Vaginal infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses and lead to symptoms like intense vaginal itching, redness, foul-smelling discharge, genital warts and sores, and abdominal or pelvic pain.
Vaginal infections can be caused by an imbalance of the microorganisms that are naturally present in the vagina, allowing them to multiply out of control and result in infection. Other types of vaginal infections are sexually transmitted, meaning they are passed from one partner to another during sex.
Most vaginal infections can be cured with medication prescribed by a primary care provider or gynecologist. It is important for your provider to confirm the cause of the infection in order to prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
Main symptoms
Symptoms of a vaginal infection vary based on the cause, however typical signs and symptoms include:
- Pain or burning with urination;
- Pain during sex;
- Vaginal or vulvar itching;
- Unusual discharge with or without odor;
- Genital warts, sores, or ulcers;
- Vulvar or vaginal redness;
- Lower abdominal pain.
People with vaginal infections may present with only one of these symptoms, however it is common to experience at least two or more.
It is important to remember that other conditions can cause symptoms like abdominal pain or pain during sex. This is why it is important to see your gynecologist or primary care provider for a workup to determine if your symptoms are being caused by a vaginal infection or something else.
Allergies or hormone imbalances can also cause similar symptoms.
Also recommended: Discharge Color Meaning: Color Chart w/ Causes & Symptoms tuasaude.com/en/vaginal-dischargeConfirming a diagnosis
Vaginal infections are diagnosed by a primary care provider or gynecologist based on an evaluation of symptoms and a pelvic exam.
To identify the cause of infection, your provider may look at a sample of your vaginal discharge under a microscope and order blood and urine tests to check for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other conditions.
Main causes
The most common causes of vaginal infections are:
- Candida, which can cause vaginal yeast infections;
- Gardnerella vaginalis, which can cause bacterial vaginosis (BV);
- Trichomonas vaginalis, the cause of trichomoniasis;
- Herpes virus, which causes genital herpes;
- Human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause genital warts and cervical cancer;
- Chlamydia trachomatis, the bacteria that causes chlamydia;
- Neisseria gonorrhea, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea;
- Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis.
It is important to identify the cause of a vaginal infection in order to arrange for the most appropriate treatment and, in some cases, prevent spreading the infection to someone else.
Transmission and spread
Some microorganisms that are naturally present in the vagina, such as Candida and Gardnerella, can cause infection due to a disruption in the natural balance of these organisms.
Other vaginal infections, like trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are sexually transmitted, meaning they pass from one person to another during sex.
Treatment options
The goal of treatment is to eliminate the cause of the infection, which can be determined by a healthcare provider based on symptoms and test results.
1. Medications
Vaginal yeast infections are typically treated with antifungals like clotrimazole or miconazole in the form of vaginal creams or suppositories. These may be prescribed as a single dose or as a 3- or 7-day course to eliminate yeast.
In the case of bacterial vaginosis (BV), your provider will likely prescribe the use of antibiotics like clindamycin or metronidazole, either in pill form or as a vaginal gel or cream.
STIs caused by bacteria require treatment with other types of antibiotics, while antivirals can be used to help manage symptoms of genital herpes and prevent recurrence and spread.
Treatment of genital warts caused by HPV may involve topical medications or procedures like electrocautery to burn off the warts.
In addition to medication, it is advised to use condoms to prevent passing an infection to your partner and becoming reinfected.
2. Home remedies
A great way to complement the use of medications is by soaking in a sitz bath made with Brazilian peppertree tea (Schinus terebinthifolia), which can help rebalance the vaginal flora and prevent infections like bacterial vaginosis.
It is important to remember that home remedies do not take the place of other treatments prescribed by your doctor or the need for a workup with a healthcare provider.
It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and to avoid excess consumption of alcohol, sugar, and fatty foods while being treated for a vaginal infection.
Drinking about 1.5 L of water per day and including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet can also help reinforce the immune system and prevent vaginal infections.
Precautions and prevention
Taking certain precautions can help prevent vaginal infections, including:
- Wearing cotton underwear that is not too tight;
- Avoiding wearing very tight pants;
- Refraining from the use of vaginal douches;
- Keeping the genital area clean and dry.
It is important to remember that the best way to prevent vaginal infections is by using condoms every time you have sex.