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Symptoms of a vaginal infection
Common symptoms include:
- Vaginal itching, as well as irritation in the vulva
- A burning sensation, especially during sexual intercourse
- Discomfort while urinating
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Vaginal pain and soreness
- Vaginal rash
- Thick, white, odor-free vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese appearance
- Watery vaginal discharge
Complicated vaginal infection
You might have a complicated vaginal infection if:
- You have severe signs and symptoms, such as extensive redness, swelling, and itching that lead to tears, cracks, or sores
- You have four or more yeast infections in a year
- Your infection is caused by a less typical type of fungus
- You’re pregnant
- You have uncontrolled diabetes
- You have a weakened immune system because of certain medications or conditions, such as HIV infection
If you experience vaginal discomfort around the time of menopause, you may have a condition called genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), also called vaginal atrophy.
- Symptoms and health history
- Sex partners
- Use of scented vaginal products
- Perform a pelvic exam to look for irritation and inflammation
- Collect a sample of vaginal discharge to send out for analysis
- Swab your cervix or take a urine sample to test for STIs
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Yeast infections (also called vaginal candidiasis)
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Trichomonas vaginosis
- Allergic reactions (also known as non-infectious vaginitis)
Symptoms of yeast infection
Symptoms of a yeast infection include:
- Itching or burning
- White discharge that resembles cottage cheese
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis, on the other hand, include:
- A fishy odor and discharge that has the consistency of yogurt and doesn’t cause vaginal irritation or itchiness
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginitis and results from a change of the normal bacteria found in your vagina to overgrowth of one of several other organisms.
Usually, bacteria normally found in the vagina (lactobacilli) are outnumbered by other bacteria (anaerobes) in your vagina. If anaerobic bacteria become too numerous, they upset the balance, causing bacterial vaginosis.
- Antibiotic use: Yeast infections are common in women who take antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which kill a range of bacteria, also kill healthy bacteria in your vagina, leading to overgrowth of yeast.
- Increased estrogen levels: Yeast infections are more common in women with higher estrogen levels, such as pregnant women or women taking high-dose estrogen birth control pills or estrogen hormone therapy.
- Uncontrolled diabetes: Women with poorly controlled blood sugar are at greater risk of yeast infections than women with well-controlled blood sugar.
- Impaired immune system: Women with lowered immunity, such as from corticosteroid therapy or HIV infection, are more likely to get yeast infections.
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Trichomoniasis
- Herpes
- HPV – the virus that causes genital warts
- Vaginal sprays, douches, and feminine deodorants
- Detergents and fabric softeners
- Fragrances in soaps
- Bubble baths
- Spermicides
- Scented tampons
- Antibiotics, such as metronidazole or clindamycin, are often prescribed to treat Bacterial vaginitis
- Antifungal medication, including creams or suppositories, to treat a yeast infection
- Butoconazole and clotrimazole to treat fungal infections
- Cortisone cream for irritation
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions
- If your vaginitis is caused by hormonal changes, your doctor might prescribe topical estrogen cream for low estrogen levels
- Wear comfortable, breathable underwear made from natural fibers like cotton or underwear with a cotton crotch. Avoid tight-fitting pants and pantyhose, as they can lead to a warm and moist environment that allows yeast overgrowth.
- Always change out of wet bathing suits after swimming.
- Using condoms is one of the most effective ways to prevent STIs. Even if your partner has no symptoms or if you are using other contraceptives, it’s important to use condoms as a barrier to infections.
- Attend your yearly check-ups at the gynecologist’s office and get regular pap smears
- Take probiotics or eat more yogurt. These can help boost the levels of healthy bacteria in your body.
