Millions of women every year experience a vaginal infection. They can cause pain and discomfort and without treatment and may lead to complications that can adversely affect a woman’s health.

While we are going to step through the most common reasons for vaginal infections and their symptoms, it’s crucial that you do not try to self-diagnose and treat if you believe you have a vaginal infection. Instead, you should reach out to our Los Angeles office for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan. 
 

Vaginal Infections

types and symptoms of vaginal infections

It’s important to understand that not all vaginal infections are caused by the same issue. And therefore, there are various treatment plans for the different infections.

Yeast infection:

The most common vaginal infection in women is a yeast infection. This occurs when the yeast in your vagina grows faster than it should. Sometimes, a yeast infection is caused by a weak immune system, pregnancy, antibiotics, or a variety of other reasons. And you can likely tell that you have a yeast infection if your vagina is especially itchy, swelling, or emitting a yellow or white discharge. 

Bacterial Vaginosis:

Also called vaginitis, this infection is caused when bad bacteria overtake the good bacteria in your vagina. Often, the infection also causes inflammation, which can be moderately or extremely painful. Symptoms can include odorous vaginal discharge, pain when urinating, a rash, sores, or pain from inflammation. 

Trichomoniasis:

On the other hand, you may have a parasite. Trichomoniasis is exchanged during sex and is commonly understood as an STD. Again, you may see more vaginal discharge than usual, as well as irritation and itching. You should be aware that symptoms can appear up to a month after contraction, so even if your last sexual partner was weeks ago, this still may be the problem.