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Common Vaginal Infections

There are several common vaginal infections that you may be exposed to. They can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. These microorganisms, which typically coexist in the vagina without causing any problems, can sometimes grow to excess, resulting in an infection in the vagina and the surrounding vulva area.

Risk factors and triggers contributing to this include:

Sexual activity, particularly following recent changes in partners
Use of vaginal hygiene products such as douches, soaps, bubble baths, deodorants, vaginal washes, and wipes
Antibiotics
Certain forms of contraception, particularly the copper intrauterine device (IUD)
Health conditions affecting the immune system, like diabetes or HIV
Prolonged use of steroid medications

Many common vaginal infections are sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can be contracted through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected individual.

It's important to note that a vaginal infection differs from a urinary tract infection (UTI) or cystitis. UTIs affect the bladder or the tubes responsible for expelling urine from the body. The vagina is part of the reproductive system and is separate from the bladder and urinary tract.

Have a look through our blog posts for advice about how to tell if your symptoms are normal in a healthy vagina or potentially a cause for concern to be checked out.

Types of Vaginal Infection

Common vaginal infections include:

Bacterial Vaginosis: This is the most prevalent vaginal infection, occurring when the bacteria normally present in the vagina overgrow. It's not sexually transmitted but is associated with sexual activity. Symptoms may include thin, grey, or white vaginal discharge with a fishy odour.
Thrush: Also known as candidiasis, thrush is a common fungal infection that causes irritation, itching or soreness around the vulva and a thick, white vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese. It's not classified as a sexually transmitted infection. However, there is a higher likelihood of experiencing this problem when engaging in regular sexual activity for the first time. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that infections could be associated with oral-genital contact
Chlamydia: This is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. Symptoms often include increased vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods or after sex, and discomfort during urination or intercourse.
Genital Herpes: This infection spreads through sexual contact. It manifests as blisters or open sores around the vulva, cervix, vagina, or anus. However, it can also be present with no symptoms at all.
Genital Warts: Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), these warts appear in similar areas as herpes and spread through sexual contact.
Gonorrhea: An STI caused by bacteria, gonorrhea may result in increased discharge and abdominal pain, discomfort during urination, and occasional bleeding between menstrual periods.
Trichomoniasis: This STI is caused by a parasite and may lead to yellow-green, foul-smelling, and possibly frothy vaginal discharge.

It's possible to have multiple infections simultaneously. What's more, vaginal symptoms like itching can occur without an infection. Normal vaginal discharge can vary in amount and consistency due to factors like menstrual cycle, age, contraceptive use, or pregnancy. However, any abnormal change accompanied by other symptoms could indicate an infection.

If you suspect you might have a vaginal infection, it's always a good idea to consult your GP or schedule an appointment directly with a genitourinary medicine or sexual health clinic—especially if you suspect an STI. Your GP may refer you to a specialist clinic, if necessary.

Difference Between Bacterial Vaginosis and Thrush

Both of these conditions are common infections, but the first is caused by specific bacteria and thrush is a fungal infection. Bacterial vaginosis typically produces a thin, grey or white discharge with a fishy odour. On the other hand, vaginal thrush tends to show a thick, white discharge accompanied by itching and soreness.

If you experience these symptoms for the first time, it's advisable to seek medical attention from a GP or sexual health clinic. They can ensure an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis of Common Vaginal Infections

Diagnosing common vaginal infections typically involves a conversation with your doctor or nurse about your symptoms and medical history. Sometimes, this discussion alone provides enough information to understand the issue. Your healthcare provider may also request to examine your genital area.

During the examination, the doctor or nurse will start by inspecting the vulva, the area around the vagina. Then, they'll gently use a tool called a speculum to open the vagina, allowing them to look inside and assess the situation. They might collect a sample of discharge or cells from the vagina using a small, soft cotton bud called a swab. These samples are sent to a lab for further analysis.

Additionally, you might be requested to produce a urine sample. This helps determine pregnancy or rule out a urinary tract infection as part of the diagnostic process.

Treatment for Common Vaginal Infections

Some vaginal infections, like genital warts, may eventually go away without treatment. But others, like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis, can go on to cause serious complications if you don’t get them treated. These can include fertility problems, chronic pelvic pain from pelvic inflammatory disease and problems during pregnancy.

The treatment your doctor recommends will depend on exactly what infection you have. That’s why it’s important to seek a proper diagnosis as soon as possible.

Treatments may include the following:

Antibiotics for bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis. These can quickly get rid of the infection. Usually, you’ll be prescribed antibiotics that you take by mouth for up to a week. But for bacterial vaginosis, you may have an antibiotic gel or cream that you apply to your vagina instead.
Antiviral medicines for genital herpes. These may help to clear your blisters. You can’t get rid of the virus itself though—once you’re infected, it remains in your body. Your symptoms may flare up again if the virus is reactivated.
Creams, ointments and solutions for genital warts. You may be able to apply these at home to help get rid of your warts. Sometimes you may need specialist treatment from your doctor to remove them.
Antifungal tablets for thrush. You’ll usually only need to take a single tablet, although it can take a week or two for symptoms to completely resolve. You can also get creams or pessaries (tablets that you insert into your vagina), which you apply for two to three days. You can get these from a pharmacist without a prescription. But if you’re pregnant, see your GP first.
Some people try using home remedies, such as live, natural probiotic yoghurt and tea tree oil to ease symptoms of thrush. But there’s no evidence to say that these things can help. In fact, tea tree oil and other essential oils may irritate your skin and actually make your symptoms worse.

Prevention of Vaginal Infection

Many common vaginal infections are passed on through sexual contact with an infected partner. These include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, genital warts and herpes. Using a condom can provide good protection against many STIs. You should also have a test for STIs before having sex with someone new and suggest they do too.

You can reduce your risk of some vaginal infections, like thrush and bacterial vaginosis, by avoiding using hygiene products in the area around your vagina. These include soaps, shower gels, bath additives, douches and vaginal washes. This is because these products can irritate your vagina and lead to infection.

Book A Women's Physio Consultation Now

For advice on your women's health questions, call Magdalena on 07877 017 936 or drop PelviCare an email. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online.

PelviCare Women's Health Physiotherapy is located in Greenwich, London, serving women across South London, East London, Essex, Kent and beyond.