Common vaginal infections

Vaginal infections are very common. They can cause symptoms such as soreness, itching, and changes in vaginal discharge. Getting medical advice as soon as you notice a problem can help to get rid of your infection quickly and prevent complications.

About common vaginal infections

Vaginal infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. Some of these things normally live in your vagina without causing any problems. But sometimes they can grow out of control, causing an infection in your vagina and vulva (the area surrounding your vagina).

Things that can trigger this or increase your risk include:

• being sexually active, especially if you’ve had a recent change in partner
• using vaginal hygiene products, such as douches, soaps, bubble baths, deodorants, vaginal washes, and wipes
• taking antibiotics
• some types of contraception, including the copper intrauterine device (IUD)
• having a health condition that affects your immune system, such as diabetes or HIV
• taking long-term corticosteroid medicines

Some common vaginal infections are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This means you can get them if you have unprotected sex with an infected person.

A vaginal infection isn’t the same as a urinary tract infection (UTI) or cystitis. A UTI affects your bladder, or the tubes that carry urine out of your body. Your vagina is part of your reproductive system. This is separate from your bladder and urinary tract.

Types of vaginal infection

Common vaginal infections include the following.

• Bacterial vaginosis. This is the most common vaginal infection. It happens when bacteria that normally live in your vagina grow out of control. This bacterial infection isn’t sexually transmitted but is linked to being sexually active. Bacterial vaginosis symptoms include a thin grey or white, fishy-smelling vaginal discharge. It doesn’t usually cause itching and soreness.


• Chlamydia. This is the most common STI in the UK. It’s caused by a type of bacterium. Chlamydia symptoms include increased discharge, bleeding between periods or after sex, and pain when you pee or during sex.


• Genital herpes. This is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). It’s spread through sexual contact. The sore or blisters appear around your vulva, cervix, vagina, or anus.


• Genital warts. These are also caused by HPV. They spread through sexual contact. The warts appear around your vulva, cervix, vagina, or anus.


• Gonorrhoea. This STI is caused by bacteria. Gonorrhoea symptoms include an increase in discharge and pain around your lower tummy area. It might hurt when you pee, and you may get bleeding between your periods.


• Thrush. This is a common fungal infection. It’s also called a yeast infection. Common thrush symptoms include itching or soreness around your vulva and sometimes a thick, white vaginal discharge (a bit like cottage cheese).


• Trichomoniasis. This is an STI caused by a parasite (a tiny organism that lives on your body). If you have trichomoniasis, you may have a yellow-green, foul-smelling and possibly frothy vaginal discharge.

It’s possible to have more than one type of vaginal infection at a time. If you have bacterial vaginosis, you’re at greater risk of getting chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis.

You can have vaginal symptoms, such as itching, without having an infection. It's also normal and healthy to have some discharge from your vagina. The amount and consistency of this discharge can change at different times, such as:

• during your menstrual cycle
• as you get older
• if you take the contraceptive pill
• if you get pregnant

But an abnormal change in your vaginal discharge, especially if you also have other symptoms, can be a sign of an infection.

Some vaginal symptoms can be treated with medicines bought from a pharmacy without a prescription. But see your pharmacist or GP if you think you may have a vaginal infection. You may be able to buy a self-testing kit from a pharmacy – this is a self-swab that can check for some common vaginal infections. You can also book an appointment directly with a genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic if you think you could have an STI. Your GP may also refer you to one of these clinics if they suspect you have an STI.

Treatment of common vaginal infections

Some vaginal infections, such as genital warts, may eventually go away on their own without treatment. But others, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis, can cause serious complications if you don’t get them treated. These complications can include:

• fertility problems
• chronic pelvic pain from pelvic inflammatory disease
• problems during pregnancy

The vaginal infection treatment your doctor may recommend will depend on exactly which infection you have. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor or go to a sexual health clinic for a proper diagnosis.

Vaginal infection 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. 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 go. You can also get creams or pessaries (which you put in your vagina), which you apply for two to three days. You can get some of these from a pharmacist without a prescription. But if you’re pregnant, see your GP.

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 whether these things can help.

Tea tree oil and other essential oils may irritate your skin and could actually make your symptoms worse. It’s best to avoid using these.

Prevention of common vaginal infections

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, such as 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.