Vaginal infections: what to watch for and how to handle them

Most people with vaginas will deal with a vaginal infection at some point. Yeast infections alone affect about 75% of women at least once. The good news: many infections are treatable and you can prevent a lot of them with simple habits. Below I’ll cover the common types, how to tell them apart, what actually helps, and when you need a doctor.

Common types and their symptoms

Understanding the type of infection helps pick the right treatment. Here are the three you’ll hear about most:

• Yeast infection (Candida): Thick white cottage-cheese discharge, itching, burning, and soreness. Often worse during or after antibiotics, or with tight synthetic underwear.
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Thin grayish discharge with a fishy odor, especially after sex. Not usually itchy, but uncomfortable. Caused by an imbalance of the normal bacteria.
• Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection that can cause frothy yellow-green discharge, itching, and irritation. Both partners need treatment to avoid reinfection.

Less common causes include atrophic vaginitis (usually after menopause), allergic reactions to soaps or products, and foreign bodies. If you have fever, severe pelvic pain, or heavy bleeding, get medical help fast.

Treatment and simple prevention tips

For yeast infections, over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories (clotrimazole, miconazole) usually work in 1–7 days. If symptoms come back quickly or don’t improve, see your provider — you might need a prescription oral antifungal.

BV and trichomoniasis need prescription antibiotics. Don’t try home vinegar rinses or douching — those can make things worse by upsetting vaginal bacteria. Your clinician may do a wet mount, rapid test, or NAAT to identify the cause.

Small habits go a long way: wear breathable cotton underwear, avoid tight synthetic pants for long periods, skip scented tampons, pads, and body washes, and don’t douche. After sex, urinate and rinse gently. If you have recurrent infections, ask about testing for diabetes or about modifying birth control or antibiotics that might be triggering them.

Probiotics? Some studies show Lactobacillus can help prevent BV recurrence, but results vary. It’s safe for most people, but don’t expect a miracle cure. Use probiotics as part of a plan, not the only step.

Pregnancy changes things: any abnormal discharge in pregnancy should be checked. Some infections can affect pregnancy, so get treated right away.

If you’re unsure, uncomfortable, or symptoms persist, book a clinic visit. A quick test and the right medicine will usually fix the problem fast. For more clear guides on treatments and when to see a doctor, check our related articles on MedExpressRx.com.