WTF is
Vaginitis?
Vaginitis is a blanket term that describes inflammation in the vagina; it may be caused by an infection. There are three ways that vaginitis presents in the body, and only one (Trich) is known to be spread through sex. Bacterial vaginosis may also cause discharge and is caused by an imbalance or change in the bacteria that naturally occur in the vagina.
Trichomoniasis (Trich)
Trich is the only cause of vaginitis known to be spread through sex.
How do I know if I have it?
Many people with Trich do not know they have it, as it may have mild or no symptoms. This is why it’s important to get tested regularly for STIs if you’re sexually active.
Symptoms may include:
- Itching, burning, redness or soreness of the vulva or vagina
- Burning or discomfort when peeing
- Clear, white, yellow, or greenish vaginal discharge with a fishy smell
- Discomfort during sex
- Thin white or gray vaginal discharge
- Itching in and or outside the vagina
How do I get tested?
Uh...
How do I get treated?
- Trich is a bacterial infection and can be treated with antibiotics. Treatment for Trich consists of completing a single dose OR 7-day course of antibiotics.
- Sex partners of women with Trich should also be treated to limit the chance of reinfection.
- You should stop having sex until you and your sex partner have completed the prescribed treatment.
- Rescreening for Trich is recommended for all sexually active women 3 months after initial treatment.
Well...
How is it transmitted?
- Trich is most often spread through penile-vaginal and vaginal-vaginal sex.
Ok...
How do I protect myself?
- Get tested every 3-6 months.
- Discuss your STI status with your sex partners.
- Use condoms every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
Bacterial Vaginosis is very common; it is not an infection but rather a condition that occurs when the vagina has improper balance of bacteria.
How do I know if I have it?
Symptoms may include:
- Thin white or gray vaginal discharge
- Itching in and or outside the vagina
- A strong fish-like odor, especially after sex
- Burning when peeing
How do I get tested?
Uh...
How do I get treated?
- Treatment consists of a 5–7-day course of antibiotics.
- Stop having sex or use condoms while receiving treatment.
- If your symptoms recur or do not resolve following treatment, you should see your provider for reevaluation.
- If left untreated, BV may increase your risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), HIV, and other STIs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
- For pregnant people, BV may increase the chance of pre-term labor.
Well...
How is it transmitted?
- BV most often occurs among people who are sexually active and rarely affects people who do not have sex.
- Research is still uncertain as to why sex is associated with BV.
- BV can occur from douching, sharing sex toys, not using condoms, or from having new or multiple sex partners.
Ok...
How do I protect myself?
Providers do not fully understand how BV spreads or how to effectively prevent it from happening. To help lower your risk of getting BV, you can:
- Limit your number of sex partners.
- Avoid vaginal douching.
- Using condoms every time you have vaginal sex.
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
VVC, also known as a yeast infection, is usually not acquired through sex.
How do I know if I have it?
Talk to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below.
Symptoms may include:
- Vaginal itching or soreness
- Pain during sex
- Painful or uncomfortable urination
- Abnormal discharge
- Severe infection may result in redness, swelling, and cracks in the wall of the vagina
Uh...
How do I get treated?
- VVC is a fungal infection and is treated with over the counter or prescription intravaginal or oral antifungal medications.
- VVC is most often treated by a single dose of oral medication or a short-course regimen of an intravaginal cream or suppository. Your healthcare provider will recommend or prescribe the treatment that will be most helpful for resolving your infection.
- You can continue to have sex during treatment for VVC, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, because VVC is not typically spread or acquired through sex. If your symptoms do not resolve after treatment, contact your healthcare provider for reevaluation.
Well...
How is it transmitted?
- VVC is very common and is not usually spread through sex.
- Taking hormones, antibiotics or medicines and other changes in the immune system or vaginal bacteria may make VVC more likely.
People who are more likely to get VVC include:
- Pregnant people.
- People who use hormonal contraceptives.
- People who have diabetes.
- People who have HIV or a weakened immune system.
- People who are or have recently taken antibiotics.
Ok...
How do I protect myself?
- Most people with vaginas will experience VVC at some point.
- Wearing cotton underwear and only taking antibiotics as prescribed may reduce your chance of getting a yeast infection.
COMMON STIs AND OTHER INFECTIONS
Read more about the most common STIs and other infections below to know how to get tested and treated.
Syphilis is an STI that starts as a painless sore. It can cause many different symptoms including rash, swollen lymph nodes and even brain damage and blindness.
Chlamydia is an STI that may include painful urination and abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina.
Gonorrhea is an STI that causes painful urination and discharge. If untreated it may cause infertility.
Mpox is spread through close, physical contact between individuals. Symptoms can include rashes, bumps, or blisters.
Vaginitis is a term that covers multiple conditions that are not always transmitted through sex.
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is often caused by a virus and there are many different kinds.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are many different types of HPV, some more serious than others. The good thing is that there is a vaccine to prevent many types of HPV.