You should be completely honest with your health care provider about what symptoms you have, such as odor, burning, or strange vaginal discharge, even if it is embarrassing. Only health care providers can find out if you definitely have a vaginal infection, an STI, or another diagnosis– that’s why it’s important not to try to treat the symptoms yourself. It’s also possible to have more than one type of vaginal infection at the same time. It’s hard to know exactly which type of vaginal infection you have just by your symptoms alone, since many of the signs are similar. Each kind of vaginal infection has different symptoms. If you have any of the symptoms of a vaginal infection, you should see your health care provider right away. What do I do if I think I have a vaginal infection? It’s important to have regular check-ups with your health care provider so if you miss something, he/she may notice it. A health care provider may notice signs of a vaginal infection (such as discharge or an odor) during a routine pelvic exam and then test the vaginal fluid to see if there is an infection. Most women have symptoms, but some women may have very mild or no symptoms at all. Pain and/or burning with sexual intercourse.Pain or irritation when you urinate (pee).Vaginal discharge that is different than you usually have.If you have a vaginal infection, you may have any of the following: What are the signs/symptoms of a vaginal infection? Each type of vaginitis is caused by a different type of germ or organism, so each type must be treated differently. There are other causes of vaginal infections that are less common. Vaginal discharge may also occur if you have an infection in your cervix with gonorrhea or chlamydia. What is a vaginal infection?Ī vaginal infection is known medically as “vaginitis.” The 3 most common causes of vaginal infections are yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. You’ll need to make an appointment with your health care provider so that you can get checked and treated if necessary. If your discharge changes, it may be a sign that you have a vaginal infection. Don’t use deodorized panty liners or deodorant sprays in your vaginal area. Take daily showers or baths and make sure that you wash your vulva (outside of your vaginal area) every day with mild soap and water, and then rinse and pat dry with a clean towel. Also, to keep your vaginal discharge under control, make sure you wear cotton underwear (which absorbs moisture and lets air circulate). If you find that your normal discharge is annoying, you can wear panty liners/shields on your underwear. It is normal for vaginal discharge to increase in amount and become “stringy” (like egg whites) during the middle of your menstrual cycle when you’re ovulating. You are completely healthy and normal if your discharge is cloudy white, has no odor or has a slightly salty odor, and is white or light yellow when it dries on underwear. This is a normal fluid that helps clean and moisten your vagina. Most girls notice a yellow or white stain on their underwear after they go through puberty. Vaginal infections are actually the number one reason that adult women see their health care providers. Most women have a vaginal infection at least one time during their lives. Vaginal infections happen to women of all ages, regardless of whether they have had sex.