Burning pain, itching, and foul odors are some of the most common symptoms of vaginal infections. However, treatments vary by condition, so being informed with which type of vaginal infection you might possibly have is important. 

Vaginal infections are caused by bacteria, parasites, fungi, or viruses that are developing in and around your vagina and vulva. While this sounds alarming, some bacteria and yeast normally live in the vagina without causing any issues. 

What causes it to go haywire are doing specific things like douching, taking bubble baths, and taking antibiotics. These actions can disrupt the balance of the vagina and irritate the sensitive skin around it. Meanwhile, other vaginal infections are sexually transmitted, meaning you can get it by having unprotected sex with an infected person.

With that, here are the 3 most common types of vaginal infections:

1. Bacterial Vaginosis
   Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent vaginal condition in women ages 15-44. BV can be triggered when the normal bacteria in the vagina overgrows, causing bacterial imbalance. One of the most common bacteria associated with BV is Gardnerella. About half the time, women with BV have no symptoms, but they can include:

   • Painful urination
   • Fishy odor that gets worse after sex
   • A gray or yellow discharge
   
   

   When you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek your OBGYN. BV makes you prone to sexually transmitted infections, other more serious conditions, and if you are pregnant, can affect your pregnancy. A simple course of antibiotics given by your OBGYN could set things straight. Make sure to finish the prescribed dosage, even if the symptoms go away. Stopping prematurely may cause the infection to come back.

2. Vaginal Yeast Infection
   75% of women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime, and yet, nobody likes to talk about it. This infection occurs when a fungus called Candida grows out of control in the vagina, overwhelming the healthy bacteria.
   
   There are many reasons you could get a yeast infection including hormones, diabetes, an impaired immune system, antibiotics, douches or vaginal sprays, and sex. Generally, any sort of imbalance in the natural vaginal flora can result in the bacteria overgrowth.
   
   Itchiness and discomfort are the main symptoms of a yeast infection, but there are others such as:

   • Redness and swelling of the vagina and vulva
   • Painful urination
   • Painful sex
   • Discharge similar to the texture of cottage cheese
   
   

   A vaginal yeast infection is not counted as a sexually transmitted infection. However, there’s a greater risk of triggering it at the time of first regular sexual activity. It is also suggested that infections may be linked to mouth to gential contact (oral-genital sex.)
   
   The symptoms of vaginal yeast infection are almost identical to other conditions, hence it is best to talk to your OB-GYN to make sure you are getting the correct treatment.

3. Trichomoniasis
   Trichomoniasis or “trich” is the most common non-viral sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by infection with Trichomonas Vaginalis, which is a protozoan parasite. Symptoms of this infection may vary and most individuals who are carrying the parasite cannot tell they are even infected, making it easy to spread the infection unknowingly.
   
   The most commonly infected part of the body for women is the lower genital tract, meaning the vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra. Infected women may notice the following symptoms:

   • Itching, redness, or soreness of the genitals
   • Painful urination
   • A change in the vaginal discharge (thinned consistency or increased volume) that can be clear, white, yellowish, or greenish with a fishy smell
   
   

   Consulting with your OB-GYN when you are experiencing symptoms will help you treat trich. And when you are diagnosed with it, make sure to also have your sexual partner treated otherwise they will continue to pass it on to you.

Take your vaginal health seriously! It affects your fertility, sex drive, and ability to reach orgasm. Ongoing vaginal infections can cause stress, relationship problems, and low self-confidence. For better vaginal and overall health, try these expert-approved tips:

1. Stop using scented feminine products – As established, the vagina has a delicate environment. The chemicals in these products can make a mess of your pH balance. To wash down there properly, simply wipe front to back with warm water.
   
2. Be sexually responsible – Maintain an honest and healthy communication with your partner about all forms of sexual activity, as well as taking precautions against STIs like using condoms or cleaning sex toys after every use.
   
3. Practice kegel exercises – Kegels can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum.
   
4. Limit or stop vices – Regular heavy drinking and smoking can impair sexual function and impede sexual arousal respectively. Meanwhile, substance abuse results in poor physical and mental health, affecting overall sexual function.
   
5. See a professional regularly – It helps to be well-informed, but having regular check-ups can guarantee that problems affecting your vagina are diagnosed as soon as possible. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from talking to your OB-GYN or doctors about vaginal health.
   

SOURCES:

https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/womens-health/vaginal-infections
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/vagina/art-20046562
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-clean-your-vagina#overview
https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm#:~:text=Women%20with%20trichomoniasis%20may%20notice,with%20an%20unusual%20fishy%20smell