Untreated vaginitis can lead to infertility: symptoms, causes, and treatment, the complete guide (Seocho-gu OB/GYN)

Hello, this is Blanc OB/GYN, a women's clinic with female doctors near Sinnonhyeon Station in Seocho-gu. If the color or smell of your discharge is different from usual and itching recurs, it's natural for it to bother your daily life. To get straight to the point, many of these symptoms are likely due to vaginitis, and since treatment varies completely depending on the causative agent, it is safer to identify the cause through examination rather than self-diagnosis.

What is Vaginitis?

Vaginitis refers to a state where bacteria, fungi (Candida), or protozoa like Trichomonas proliferate inside the vagina, causing inflammation. It is a very common condition among women, with many experiencing it at least once in their lifetime, and recurrence is not uncommon. It is also one of the representative gynecological conditions frequently encountered in outpatient clinics.

It's easy to dismiss it as simple discomfort, but since treatment methods differ for each causative agent, arbitrary treatment with over-the-counter vaginal suppositories, for example, can prolong or worsen symptoms. This is why accurate diagnosis is paramount in vaginitis and STI care.

We Recommend an Examination if You Have These Symptoms

In the clinic, we often find the cause through examination when two or more of the following symptoms overlap:

• Discharge with an unusual color or smell
• Vulvar itching or a burning sensation
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Stinging sensation when urinating
• Swelling or redness around the vagina
• A heavy feeling in the lower abdomen
• Worsening of symptoms before or after menstruation

If these symptoms recur, it's also good to check for a tendency towards recurrence.

How are Types of Vaginitis Classified?

It is broadly divided into three types. It is difficult to accurately distinguish types based solely on visible symptoms.

Since the medications for these three types differ, the process of first identifying the cause through vaginal discharge examination is important.

Even if the itching is the same, the necessary medication differs if the causative agent is different. Getting an examination before self-medicating can help with recovery.

How is Vaginitis Treated?

Treatment is determined based on the causative agent. For bacterial vaginosis, antibiotics are used; for candidal vaginitis, antifungals; and for trichomoniasis, antiprotozoal agents. Vaginal suppositories and oral medications may be used together as needed. In cases with a tendency for recurrence, a comprehensive approach involving lifestyle and immune management is adopted to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. If a sexually transmitted infection is suspected, partner treatment is considered.

At Blanc OB/GYN, we first identify the cause through microscopic examination and rapid kit tests, then proceed with personalized treatment. If you are curious about examination items, you can also consult about STI infection tests and vaginal scaling.

If symptoms have continued for several days or you're unsure what tests are needed, you can comfortably ask through Get guidance on tests suitable for your symptoms.

What Problems Can Arise if Left Untreated?

If vaginitis is left untreated, it can reportedly lead to the following situations. Rather than a definitive warning, this should be understood as risks that can be reduced with early management.

• Progression to pelvic inflammatory disease
• Increased risk of pregnancy-related complications
• Reported association with preterm labor during pregnancy
• Chronic vaginal pain
• Repeated recurrences

Especially if you are planning a pregnancy, experience recurring symptoms before or after menstruation, or have multiple recurrences within a certain period, it is advisable to check your condition through an examination. For those concerned about HPV and chronic vaginitis, a check-up is recommended in the same context.

When Should I Visit the Clinic?

If any of the following apply, we recommend seeking gynecological care:

• When the color or smell of discharge suddenly changes
• When symptoms persist for more than 3 days
• When discomfort worsens after using over-the-counter vaginal suppositories
• When you feel recurrences are frequent
• When vaginitis symptoms appear during pregnancy

How is Vaginitis Treatment Conducted at Blanc OB/GYN?

A female OB/GYN specialist with experience in treating women's diseases will conduct a 1:1 consultation to examine your symptoms and lifestyle patterns. After identifying the causative agent, appropriate treatment will be guided, and for those with a tendency for recurrence, a management plan will be jointly established. For those planning or currently pregnant, safety is prioritized in treatment. Vaginitis and STI care can be linked with well-woman checkups to assess overall health.

Vaginitis is not a condition to endure, but one where the burden of recurrence can be reduced by identifying the cause early and managing it. If discharge, odor, or itching are bothering you, don't delay – get it checked.

---

Dr. Eun Jin Lee, Chief Director (Samsung Medical Center OB/GYN Residency, Member of Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Member of Korean Society of Menopause) Dr. Eun Jin Lee's Profile First Published 2026-01-22 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-17

Symptoms and progression vary individually, and accurate diagnosis and treatment are recommended to be determined through consultation with an OB/GYN specialist.