphilisSyphilis

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and progresses through distinct stages if untreated. It often begins with a painless ulcer, can be detected through blood testing, and is effectively treated with antibiotics.

CandidiasisCandida

Candidiasis is a fungal infection commonly causing itching, irritation, and thick white discharge. It is not typically classified as an STI and can be effectively treated with antifungal medications.

Ureaplasma urealyticumUreaplasma urealyticum

Ureaplasma urealyticum is a bacterium that can be detected in the reproductive tract and may sometimes be asymptomatic. Treatment is generally considered when symptoms such as discharge or discomfort are present.

Ureaplasma parvumUreaplasma parvum

Ureaplasma parvum is commonly detected in the reproductive tract and is usually asymptomatic in many individuals. Treatment may be considered during pregnancy or when associated symptoms are present.

GardnerellaGardnerella

Gardnerella is closely associated with bacterial vaginosis, which can cause changes in vaginal discharge and a characteristic odor. It is not necessarily classified as an STI, and a comprehensive evaluation is recommended to determine the appropriate approach.

ChlamydiaChlamydia

Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can lead to cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) if left untreated. It is often asymptomatic, making routine screening important, and it responds well to antibiotic treatment.

TrichomonasTrichomonas

Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite and can lead to changes in vaginal discharge color, odor, and irritation. Simultaneous treatment of sexual partners is recommended to prevent reinfection.

GonorrheaGonorrhea

Gonorrhea is caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae and may present as cervicitis or urethritis in women, sometimes with minimal symptoms. Awareness of antibiotic resistance patterns is important when determining the appropriate treatment regimen.

Mycoplasma genitaliumMycoplasma genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging STI pathogen increasingly recognized as a cause of cervicitis and urethritis. Targeted antibiotic therapy based on resistance testing is recommended for effective treatment.

Mycoplasma hominisMycoplasma hominis

Mycoplasma hominis can be associated with bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Treatment decisions are based on a thorough clinical evaluation and the presence of related symptoms.

01/12
Q & A

Vaginitis & STDs

Odor and discharge changes can occur with vaginitis, but causes are diverse. Similar symptoms can appear in bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas infection and other conditions, so identifying the cause is better than judging by symptoms alone.

They are not the same concept. Some types of vaginitis like candida or bacterial vaginosis are not classified as STDs, while chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, and syphilis can be transmitted through sexual contact.

Some STDs may have no symptoms or mild symptoms. Based on exposure risk, pregnancy status, current symptoms and individual risk factors, appropriate testing can be discussed.

Depending on the type of infection, partner testing or treatment may be recommended. Especially for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas, management to reduce reinfection and further transmission is important.

You can get tested even while preparing for pregnancy if there are symptoms or infection risks. Some infections are important to check in relation to pregnancy, so informing your doctor about pregnancy plans and discussing testing timing is recommended.

Share Happy News

Discover precious experiences and heartwarming stories
shared with Sarang-i Women's Clinic.

Learn More

Congratulations on Your Pregnancy

See the real test results
delivered after the long wait.

Learn More

5 Directors from CHA University Hospital

At Sarang-i, all physicians are experts in IVF procedures
with extensive clinical and research experience.

Meet Our Doctors