Vaginal Health 101: What to Do When Things Are Off
Are things feeling -off- in your vaginal area? If so, don’t be alarmed or embarrassed. The vagina is a complex, sensitive part of every woman’s or AFAB (assigned female at birth) person’s body that can occasionally get thrown “out of whack,” so to speak. While it can be uncomfortable or even a little embarrassing in the moment, it’s completely normal to have issues with and questions about your vaginal health.
If you’re experiencing unusual discharge, itching, burning, an odd smell, or general discomfort, these symptoms are your body’s way of alerting you that something’s off and needs attention.
Understanding your body is one of the best ways to protect it, so let’s show you what you need to know about common vaginal health issues, their symptoms, and how to get back to feeling like yourself again.
Understand What’s “Normal” for You
Before you can determine when something is off, it’s important to know what your “normal” is. A healthy vagina typically has a mild, slightly musky odor and a small amount of clear or whitish discharge that changes throughout your menstrual cycle.
If you want to get more technical with it, the vagina is slightly acidic, and most women’s vaginal pH fluctuates between 3.8 and 4.5 on the pH scale, keeping bacteria and yeast in balance. When that balance is disrupted, irritation or infection can develop.
Knowing what is usual for your body makes it easier to spot changes early.
What Can Throw My Vaginal pH Balance Off?
There are a few things that can disrupt a woman’s pH balance, including:
- Tight clothing, especially skinny jeans, leggings, or tights
- Hormonal changes, like menstrual cycles, perimenopause, or menopause
- General Infections, like urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- STIs, especially chlamydia, gonorrhea, or trichomoniasis
- Soaps or detergents, especially those that are high-alkaline, harsh, or overly fragrant
- Antibiotics, like amoxicillin, doxycycline, azithromycin, and others
- Certain foods, like red meats and poultry, dairy products, processed foods, alcohol, and others
- Penetrative sex, like using a penis, finger, sex toy, and other objects
- Poor sexual hygiene, like using an unclean penis, finger, sex toy, or other unclean object
- Douching, or washing the vagina with a mix of water and vinegar, baking soda, or iodine
Common Types of Vaginal Issues
Below are some of the most common issues that cause women to experience vaginal irritation, odor, or discharge changes.
1. Yeast Infections
A yeast infection is one of the most common vaginal issues women experience. It’s caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that naturally lives in the vagina.
Common Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
- Intense itching or burning
- Thick, white, “cottage cheese-like” discharge
- Redness or swelling around the vulva
- Pain during sex or urination
What to Do for a Yeast Infection
Mild yeast infections may clear with prescribed or over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories. However, if symptoms persist or recur, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. It may not be a yeast infection, after all, but an issue that causes symptoms similar to yeast infections and requires a different treatment.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial vaginosis occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina shifts, often because of new sexual activity, douching, certain antibiotics, or a change in pH. BV isn’t considered a sexually transmitted infection, but it is linked to sexual activity and can increase your risk of contracting other infections.
Common Symptoms of BV
- Thin, grayish-white discharge
- A “fishy” odor, especially after sex
- Mild itching or burning
What to Do for BV
BV is treated with prescription antibiotics, either as a pill or vaginal gel. To help prevent BV, avoid douching and scented feminine hygiene products, which can disrupt your vaginal flora.
3. Vaginal Irritation or Allergic Reactions
Not every vaginal issue is caused by an infection. Sometimes irritation is simply a reaction to something new, such as scented soap, laundry detergent, or a new brand of pads or tampons.
Common Causes of General Irritation
- Fragranced body wash or bubble bath
- Tight clothing or synthetic underwear
- Latex condoms or spermicides
- Shaving or waxing irritation
What to Do for General Irritation
If you experience itching, redness, or burning after using a new product, stop using it and switch to gentle, unscented alternatives. Cotton underwear and breathable clothing can also help. If symptoms don’t improve within a few days, it’s time to see a provider.
4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
While not directly considered a vaginal issue, a urinary tract infection is still a painful condition that occurs when bacteria enter the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body—and multiply in the urinary tract. This results in an infection that can irritate the entire area, from the bladder to the vagina.
Common symptoms of a UTI
- A burning sensation when you urinate
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate, even when only a little urine comes out
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic discomfort or pressure
What to Do for a UTI
UTIs require medical treatment with antibiotics. It’s important not to ignore the signs, as an untreated UTI can spread to the kidneys and cause a much worse infection.
Drink lots of water, urinate after sex, and wipe front to back to help prevent future infections.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
If things are off down there and at-home remedies aren’t working, it’s probably time to seek medical care. It’s always best to visit your doctor or provider if:
- You’ve never had these symptoms before
- Over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping
- You have pelvic pain, fever, or abnormal bleeding along with the symptoms
- You’re pregnant and experiencing these symptoms
- Symptoms keep persisting or coming back
At Women’s Clinic of Atlanta, our medical team offers confidential and compassionate care to women of all ages. We can help determine the cause of your symptoms and find the right treatment to restore your health and comfort.
Tips for Maintaining Vaginal Health
A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your vagina healthy and balanced.
Consider:
- Wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoiding tight clothing
- Wiping from front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading
- Avoiding douching or using scented products
- Urinating after sex to reduce infection risk
- Maintaining good sexual hygiene
- Wearing protection during sex
- Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated
- Scheduling regular sexual health exams to catch issues early
And when something feels off, don’t ignore it. That’s your sign that your vagina needs your attention. Most vaginal health issues are easily treated once correctly diagnosed, but self-diagnosing or waiting too long can make things worse.
At Women’s Clinic of Atlanta, we’re here to help you understand what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do next. Whether it’s your first time dealing with an infection or recurring irritation you can’t shake, our caring team can provide answers and relief.
Chat With Women’s Clinic of Atlanta Today for a Sexual Health Exam.
Our compassionate team understands the frustration of dealing with a vagina that’s just off, and we’re here to help you get things back on track and in balance.
Let us provide the care you need to boost your health and comfort.
Send us a chat to talk today.
Women’s Clinic of Atlanta is HIPAA compliant and AAAHC accredited.
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