You think you have a vaginal infection
How do you tell which type?

How to check your type of vaginal infection?

It is normal for women to have some vaginal discharge, but a normal discharge does not smell bad and is not accompanied with swelling, itching or burning during urination.

We describe below the symptoms including differences in the type of vaginal discharge for each of the three main types of vaginal infection.

Vaginal yeast infection

• One of the most common is when you are taking antibiotics for another condition.
• Hormonal changes during your normal monthly cycle, or from using birth control pills, pregnancy and menopause.
• Diabetes
• Use of steroids
• Use of douches, perfumed feminine hygiene sprays or even perfumed toilet paper.
• Wearing tight underwear, non cotton underwear and damp swimming togs
• Some women are also affected by condoms that have a spermicidal lubricant.

In general women are more likely to suffer a vaginal yeast infection if their bodies are under stress from a poor diet, lack of sleep, illness or when they are pregnant.

How common is it and what are the symptoms?

About 75% of women will have at least one vaginal yeast infection and 50% will have more than one infection in their life.

The yeast infection is caused by a fungus called Candida Albicans and is often referred to as a Thrush Infection.

The common symptoms are:

• A thick whitish - grey vaginal discharge, often described as resembling cottage cheese.
• Pain when urinating and very itchy genitals are also common signs.

Although it is not regarded as a sexually transmitted disease, about 10 - 15% of men can be affected after having sex with an infected partner. The man will suffer a rash on the penis and itching.

Detection and treatment

It is very important to make sure you have diagnosed the right type of infection before taking the OTC medications that are available. Taking treatments for a yeast type infection when you actually have another type of infection will have two consequences:

• You will not get better
• You will build up resistance to the medication and it may not work the next time when you really need it.

You can now use a simple home test which is a panty liner that will test for a yeast infection (test strip goes yellow) and a bacterial infection (test strip goes blue / green).

The home test costs NZ$39 - this is for two tests and includes all taxes and delivery charges.

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The over the counter treatments for a vaginal yeast infection will normally be an antifungal cream, a pessary or a tablet you can swallow. Typically the treatment will clear up any symptoms in less than two weeks in 80 - 90% of cases.

There are some people who recommend you try home treatments before trying any of the OTC medication.

Bacterial Vaginosis Infection

The second most common form of Vaginal Infection is a bacterial infection that can arise from sexual contact or from using an intrauterine device. If you have a bacterial vaginal infection you will need to see your doctor for treatment.

The symptoms include:

• The vaginal discharge is normally white or grey with a strong fishy smell (especially after sex).
• There is also often a burning sensation when urinating and itching around the outside of the vagina.

You can use a home test to check if you have a bacterial infection (the panty liner strip changes to a blue / green colour).

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Trichomoniasis Vaginal Infection

How common is it?

Trichomoniasis (Trick, or Trich) is found in 10 - 15% of women attending gynaecology clinics and in about 5% of women attending fertility clinics. This type of infection does not respond to OTC medications and you will need to see your doctor for treatment.

As it is a sexually transmitted disease it is important that your sexual partner(s) are also treated, otherwise the infection will just come back.

What are the symptoms?

• The discharge is often frothy and can be green, yellow or grey in colour.
• There is usually a burning sensation during urination and irritation of the genitals.