• Vaginal infections are a common reason for a woman to see her doctor.
• Vaginal infections are caused by microorganisms. The three most common vaginal infections are:
  • yeast;
  • bacterial vaginosis (BV);
  • trichomoniasis (trich)
• Vaginal discharge is normal. If you have a vaginal infection you may notice a change in the color, amount or odour of the discharge.

• Bacteria (germs) that normally live in the vagina and have overgrown causing symptoms. 
• Things that can allow bacteria to overgrow include use of bath oils, bubble baths, douches, scented pads or tampons, poor hygiene, or use of tight, non-absorbent underwear.

• Yeast is a fungus (Candida or Monilia) that normally lives in the vagina.
• Yeast overgrows more commonly when a woman is on antibiotics, pregnant, or has an illness such as diabetes.
• Yeast is not generally sexually transmitted.

What are the symptoms of yeast?

• Symptoms include:
  • clumpy white discharge from the vagina;
  • itching, burning and redness around the vagina.

How is yeast treated?

• Yeast is treated with antifungal medications sold at a drugstore, which are available in 1 to 7 day treatments.

• BV is an overgrowth of germs. 
• BV is not usually sexually transmitted. It can occur in women who have never had sex and in women who are not currently sexually active.
• BV is more common in women who:
  • are sexually active;
  • douche frequently;
  • have genital infections;
  • have an intrauterine device (IUD);
  • have multiple sexual partners.

What are the symptoms of BV?

• Symptoms include:
  • thin white to gray discharge;
  • "fishy" odour, especially after sex and during a period;
  • burning, itching or irritation around the vagina.
• Many women do not have symptoms of BV.

How is BV treated?

• BV is usually treated with an antibiotic.
• BV may return even if treated.
• Usually sexual partners do not need treatment.

What will decrease the risks of getting BV?

• Avoid things that disrupt the natural balance of germs in the vagina: douching, frequent use of bath oils, soaps, bubble baths, tampons or pads that are scented.
• Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
• Avoid tight jeans.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Sleep in loose or no underwear.

BV and Pregnancy

• BV may result in premature labour.
• It is important to receive regular prenatal care and screening so that BV can be treated before it causes problems.

• Trich is almost always a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a protozoan.
• There have been rare reports of non-sexual transmissions.

What are the symptoms of Trich?

• Symptoms include:
  • frothy yellow or green discharge;
  • unpleasant odour;
  • burning, itching or redness around the vagina. 
• The infection may cause some discomfort during intercourse.
• Most men and 20-50% of women do not have any symptoms.

How is Trich treated?

• Trich is usually treated with an antibiotic.
• Regular partners should also be treated.

What will decrease the risks of Trich?

• Limit the number of sexual partners you have.
• Use a condom during sex. This will help to protect you and your partner against Trich and other STIs.
• Avoid sexual contact if you or your partner have symptoms or are being treated for an STI.

• A sample from the vagina is taken and sent to a lab for diagnosis. Tests done in an STI clinic may be able to identify the vaginal infection at the time of the clinic visit.

For more information contact:
your local public health office,
OR your physician or nurse practitioner,
OR HealthLine at 1-877-800-0002,
OR see RELATED LINKS below for a sexual health clinic: