Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, but other times, itching, changes in the color or volume of discharge, and pain when urinating are common signs of a vaginal infection.
Vaginal infections can have many different causes and are quite common; according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, up to one-third of people with vaginas will experience vaginal infections at some point in their lives. Vaginal infections are a group of conditions that can cause infection or inflammation of your vagina, while vulvovaginitis is a similar umbrella term that describes inflammation of both your vagina and your vulva, the external part of your genitals.
Ailments
Vaginal itching and burning, vaginal soreness and discomfort, swollen, flushed, or irritated skin surrounding your vagina and vulva, a change in the amount or color of vaginal discharge, pain or burning during urination, pain during penetrative vaginal sex, and vaginal bleeding or spotting are some of the common symptoms of vaginal infections, though they are not always evident.
One or more of the symptoms mentioned above may be present in you. It’s critical to get in touch with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment if your symptoms worsen or don’t go away in a few days.
If you have a UTI, you may also have some of these symptoms, particularly a burning or painful feeling when urinating. This is how a UTI is identified.
How are infections of the vagina treated?
Depending on the cause of the infection, a doctor or clinician may prescribe: antifungal creams or suppositories to treat a yeast infection;
metronidazole or tinidazole tablets to treat trichomoniasis; estrogen creams or tablets to help treat severe vaginal dryness and irritation associated with atrophic vaginitis; or clindamycin (in cream or gel form) or metronidazole (in tablet, cream, or gel form) to treat a bacterial infection.
Avoiding irritants like douches, scented tampons or pads, and harsh or fragrant soap is also typically advised by medical specialists.
Different kinds of vaginal infection
Many of the symptoms of vaginal infections are similar, which can make it challenging to diagnose the condition precisely.
However, there are a few distinct symptoms associated with each type of infection:
infection by bacteria (BV). You may not notice much itching, and BV frequently causes a thin discharge that is grayish-white, greenish, or yellow, with a fishy odor that tends to get stronger after penetrative vaginal sex.
The Thrush. Itching or pain around your vulva and occasionally a thick, white vaginal discharge (similar to cottage cheese) are classic symptoms of thrush, a common fungal infection.
Warts on the genitalia. Sexual intercourse is the means by which the human papillomavirus (HPV) spreads these infections. The vulva, cervix, vagina, or anus are the areas where the warts develop.
The chlamydia virus. In the UK, this is the most prevalent STI. It is brought on by a particular kind of bacteria. Increased discharge, bleeding during or after periods, and pain during urination or intercourse are typical symptoms.
Herpes genitalis. Sexual intercourse is the means by which the human papillomavirus (HPV) spreads these infections. The vulva, cervix, vagina, or anus are the areas where the warts develop.
The gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is a bacterial STI that can increase discharge and cause pain in the lower abdomen. Urinating may cause pain, and bleeding may occur in between periods.
Multiple infections can occur simultaneously. For instance, you are more likely to contract trichomoniasis, genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea if you have bacterial vaginosis.
Itching is one of the vaginal symptoms that can occur without an infection. Having some vaginal discharge is also healthy and usual. At different periods, this discharge’s quantity and uniformity may vary. These include when you become older, when you take the contraceptive pill, when you become pregnant, and during your menstrual cycle. However, if you also have other symptoms, an unusual shift in your vaginal discharge may indicate an infection.