Gynecology
Vaginal infections
Itching, discharge, or odor can have several causes. The right diagnosis leads to the right treatment.
Common causes
- Yeast infection: itching, irritation, and thick white discharge
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV): thin discharge with a fishy odor
- Trichomoniasis: a sexually transmitted infection that can cause discharge and irritation
Why testing matters
These conditions can look alike, and over-the-counter treatments only work for yeast. If symptoms don’t improve or keep coming back, we can test to find the cause and discuss treatment to help prevent recurrence.
When to be seen
Make an appointment for new, recurring, or persistent symptoms, or for any symptoms during pregnancy. Seek prompt care for fever or pelvic pain.
Medically reviewed by Rahil Malik, MD, FACOG, board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. Last reviewed: September 2026. This page is general information and does not replace a visit with your doctor.