Vaginal and urinary symptoms can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and confusing. Itching may make you think “yeast infection.” Burning may make you think “UTI.” Odor or discharge may make you think “BV.” But symptoms can overlap, and guessing can lead to the wrong treatment.

Yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infections are different conditions. They can feel similar in some ways, but they do not have the same causes or treatments.

What Is a Yeast Infection?

A vaginal yeast infection, also called vulvovaginal candidiasis, happens when yeast overgrows in the vagina. Common symptoms can include itching, soreness, irritation, discomfort during sex, burning, and changes in discharge. The CDC notes that uncomplicated vulvovaginal candidiasis is commonly treated with antifungal medication, either vaginally or orally, depending on the patient and situation.

Yeast infection symptoms may include:

• Intense vaginal or vulvar itching
• Redness or irritation
• Thick white discharge
• Soreness or swelling
• Burning with urination when urine touches irritated skin

Over-the-counter yeast treatments are available, but they are not always the right choice. The CDC notes that testing is recommended before starting treatment, especially if symptoms are new, recurrent, worsening, or not clearly yeast-related.

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, happens when the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina changes. BV is not the same as a yeast infection. It is also not simply a hygiene issue.

BV symptoms may include thin white or gray discharge, vaginal burning or itching, burning when urinating, and a strong fish-like odor, especially after sex. Some people with BV have no symptoms at all.

BV is treated differently from yeast. Using yeast medication for BV will not address the underlying issue. That is one reason testing and diagnosis matter.

What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, usually affects the bladder or urethra. Unlike yeast and BV, which are vaginal conditions, a UTI involves the urinary tract.

Common bladder infection symptoms can include burning with urination, frequent urination, feeling the urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty, bloody urine, or pressure in the lower abdomen. Kidney infection symptoms may include fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea, or vomiting.

UTI symptoms may include:

• Burning when urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Passing only small amounts of urine
• Pelvic pressure
• Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
• Back pain, fever, or chills if the infection may be moving toward the kidneys

A UTI usually requires antibiotic treatment. Delaying care can make symptoms worse and may allow the infection to spread.

Why Symptoms Can Be Confusing

Burning can happen with a UTI, yeast infection, BV, irritation from scented products, sexually transmitted infections, vaginal dryness, or skin inflammation. Discharge can also change throughout the menstrual cycle and does not always mean infection.

That is why symptom location matters. Does burning happen inside the vagina, around the vulva, or only when urine passes? Is there odor? Is discharge thick, thin, gray, white, green, or bloody? Are symptoms happening after sex, antibiotics, a new product, or a change in hormones?

Your OB-GYN may ask these questions to determine what testing is needed.

When to Call Your OB-GYN

Call if symptoms are new, severe, persistent, recurrent, or confusing. You should also call if you are pregnant, have pelvic pain, fever, bleeding, sores, pain during sex, or symptoms that do not improve after treatment.

Avoid douching or using scented washes, sprays, or wipes to “fix” odor or irritation. These products can make symptoms worse for some patients.

Get the Right Diagnosis

The right diagnosis can help you feel better faster and avoid unnecessary treatment. At Women’s Health & Menopause Center, your provider can evaluate vaginal and urinary symptoms, recommend appropriate testing, and guide treatment based on what is actually causing the discomfort.

If something feels off, do not guess or wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule a visit with WHMC to discuss your symptoms and next steps.

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Did you know 75% of women will get a yeast infection in their lifetime? A yeast infection is actually a fungal infection that causes irritation and discharge in the vagina. Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted. The most common symptom is itchiness of the vaginal area. If this is the first time that you’ve had a yeast infection, it is best to make an appointment with a gynecologist for proper diagnosis. There are medications to treat the infection.

Certain circumstances can lead to an increased risk of yeast infection, such as increased estrogen levels or an impaired immune system. Staying in a wet bathing suit is often the culprit of developing a yeast infection. If you have a yeast infection, avoid hot baths and tight-fitting pantyhose.

Depending on the severity, a yeast infection can clear up in three days or up to two weeks with treatment. Contact Women’s Health in West Bloomfield for an appointment if you suspect you may have a yeast infection.

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Vaginitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the vagina. Patients can experience pain, itching, and discharge. Every woman should know what this condition is and how to identify it.

Causes of Vaginitis

Vaginitis can appear due to reduced estrogen levels or as a side effect of a skin disorder. The most common causes include:

• Yeast Infections – Yeast infections are common and affect an average of 75% of women. A fungus known as Candida albicans causes this condition. The infection occurs when there is an imbalance of yeast and bacteria, allowing yeast to overgrow.
• Bacterial Vaginosis – This condition is caused by an overgrowth of a bacteria living in the vagina. It is a common diagnosis for women between the ages of 15 and 44. The cause is not known, but the infection usually occurs in women who are sexually active.
• Trichomoniasis – Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). A parasite known as Trichomonas vaginalis causes it. Most patients do not know that they are infected.

Vaginitis Symptoms

Talk to your OB/GYN if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Vaginal irritation or itching
• Painful intercourse
• Painful urination
• Light vaginal bleeding
• Change in color, odor, or quantity of vaginal discharge

Do I Need to Talk to a Doctor About Vaginitis?

Some conditions are minor and may not require immediate medical assistance. If you aren’t sure, it is best to seek professional advice. You should also see your gynecologist if you experience pain or discomfort as well as:

• Notice unpleasant vaginal odor or discharge
• Have never had a vaginal infection
• Have had multiple sex partners
• Have had a new sex partner
• Fever and/or chills
• If you completed an over-the-counter treatment that didn’t work

Contact Women’s Health to schedule your gynecological appointment. We can provide a diagnosis and help you find treatment if necessary.

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Vaginal discharge can happen for a number of reasons and is a healthy part of being a woman. If you notice changes, then there may be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

1. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that’s very common. It can be transmitted through intercourse or genital contact. Men and women are both susceptible. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, burning sensation while urinating, painful intercourse, and a yellow or green vaginal discharge.

2. Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are also very common and are usually easy to treat. This condition is caused by the Candida albicans fungus and includes burning, itching, soreness, redness, vaginal swelling, and painful intercourse. Women may notice a whitish gray discharge that appears clumpy, similar to cottage cheese in thickness and texture.

3. Vulvovaginitis

Vulvovaginitis is an infection in the vagina and vulva. There are a number of causes including yeast, parasites, chemical irritants, STDs, allergens, and viruses. Patients will notice itching, irritation, discomfort when urinating, and vaginal discharge with a strong odor.

4. Postmenopausal Atrophic Vaginitis

Postmenopausal atrophic vaginitis occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55. It includes spotting after intercourse, thinned vaginal walls, discomfort during intercourse, vaginal burning, urinary incontinence, and vaginal dryness as well as discharge.

5. Urethritis

Urethritis is used to describe inflammation of the urethra. Women usually notice a frequent urge to urinate and discomfort while doing so. Other symptoms include irritation, burning, and an abnormal vaginal discharge.

If you notice changes, your doctor can perform tests to determine the cause and come up with a treatment plan. Contact your Women’s Health and Menopause Center OBGYN to make an appointment to discuss your concerns about vaginal discharge.

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