If you’re experiencing vaginal itching, increased discharge, or vaginal odor you may have a vaginal infection. The team at FemGYN in Park Slope of Brooklyn, New York, knows these types of infections can come on unannounced and require treatment to relieve your symptoms. Whether you can’t get an appointment with your primary gynecologist, you’re in between providers, or without health insurance, the team at FemGYN can help.

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What is a vaginal infection?

A vaginal infection can be caused by bacteria, fungus, or parasite and create vaginal pain, itching, or inflammation.

Types of vaginal infections include:

Yeast infection

A yeast infection is an overgrowth of a fungal organism, usually Candida albicans, in your vagina. Use of antibiotics, pregnancy, and menopause can increase your risk of getting a yeast infection.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

BV develops when there is an overgrowth of bad bacteria to good bacteria in your vagina. Women who are sexually active are at greater risk of BV. BV also increases your risk of preterm birth and pelvic inflammatory disease, which is an infection that affects your reproductive system. BV makes you more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases because it lowers your natural defense mechanisms.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection usually transmitted through sexual intercourse.

What are the symptoms of a vaginal infection?

Symptoms of a vaginal infection vary depending on the cause of your infection. Most common symptoms include:

  • Vaginal pain or itching
  • Painful intercourse
  • Vaginal discharge has a different color or smell
  • Abnormal bleeding

Your specialist at FemGYN can determine the cause of your vaginal infection after a review of your medical history, a pelvic exam, and testing of your vaginal discharge and pH level.

How are yeast infections treated?

Treatment of your yeast infection depends on the severity of the infection. For a mild yeast infection, your women’s health expert may prescribe a short course of antifungal medication. For a more complicated or severe infection, you may need a longer course of treatment and a maintenance program that includes weekly antifungal medication for up to six months to prevent a recurrence.

How is BV treated?

Your health care expert at FemGYN prescribes medication to help clear up BV. Common prescriptions include:

  • Clindamycin
  • Metronidazole

It’s not uncommon for BV to recur, which may require an extended course of medication. Including foods rich in good bacteria may also help improve bacterial balance and prevent recurrence.