You can get clues about a vaginal infection from discharge color/smell (yeast is thick white/cottage cheese with itch; BV is thin grey/white/yellow with fishy odor; STIs can be yellow/green), but only a doctor can accurately diagnose it via pelvic exam and fluid sample to know if it's Yeast, Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), or an STI like Trichomoniasis, as symptoms overlap and sometimes require prescription treatment. For proper treatment and to rule out STIs, see a healthcare provider for any unusual symptoms..
Signs and symptoms of an infection
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:
What are symptoms of vaginal issues?
Don't wait for a vaginal infection to go away on its own
While it can be tempting to see if a vaginal infection resolves on its own, you shouldn't wait it out. Untreated infections can worsen and lead to more serious health issues.
BV typically presents with a thin, grayish-white discharge that has a strong, fishy odor. In contrast, UTIs may cause cloudy or bloody urine, but do not typically cause abnormal vaginal discharge. Typically if you present with vaginal complaints, your clinician will ask detailed questions to help steer testing.
Vaginal thrush (yeast infection) symptoms typically include intense itching, redness, and swelling of the vulva, along with a thick, white, odorless discharge resembling cottage cheese, plus soreness, burning pain (especially when peeing or during sex), and general discomfort. Some women experience only mild symptoms, while others have severe discomfort, and sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
Yeast infection symptoms range from mild to moderate. They may include: Itching and irritation in the vagina and tissues at the vaginal opening, called the vulva. A burning feeling, mainly during intercourse or while urinating.
Unusual discharge is a sign of infection.
A vaginal infection can occur if anything disrupts the natural balance of organisms, or if unhealthy bacteria get into the vagina. This often leads to changes in your vaginal discharge. The discharge may change in color, texture, or smell.
Treatment
This is called a "vaginal smear" or a "wet mount." The sample is prepared on a glass slide and checked under a microscope for bacteria, white blood cells, and other cells that are signs of infection. Checking for odor.
Common symptoms of bacterial infection include:
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection
Itching or burning in or around your vagina. Thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese. Redness and swelling around your vulva and vagina. Small cuts or tiny cracks in the skin of your vulva.
The treatment depends on the type of infection and how serious it is. Some infections will go away on their own. When you do need treatment, it may include a cream or lotion to put on the skin. Other possible treatments include medicines and a procedure to drain pus.
Garlic, honey, ginger, clove, and oregano are just some of the many natural ingredients that can help fight off those pesky bacteria. It is important to note that while these remedies may work for minor bacterial infections, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
A bacteria culture test can determine if you have a bacterial infection and, if so, which type of bacteria is causing it. To do a bacterial culture test, you will need to give a sample of your blood, urine, skin, or other tissue. The type of sample depends on where the infection is located.
Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most common vaginal infections affecting women worldwide, with significant implications for reproductive and overall health.
A healthcare provider will take a sample of vaginal discharge. Then they'll look at the sample under a microscope, identify a specific odor or measure the sample's pH.
Vulvovaginitis can cause bumps or sores on your vulva. They may look like a rash or appear to be a break in your skin. STIs and yeast infections can also cause sores on your vulva.
Check if you have bacterial vaginosis
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include: an unusual vaginal discharge that has a strong fishy smell, particularly after sex. a change to the colour and consistency of your discharge, such as becoming greyish-white and thin and watery.
Yeast infections are one of the most common causes of vulvovaginitis in women. Yeast infections are most often due to the fungus Candida albicans. Candida and the many other germs that normally live in the vagina keep each other in balance. However, sometimes the number of candida organisms increase.
Canestest® is an easy-to-use self-test which helps to diagnose common vaginal infections to find the right treatment. The colour swab of Canestest® is clinically proven to work within seconds and with more than 90% accuracy.
5 vaginal infections that aren't thrush (but look or feel like it)