Common Conditions

Vaginal infections are very common particularly bacterial vaginosis and thrush.

The symptoms and treatment for each infection is different.  Use our chart to check what your symptoms could be a sign of.  If you have any vaginal symptoms it’s always best to see your doctor to get it checked out.

More about vaginal health

Normal

Bacterial vaginosis

Thrush

Discharge
Clear to milky white

Discharge
Milky, thin, white or greyish discharge

Discharge
White, thick ‘cottage cheese’ like discharge

Odour
None or non-offensive

Odour
Fishy or unpleasant odour (can be worse after sex)

Odour
None or non-offensive

Itching or burning/irritation
No

Itching or burning/irritation
Rarely
More common with thrush

Itching or burning/irritation
Very common

Pain when urinating or having sex
No

Pain when urinating or having sex
No

Pain when urinating or having sex
Sometimes

STIs

  • Sometimes the symptoms of vaginal infections can be similar to symptoms of an STI.

More about STIs.

Other

  • Itching or discomfort can also be a sign of vaginal dryness which can be common following menopause. If you are experiencing itching or discomfort see your doctor to get it checked out.
Lucy, age 23
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“…So just really confused so everything was running through my head, is it the Mirena coil?

Has my boyfriend cheated on me and given me something? Have I done something wrong? Have I lost a tampon up there?

…Did I change my soap? Like confused. I was just like ‘What have I done to do this?’” 

If this sounds like you, you are not alone.  Talk to your doctor about your symptoms today.

Use our symptom checker: