Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant or “fishy” odor Yellowish discharge Burning or discomfort when urinating Itchiness and irritation in and around the vagina
Abnormal vaginal discharge which can range from a thin, watery, white discharge to a thick, white, and chunky discharge (often described as looking like cottage cheese) Itching and burning of the vagina and labia Painful intercourse Painful urination Redness and swelling of the area just outside of the vagina.
Vaginal discharge that is smelly, frothy, bubbly, or foamy Vaginal itching Yellow or gray-green discharge Painful urination
The risk of getting BV increases with a new sexual partner (or multiple partners), douching, having sex without a condom, or using an intrauterine device (IUD) as a method of birth control. [4] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source If you are diagnosed with trichomoniasis, you’ll need to inform any sexual partners so they can be treated. Yeast infections and BV can be caused by antibiotic use. Antibiotics disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina which can allow “bad” bacteria or yeast to thrive. Other causes may include: wearing tight underwear or non-cotton panties (which can increase the temperature around the vagina and increase the moisture levels), a weakened immune system, using vaginal douches or perfumed feminine hygiene sprays, or vaginal trauma (scratches in the vagina caused by inserting objects like tampons or during rough sex). You should also tell any sexual partner about any vaginal infection, but you aren’t required to.
Keep in mind that recurrent yeast infections can be a sign of a more serious underlying disorder such as diabetes, cancer or HIV-AIDs. Recurrent yeast infections might suggest there’s a problem with your immune system.
Your doctor will also ask about your sexual history, menstruation, vaginal hygiene, and any medications you’re taking.
Untreated or incorrectly treated bacterial infections can cause complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pre-term births and low-birth weight babies and can put a woman at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, herpes simplex virus (HSV), chlamydia and gonorrhea. Untreated or incorrectly treated trichomoniasis infections can also lead to increased risk of HIV. [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Bacterial Vaginosis: Antibiotics like metronidazole or clindamycin. These are considered safe if you are pregnant. [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Male partners usually don’t need treatment, but female partners should be informed and tested. [8] X Trustworthy Source US Office on Women’s Health U. S. government agency providing resources for women’s health Go to source Yeast Infection: Antifungal creams, ointments, oral dose of fluconazole, or vaginal suppositories. [9] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Examples of these treatments are butoconazole, clotrimazole, miconazole (sold under the brand name Monistat) and terconazole. Your doctor can prescribe them or they are available (in weaker doses) over-the-counter at your pharmacy. Recurrent or more complicated yeast infections: Higher doses of medications used to treat yeast infections or you may be told to take them for a longer period of time. Since your partner may be the source of your recurring yeast infections, your partner may need to be treated as well. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Trichomoniasis: A single dose of either metronidazole or tinidazole. These antibiotics are also considered safe if you are pregnant. Trichomoniasis is an STI, so make sure your sexual partner(s) are treated as well. You should wait for 7 days after treatment before you resume sexual activities. [11] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Douching can actually introduce bacteria, causing vaginal infections and other serious infections like pelvic inflammatory disease. There are no known methods to reduce your risk of infection from douching. [12] X Research source Jenny L. Martino and Sten H. Vermund. Vaginal Douching: Evidence for Risks or Benefits to Women’s Health. Epidemiol Rev. 2002; 24(2): 109–124.
While more research is needed, some studies suggest that bacterial cultures in yogurt or probiotic supplements can populate the vagina. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Do not insert yogurt into your vagina.
You should always inform your doctor when using natural treatments. Usually, you can take oral medications while using the natural treatments.
Avoid bubble baths, bath oils, talc, or powder (especially powder which contains cornstarch). These can irritate the area and provide food for infection-causing microorganisms. [15] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Don’t use feminine hygiene products, which can irritate the vulva. These include deodorant sanitary pads, all feminine sprays and deodorants, any products containing petroleum jelly, oils or greases. [16] X Research source
Do not leave tampons in overnight. Use sanitary pads instead.
Once you feel comfortable with the volume of your discharge, consider sleeping without underwear. This can be especially helpful for if you get recurrent BV. Avoid scratching or rubbing your genitals. Avoid wearing pantyhose. These trap heat and moisture which can allow bacteria, yeast and other organisms to thrive. Instead, wear nylons with a cotton panty insert.
