Sexual Health › Vaginitis

Vaginitis: Causes and Treatment in Busan

Vaginitis means inflammation of the vagina, and it is one of the most common reasons women visit an OB/GYN. Because several different causes produce similar symptoms, a short exam and swab is the best way to get effective treatment.

Common types of vaginitis

  • Bacterial vaginosis : overgrowth of certain bacteria; thin discharge with a fishy smell.
  • Candida (yeast) vaginitis : itching, redness and thick white discharge.
  • Trichomoniasis : a sexually transmitted parasite causing irritation and frothy discharge.
  • Atrophic vaginitis : thinning and dryness from low estrogen, common after menopause or while breastfeeding.
  • Irritant or allergic vaginitis : reaction to soaps, wipes, douches, spermicides or pads.

When to see a doctor

  • Your first episode of these symptoms
  • Symptoms that do not improve after a few days, or keep coming back
  • New odor, color change, or discharge with blood
  • Pain during sex or urination
  • You are pregnant, or have a new sexual partner

What the visit involves

The doctor asks about symptoms, sexual history and products you use, then examines the vulva and vagina with a speculum. A swab is checked for pH and under a microscope, and may be sent for culture or PCR testing for STIs. Many cases can be diagnosed during the visit.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause: antibiotics (pills or vaginal gel) for BV and trichomonas, antifungals for yeast, local estrogen for atrophic vaginitis, and avoiding triggers for irritant vaginitis. Finish the full course even if you feel better. Partners need treatment for trichomonas.

Prevention tips

  • Wash the vulva with water or mild unscented soap; avoid douching.
  • Wear breathable cotton underwear and change out of wet swimwear promptly.
  • Use condoms with new partners.

Cost and insurance

Consultation, testing and standard medicines for symptomatic vaginitis are generally partly covered under National Health Insurance (NHI). Additional PCR panels may be self-pay; ask the clinic for a price before testing.

Tips for foreigners

  • Bring your ARC or passport, and call ahead for walk-in hours and English-speaking staff (1330 can interpret).
  • Prescriptions are filled at a nearby pharmacy (yakguk) after the visit.

See international patients for more.

Related

Elsewhere in Korea

When to get help sooner

See a doctor promptly if symptoms come with fever, pelvic pain, or sores, or if you are pregnant. Go to an emergency room for severe abdominal pain, high fever, or heavy bleeding.

Busan clinics for vaginitis care

These clinics are listed in our directory with STD testing or extended hours. Call ahead to confirm hours and services.

Clinic Area Phone Listed features
Roaen OB/GYN Clinic Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) 051-804-3000 Sat, Evenings, STD tests
Eroom Women's Clinic (Seomyeon) Seomyeon (Bujeon-dong) Not listed Sat, STD tests, Fertility
Mirae Women's Hospital Gaegeum 051-890-9999 Sat, STD tests
Queens Park Women's Hospital Jwa-dong (Jangsan) 051-715-4100 Delivers, Sat, STD tests
Eve & Adam Women's Clinic Centum City (U-dong) 051-743-7585 Sat, Evenings, STD tests
Samsung Jeil OB/GYN Clinic Centum City (U-dong) 051-747-3999 Sat, STD tests, Fertility
Sehwa Hospital Oncheon-dong Not listed Sat, STD tests, Fertility
Mari Women's Clinic Daeyeon-dong (Kyungsung-Pukyong Univ) 051-626-1009 Sat, STD tests
She's Bon OB/GYN Clinic Suyeong / Millak area Not listed Sat, STD tests
L Women's Clinic Hadan-dong 051-207-2727 Sat, Evenings, STD tests
The Mizwell OB/GYN Clinic Hwamyeong-dong 051-365-3575 Female doctor, Delivers, Sat, STD tests, Fertility

Vaginitis FAQ

  • Is vaginitis contagious?

    It depends on the cause. Trichomoniasis and STI-related inflammation are sexually transmitted; BV, yeast and atrophic vaginitis are not considered STIs.

  • Why does my vaginitis keep coming back?

    Recurrence is common with BV and yeast. A doctor can confirm the cause, check for triggers such as antibiotics or diabetes, and suggest a longer or preventive treatment plan.

  • Can I have sex during treatment?

    It is best to wait until treatment is finished and symptoms settle. For trichomonas, wait until both you and your partner are treated.

  • Is vaginitis harmful in pregnancy?

    Some types, especially BV, are linked to pregnancy complications. Tell your prenatal doctor about any new discharge or odor.