What a Vaginal Infection Is

What a Vaginal Infection Is

A vaginal infection happens when the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is disrupted, or when an outside organism invades. The vagina normally has a slightly acidic pH (around 3.8–4.5) and is rich in Lactobacillus bacteria, which keep harmful microbes in check.

When this balance shifts, symptoms develop

⚠️ Common Types and Their Signs

Type Cause Main Symptoms Typical Treatment

Yeast infection (Candidiasis)  Overgrowth of Candida yeast (often Candida albicans)

Thick white “cottage cheese” discharge, itching, redness, swelling, and burning (especially during sex or urination). Antifungal creams, suppositories, or oral pills (e.g. fluconazole)

Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Imbalance of vaginal bacteria, overgrowth of Gardnerella vaginalis and others. Thin grayish-white discharge, “fishy” odour (stronger after sex), mild irritation. Oral or topical antibiotics (metronidazole, clindamycin)

Trichomoniasis: a Sexually transmitted parasite (Trichomonas vaginalis). Frothy yellow-green discharge, strong odour, itching, burning, pain during urination or sex. Oral antibiotics (metronidazole or tinidazole); partners need treatment too

Viral infections are usually sexually transmitted (e.g., herpes, HPV) Blisters, sores, pain, burning, and sometimes discharge. Antiviral medication for herpes; vaccines and screening for HPV

🧬 Less Common Causes

Allergic or irritant vaginitis: from soaps, detergents, douches, condoms with spermicide, or new hygiene products.

Atrophic vaginitis: Low estrogen levels (e.g., after menopause) cause dryness, itching, and irritation.

Noninfectious vaginitis: sometimes due to immune reactions or poor hygiene.

🧠 When to See a Doctor

You should get checked if you have:

Vaginal itching, burning, or unusual discharge

A strong odour

Pain during sex or urination

Recurrent infections (more than 3–4 a year)

Symptoms after taking antibiotics or new hygiene products

Self-diagnosing can be tricky — yeast infections, BV, and trichomoniasis can look similar but require very different treatments.

🛡️ Prevention and Care Tips

Skip douching: it kills protective bacteria.

Use mild, unscented soaps and rinse thoroughly.

Wear breathable cotton underwear; avoid tight synthetic clothing for long periods.

Change out of wet clothes (like swimsuits or gym wear) quickly.

Practice safe sex: use condoms, limit partners, and get regular STI tests.

Support good bacteria: probiotic-rich foods (yogurt, kefir) or vaginal probiotics may help reduce recurrence.

Manage blood sugar: high glucose encourages yeast growth (especially in diabetics).

🩺 Diagnosis

Doctors typically do:

A pelvic exam

Microscopic tests of vaginal discharge

pH testing (BV usually >4.5, yeast infection <4.5)

Cultures or DNA tests for STIs if needed.

🔁 Recurrent or Chronic Infections

If infections keep returning, possible causes include:

Reinfection from an untreated partner

Antibiotic overuse

Hormonal fluctuations (e.g., birth control, menopause)

Immune suppression or diabetes

Hidden mixed infections (yeast + BV together)

Treatment may include a longer course of medication or maintenance therapy (e.g., weekly fluconazole for 6 months).