Vaginal Problems

Topic Overview

Most women experience minor vaginal problems from time to time. These problems can be related to menstrual cycles, sex, infection, birth control methods, aging, medicines, or changes after pregnancy.

A change in your normal vaginal discharge may be the first sign of a vaginal problem. Changes in urination, such as having to urinate more frequently or a burning feeling when you urinate, also may be a symptom of a vaginal problem.

Conditions that may cause a change in your normal vaginal discharge include:

• Infections of the vagina, such as a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, human papillomavirus (HPV), or herpes.
• Infection of the cervix (cervicitis).
• An object in the vagina, such as a forgotten tampon.
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
• Various sex practices, such as oral-to-vaginal and anal-to-vaginal contact.
• Vaginal medicines or douching.

Vaginal infections

The presence or excess growth of yeast cells, bacteria, or viruses can cause a vaginal infection. A vaginal infection may occur when there is a change in the normal balance of organisms in your vagina.

The three most common types of vaginal infections are:

• Candida vulvovaginitis (yeast infections).
• Bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis).
• Parasitic infections (trichomoniasis).

Common symptoms of vaginal infection include:

• Increase or change in the vaginal discharge, including gray, green, or yellow discharge.
• Vaginal redness, swelling, itching, or pain.
• Vaginal odor.
• Burning with urination.
• Pain or bleeding with sex.

If you are pregnant and have vaginal symptoms, talk with your doctor about your symptoms before considering any home treatment measures. Some home treatment measures may not be appropriate, depending on the cause of your vaginal infection. Conditions such as bacterial vaginosis can affect your pregnancy, so it is important to talk with your doctor and be treated appropriately.

Vaginal infections may increase the risk for pelvic infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Vaginal or vulvar problems

Other vaginal or vulvar problems may occur from the use of birth control methods, the use of medicines, or aging, or as a result of changes after pregnancy. These problems include:

• Vaginal prolapse, which may cause urination and bowel changes.
• Retained tampon, birth control device, or foreign object. See how to remove an object from the vagina.
• Vulvar or vaginal injury, such as landing on a metal bar such as on a bike or playground equipment or from an object in the vagina.
• Vulvar pain (vulvodynia).
• Noninfectious vaginitis. Examples of this include:
  • An allergic reaction or irritation from chemicals, such as those found in vaginal sprays, douches, or spermicides.
  • Hormone changes related to menopause, such as atrophic vaginitis.
  • Use of antibiotics and other medicines, which may change the balance of organisms in your vagina.

A young girl with unusual vaginal symptoms should be evaluated by her doctor to determine the cause. Vaginitis in a young girl may be caused by:

• A ball of toilet paper in her vagina.
• Pinworms that have spread from the anus to the vagina.
• The spread of bacteria from an upper respiratory infection of the ears (otitis media) or throat (tonsillitis) to the vagina by her hands.

A young girl with vaginal symptoms must also be evaluated for possible sexual abuse.

Rashes, sores, blisters, or lumps in the vaginal or vulvar area

Many conditions can cause a rash, sore, blister, or lump in your vaginal area (vulva ). One of the most common causes of a rash is genital skin irritation that may occur when soap is not rinsed off the skin or when tight-fitting or wet clothes rub against the skin. A sore, blister, or lump in your vaginal area may require a visit to your doctor.

Treatment of a vaginal problem depends on the cause of the problem, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health condition.

Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to see a doctor.

Health Tools

Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

	Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems.
	Should I self-treat a vaginal yeast infection with a nonprescription medication?

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant: Go to the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems.
• You have symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease (STD): Go to the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
  • Do not have sex until you have been treated by your doctor.
  • Your partner or partners may need to be evaluated and possibly treated as well.
• Burning with urination, frequent urination, or flank pain: Go to the topic Urinary Problems, Age 12 and Older.

	Yes	Do you have pelvic or lower abdominal pain with other symptoms? When to See a Doctor See significance of pelvic or lower abdominal pain if you need information to help you answer the questions below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Note: If you need information on how to take a temperature, see the topic Body Temperature. Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have severe pain? Yes Do you have a fever of 102 °F (39 °C) or higher? Yes Do you think that you have a moderate to high fever but you are unable to measure your temperature? Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have moderate pain and a fever of less than 102 °F (39 °C)? Yes Do you have moderate pain and think you have a mild to moderate fever, but you are unable to measure your temperature? You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Have you had mild pain or cramping without a fever for 24 hours or longer? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you think your vaginal symptoms may be caused by sexual abuse? When to See a Doctor See significance of vaginal symptoms that may be caused by sexual abuse if you need information to help you answer the question below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Do you think your vaginal symptoms may be caused by sexual abuse? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you have a rash, sore, blister, or lump in your vaginal area? When to See a Doctor See significance of a rash, sore, blister, or lump in your vaginal area if you need information to help you answer the questions below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Note: If you think your rash, sore, blister, or lump may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease, do not have sex while waiting for your appointment. This will reduce the possible spread of infection to your partner. For more information, see the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Do you have severe pain? Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have new sores or blisters in the vaginal area? Yes Do you have moderate pain? You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Have you had a rash that is causing mild pain for 48 hours or longer? Yes Have you had areas of raw or irritated skin larger than 1 in. (2.5 cm) across for 3 days or longer? Yes Have you had a lump in your vaginal area for 48 hours or longer? You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have a wartlike rash in your vaginal area? Yes Have you had a rash in the vaginal area that has not gone away after 1 week? Yes Is there a red, patchy rash in the vaginal area with greasy silvery or yellow crusts, and is the rash also present on other parts of the body? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you have vaginal itching or a change in your vaginal discharge? When to See a Doctor See significance of vaginal itching or a change in your vaginal discharge if you need information to help you answer the questions below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Note: If you have symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection and have been diagnosed and treated by your doctor for this condition in the past, you may want to think about using a nonprescription medicine, such as miconazole (for example, Monistat) or clotrimazole (for example, Gyne-Lotrimin), to treat your symptoms. It is important to remember to contact your doctor if you are pregnant or if your symptoms do not improve with home treatment in 2 or 3 days. Do not use a nonprescription medicine to treat symptoms of a yeast infection if you are or may be pregnant. For more information, see the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems. Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have a fever of 101 °F (38.3 °C) or higher? Yes Do you think you have a high fever but you are unable to take your temperature? Yes Do you have severe pain? Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have mild to moderate pain? Yes Do you have a fever of less than 101 °F (38.3 °C)? Yes Do you think you have a fever but you are unable to take your temperature? Yes Do you have moderate to severe vaginal itching? You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Have you had a bad-smelling vaginal discharge for 1 week or longer? Yes Have you had mild vaginal itching for 1 week or longer? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you think you have a vaginal infection? When to See a Doctor See significance of symptoms of a vaginal infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have moderate pain? Yes Do you have a fever of less than 101 °F (38.3 °C)? Yes Do you think you have a fever but you are unable to take your temperature? Yes Do you have mild or cramping pain and a change in your vaginal discharge? You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Have you had an unusual vaginal discharge for 1 week or longer? Yes Have you had pain during sex for 1 week or longer? Yes Have you had pain when you urinate for 1 week or longer? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you think your vaginal symptoms may be caused by a medicine? When to See a Doctor See significance of vaginal symptoms caused by a medicine if you need information to help you answer the question below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Do you think your vaginal symptoms may be caused by a medicine? Note: If you answered "Yes": Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine. He or she can determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine. If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you feel a bulging into your vagina or increased pelvic pressure with movement? When to See a Doctor See significance of bulging into vagina or increased pelvic pressure if you need information to help you answer the questions below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Do you have low back or pelvic area pain or pressure that is interfering with your daily activities? You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you feel a bulging into your vagina or outside your vaginal area? Yes Have you had a change in your bowel habits? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you have pain or bleeding with sex? When to See a Doctor See significance of pain or bleeding with sex if you need information to help you answer the questions below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Note: If you have bleeding with sex and you are pregnant or menopausal, go to the topic Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding. Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Have you had moderate pain with sex? Yes Have you had moderate vaginal bleeding with sex? You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Have you had mild bleeding or spotting with sex for 1 week or longer? Note: These symptoms could indicate a sexually transmitted disease. Do not have sex until you see your doctor. This will reduce the risk of spreading a possible infection to your partner. Your partner or partners may need to be treated as well. You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Do you have mild pain with sex? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Are you unable to remove an object from your vagina? When to See a Doctor See significance of removing an object from the vagina if you need information to help you answer the question below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Are you unable to remove an object from your vagina? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
	Yes	Do you have vaginal symptoms that have not improved with treatment? When to See a Doctor See significance of vaginal symptoms not improving if you need information to help you answer the questions below. Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms. Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question. Yes Have your vaginal symptoms gotten worse after using treatment recommended by your doctor? You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. Yes Do you have vaginal symptoms that have not improved after using treatment recommended by your doctor for 24 hours? Yes Have your vaginal symptoms gotten worse after using home treatment for 24 hours? Yes Do you have vaginal symptoms that have not improved after using home treatment for 2 to 3 days? If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Sexual problems: Go to the topic Sexual Problems in Women.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Home Treatment

A vaginal infection may clear up without treatment in 2 or 3 days.

• If you could be pregnant, do a home pregnancy test. Any pregnant woman with abnormal vaginal symptoms should talk with her doctor about her symptoms before considering using any home treatment measures or nonprescription medicines. For more information, see the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems.
• Avoid sex so that irritated vaginal tissues can heal.
• Do not scratch the vaginal area. Relieve itching with a cold water compress or cool baths. Warm baths may also relieve pain and itching.
• Make sure that the cause of your symptoms is not a forgotten tampon or other foreign object. For more information, see how to remove an object in the vagina.
• Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing. Stay away from nylon and synthetics, because they hold heat and moisture close to the skin, which makes it easier for an infection to start. You may want to remove pajama bottoms or underwear when you sleep.
• Do not douche unless your doctor tells you to.
• If you have gone through menopause, try using a vaginal lubricant, such as Astroglide or Replens, to reduce irritation caused by having sex.

Vaginal yeast infections

If you have symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection and have been diagnosed and treated by your doctor for this condition in the past, you may want to try using a nonprescription medicine, such as tioconazole (for example, Vagistat), clotrimazole (for example, Gyne-Lotrimin), or miconazole (for example, Monistat) to treat your symptoms.

If your symptoms do not improve with home treatment in 2 or 3 days, contact your doctor. Vaginal symptoms that may be related to another type of vaginal infection or a cervical infection need to be evaluated.

Women who take the blood-thinning medicine warfarin (Coumadin) and use a nonprescription vaginal yeast-fighting medicine, such as Monistat, may have increased bruising and abnormal bleeding. Consult with your doctor before using a yeast-fighting medicine if you take warfarin.

Should I self-treat a vaginal yeast infection with a nonprescription medication?

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) develop.
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding develops.
• A fever develops.
• You have moderate to severe pain.
• Your symptoms become more severe or frequent.

Prevention

The following tips may help you prevent a vaginal infection.

• If you think your frequent vaginal infections may be related to using a diaphragm, spermicidal foam or jelly, or condoms, discuss other birth control options with your doctor.
• Wipe from front to back after using the toilet, to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
• Wash the vaginal area once a day with plain water or a mild, nonperfumed soap. Do not use bubble bath. Rinse well and dry thoroughly.
• Change tampons at least 3 times a day during your period, or alternate tampons with pads. Remember to remove the last tampon used during your period.
• Wear cotton underwear and avoid clothes that fit tightly, such as tight-fitting jeans. Cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing help prevent the vaginal area from staying warm and moist, which can promote the growth of yeast cells. Tight-fitting clothes may cause skin irritation leading to a rash.
• Remove wet bathing suits and exercise clothing promptly.
• Avoid douching.
• Avoid the use of feminine deodorant sprays and other perfumed products. They may cause genital skin irritation or an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis).
• Having multiple sex partners and not using condoms can increase your risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which may increase your risk of a vaginal infection.
• Urinate after sex, and rinse your vaginal area with cool water.
• Limit intense exercise, such as bike riding or horseback riding, that can irritate the vulva.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar in good control.

Take antibiotics when needed, but avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. Taking antibiotics exposes you to the risks of allergic reactions and antibiotic side effects (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and yeast infections). Also, antibiotics may kill good bacteria.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What are your main symptoms?
• How long have you had your symptoms?
• Have you had this problem in the past? If so, do you know what caused the problem at that time? How was it treated?
• What does your vaginal discharge look and smell like?
• What was the date of your last menstrual period? If you have been through menopause, how long ago was your last menstrual period?
• Are you currently using any type of birth control method?
• What medicines (especially antibiotics) are you taking or have you taken recently, if any?
• Do you have any symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
• What nonprescription medicines have you tried? Did they help?
• Do you have a new sex partner? Do you have more than one sex partner? Does your partner have any symptoms? Have you had sex without using a condom? Do you think you have recently been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
• Have you been diagnosed and treated for a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the past? If so what was your diagnosis, and what treatment was done?
• Do you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as pain or burning on urination and a frequent urge to urinate?
• Do you have any health risks?

Related Information

• Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older
• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding
• Bacterial Vaginosis
• Bartholin Gland Cyst
• Chlamydia
• Diaper Rash
• Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Genital Herpes
• Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus)
• Gonorrhea
• Menopause and Perimenopause
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Pregnancy-Related Problems
• Shock
• Toxic Shock Syndrome
• Trichomoniasis
• Urinary Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older
• Vaginal Yeast Infections

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