Vaginal infections are incredibly common, but many people still feel embarrassed to talk about them. It’s completely understandable to feel a bit awkward talking about vaginal symptoms, but it’s a very normal part of health to talk about.
This article walks you through the most common types of vaginal infections and what tends to set each one apart.
You will learn what a vaginal infection is, the common causes and symptoms to look out for, and the prevention and treatment options that are usually recommended.
We will also cover when it is best to see a doctor, especially if symptoms are new, severe, or keep coming back.
What Is a Vaginal Infection?
A vaginal infection happens when the natural balance inside the vagina is disrupted and certain organisms start to grow too much. These organisms can include bacteria, yeast (a type of fungus), parasites, or viruses.
Some of these organisms normally live in the vagina without causing any issues at all. The vagina is designed to maintain its own healthy environment.
When that balance is stable, it helps protect against infection. When something disrupts it, symptoms can appear.
Vaginitis vs Vaginal Infection: What’s the Difference?
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. Vaginitis simply means inflammation or irritation of the vagina. A vaginal infection is one possible cause of vaginitis.
The easiest way to understand it is:
- Vaginitis = irritation or inflammation
- Vaginal infection = irritation caused by bacteria, yeast, parasites, or viruses
So, all vaginal infections cause vaginitis, but not all vaginitis is caused by an infection.
Doctor’s Insights: Vaginal infections are among the most common conditions seen and treated in a women’s health clinic. Symptoms can occur at the same time from yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis (BV), as well as other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or bacteria. Symptoms often overlap and cannot be reliably differentiated by symptoms alone. A proper swab test is recommended to support accurate diagnosis and ensure the most appropriate treatment.
Types of Vaginal Infections
Most vaginal infections happen when the normal balance in the vagina changes and certain organisms grow too much. These infections are usually grouped by what is causing the problem: yeast, bacteria, viruses, parasites, or irritation that is not infectious.
Here are the types of vaginal infections:
Yeast Infections
Candida or “Yeast” Infection
A yeast infection is usually caused by an overgrowth of Candida, most often Candida albicans. Small amounts of Candida can be normal. The issue starts when it grows too much and irritates the vaginal and vulvar tissue.
Causes
- Taking antibiotics
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, contraception, hormone therapy)
- Uncontrolled diabetes or higher blood sugar
- A weakened immune system
- Heat and moisture from tight clothing or staying in damp workout gear or swimsuits
Symptoms
- Itching or burning in or around the vagina
- Redness, swelling, or soreness of the vulva
- Thick white discharge that may look like cottage cheese
- Burning during sex or urination
- Symptoms that sometimes feel worse before a menstrual period
Diagnosis
- A clinician looks at symptoms and may do a pelvic exam
- Testing a sample of vaginal discharge helps confirm yeast, especially if symptoms keep coming back or treatment has not worked before
Prevention and Treatment Options
- Avoid douching and scented washes, sprays, or wipes
- Choose breathable underwear (cotton is a common go-to)
- Change out of wet clothes promptly
- Treatment is usually antifungal medication (over-the-counter or prescription depending on the situation)
- If this is your first time, symptoms are severe, you are pregnant, or it keeps returning, it is worth getting tested so you are not treating the wrong thing
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) happens when the balance of bacteria in the vagina shifts. Protective bacteria (often lactobacilli) decrease, and other bacteria grow more than they should.
Causes
- Changes in vaginal bacteria balance
- New or multiple sexual partners
- Douching or using scented vaginal products
- Natural hormone changes
Symptoms
- Thin discharge that may look grey or white (sometimes green)
- A fishy odour, often more noticeable after sex
- Mild irritation or burning
- No symptoms at all in some people
Diagnosis
- Vaginal exam and testing of discharge
- Lab checks may be used
Prevention and Treatment Options
- Do not douche
- Keep products simple and fragrance-free
- Condoms can help lower risk for some people
- Treatment is usually antibiotics when BV is confirmed
Doctor’s Insights: Certain bacterial vaginal infections may present with abnormal discharge or odour without causing itching. The absence of itch does not mean that there is no infection present in the vagina.
Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Infections (STIs)
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common STI and is often silent. Many people feel completely normal, which is why testing matters.
Causes
- Spread through sexual contact
Symptoms
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Bleeding between menstrual periods or after sex
- Pain with urination or sex
- Pelvic discomfort in some cases
Diagnosis
- Lab testing using a vaginal swab or urine sample
Prevention and Treatment Options
- Use barrier protection (like condoms)
- Get regular STI testing if you are sexually active, especially with new partners
- Treatment is antibiotics, and partners may also need evaluation and treatment
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is another bacterial STI. It can also have no symptoms, or it can cause symptoms that look like other infections.
Causes
- Spread through sexual contact
Symptoms
- Vaginal discharge that may be white, yellow, or green
- Burning with urination
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Bleeding between menstrual periods
Diagnosis
- Lab testing
Prevention and Treatment Options
- Safer sex practices and regular testing
- Antibiotic treatment after diagnosis
- Partners should be evaluated to avoid reinfection
Viral Infections
Genital Herpes
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Some people get painful outbreaks, and some have mild symptoms or none at all.
Causes
- Skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact
Symptoms
- Painful blisters or open sores
- Tingling or burning before sores appear
- Pain with urination if sores are near the urethra
- Flu-like symptoms during the first outbreak for some people
Diagnosis
- Exam and testing of a sore when present
- Blood tests may be used in certain situations
Prevention and Treatment Options
- Condoms can reduce risk but do not eliminate it because herpes can spread from skin not covered by a condom
- Antiviral medication can help manage outbreaks and reduce the spread
Genital Warts
Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV. Many HPV infections do not cause visible warts, and some clear on their own over time.
Causes
- Sexual or skin-to-skin contact
Symptoms
- Small bumps or cauliflower-like clusters around the vulva, vagina, cervix, or anus
- Itching or discomfort in some cases
- Sometimes no symptoms
Diagnosis
- Physical exam
- Additional testing may be recommended depending on age and screening history
Prevention and Treatment Options
- HPV vaccination helps protect against common high-risk and wart-causing strains
- Condoms lower risk but do not fully prevent HPV
- Warts can be treated or removed, although HPV can still remain in the body
Parasitic Infections
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis (often called trich) is an STI caused by a parasite. It is common, and many people do not have symptoms.
Causes
- Sexual contact
Symptoms
- Thin discharge that may be yellow-green and sometimes frothy
- Strong or unpleasant odour
- Itching, burning, or irritation
- Pain with urination or sex
- Some people have no symptoms
Diagnosis
- Lab testing of vaginal fluid
Prevention and Treatment Options
- Use condoms to lower risk
- Antibiotics treat trich when diagnosed
- Partners usually need treatment too to prevent reinfection
Non-infectious vaginitis
Non-infectious vaginitis is irritation or inflammation of the vagina that is not caused by an infection. This is common and often overlooked, especially when someone keeps treating for yeast or BV and nothing changes.
Causes
- Scented soaps, washes, wipes, sprays, or bubble baths
- Douches
- Laundry detergents or fabric softeners
- Pads, liners, lubricants, spermicides, or latex condoms
- Hormonal changes, including low estrogen
Symptoms
- Burning, stinging, or irritation
- Redness or swelling
- Dryness
- Discomfort that does not match typical infection patterns
Diagnosis
- Ruling out infection with an exam and testing when needed
- Looking closely at product exposures and hormonal factors
Prevention and Treatment Options
- Stop using products that may irritate the area
- Stick with gentle, fragrance-free options
- If symptoms continue, get evaluated so the true cause can be identified
When to See a Doctor
Some vaginal infections can improve on their own or with over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, especially mild yeast infections that feel familiar. However, symptoms do not always clear without medical help, and guessing the cause can sometimes delay the right treatment.
It is a good idea to book an appointment with your GP, nurse, or sexual health clinic if you:
- Have never had a vaginal infection before
- Have had infections in the past but this episode feels different or more severe
- Notice symptoms that do not improve after using OTC treatments
- Think you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
- Have yellow, green, bloody, or foul-smelling discharge
- Develop fever, vomiting, lower abdominal pain, or lower back pain
- Have pain when urinating or need to urinate much more often than usual
If you have had a yeast infection before and you recognise the symptoms, you should still consider an assessment rather than self-treating. If the symptoms keep coming back, you should get checked.
Recurrent symptoms often mean something else is going on, or that the infection was not yeast in the first place.
Pregnancy and Vaginal Infections
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, it is always best to seek medical advice for any vaginal symptoms.
Untreated infections can worsen during pregnancy, and some may increase the risk of complications if not properly managed.
When In Doubt, Get Checked
Many people wait too long because symptoms seem mild or confusing. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, or if something just does not feel right, getting checked can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Proper diagnosis helps ensure you receive the most appropriate care rather than relying on trial and error. At Ezra Clinic, vaginal infection treatment is available if your symptoms are new, do not go away, or keep coming back.
You cannot diagnose a vaginal infection based on symptoms alone. Some infections can seem familiar at first.
For example, thick “cottage cheese” discharge is often linked with thrush, but this is not always reliable. You can also have more than one infection at the same time, which is why testing is important.
Your vaginal infection treatment process at Ezra Clinic usually includes:
- Consultation: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history
- Examination: Your doctor may carry out a gentle vaginal examination using a speculum
- Swab test: Your doctor will take a sample from your vagina or cervix
A vaginal swab test helps confirm the exact cause, so you can get the right treatment without delay.
Your sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Once the results are ready, your doctor will explain what was found and recommend a treatment plan that matches your diagnosis.
FAQs
How do you know if you have a bacterial infection in your vagina?
You usually cannot know for sure just from symptoms. The most reliable way is a vaginal swab or check-up, because bacterial infections can look a lot like yeast infections or irritation.
Can vaginal infections go away on their own?
Yes, some mild infections can settle on their own. If symptoms last more than a few days, keep coming back, or feel severe, it is best to get checked.
Are vaginal infections contagious?
Yes, some are, especially infections that are passed through sex (STIs). Others, like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, are not usually described as contagious.
Can you have more than one infection at once?
Yes, it can happen. This is one reason symptoms can feel confusing and why the first treatment you try does not always work.
Conclusion
Vaginal symptoms can feel worrying, especially when it is hard to tell what is normal and what is not. Understanding the types of vaginal infections helps take some of that uncertainty away.
Knowing the common causes, symptoms, and prevention options can make it easier to recognise when something feels off and when to seek help.
If symptoms are new, persistent, or keep coming back, getting checked can save time and frustration.
At Ezra Clinic, we offer supportive care for women with vaginal infections. With accurate testing and a treatment plan tailored to you, you can deal with symptoms with more confidence and peace of mind.
