Vaginal Infection

What should I know about a vaginal infection?

A vaginal infection refers to an infection that develops in the vagina. It may be caused by bacteria, yeast, or a virus. You may experience various symptoms that indicate you have an infection, such as:

• Foul-smelling discharge
• Burning or irritation
• Itching
• Swelling or soreness
• Pain during intercourse

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact the team at Progressive Care for Women for an evaluation. While most causes of a vaginal infection aren’t usually dangerous, if your vaginal infection is due to a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that goes untreated, you may risk future fertility.

What causes a vaginal infection?

You may develop a vaginal infection from any number of causes. Some of the most common include:

Yeast infection

You may develop a yeast infection if you have an overgrowth of Candida, a yeast normally found in healthy vaginas.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection passed through sexual contact.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal infection and develops when you have too much “bad” bacteria and not enough “good” bacteria in your vaginal environment.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial STDs that can also lead to a vaginal infection. You may also experience vaginal discomfort if you have genital herpes, a viral infection that causes the development of sores on your genitalia.

How is a vaginal infection diagnosed?

Your specialist at Progressive Care for Women conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you come in with concerns about a vaginal infection. During your exam, your specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history, then conducts a physical and pelvic exam.

You may also need additional testing to determine the underlying cause of your infection so your specialist can provide you with the most effective treatment.

How are vaginal infections treated?

Treatment for your vaginal infection may depend on the underlying cause. Your specialist may prescribe medication, such as an antibiotic or antifungal, to help resolve the underlying cause of your discomfort. If you have genital herpes, your specialist provides medication to help reduce your symptoms, as there is no cure for this viral infection.

For effective treatment for your vaginal infection or discomfort, call Progressive Care for Women today or book an appointment online.