Vaginal Health & Conditions Resource Center
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Vaginal Health & Conditions

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Your vaginal health can have a big impact on your overall physical and emotional well-being. You can develop uncomfortable symptoms related to many different things, including infections and hormonal changes. It’s important to understand how your hygiene and sexual practices affect your vaginal health, as well as when you should see your doctor for treatment or a wellness check.

FAQ

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

A vaginal yeast infection can cause itching, burning, or pain in your vagina and vulva, as well as a thick white vaginal discharge.

A course of prescription antibiotics can clear up bacterial vaginosis. These come either as a pill you take by mouth, or as a gel, cream, or suppository you insert into your vagina.

Yes. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can cause vaginal discharge. Others, including syphilis, genital herpes, and HPV can cause rashes, sores, or warts.

Most often, vaginal dryness is caused by a drop in estrogen levels after menopause or childbirth, or during certain medical treatments. Medications like antihistamines and antidepressants can cause it too.

Regular well-woman visits are important for good health. The frequency of those visits and the need for a physical exam will depend on your age and specific needs. See your doctor in between well-woman visits for any unusual symptoms.

Meet Our Experts In Vaginal Health & Conditions
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
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John Paul McHugh, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

John Paul McHugh, MD, is an obstetrician-gynecologist and lifestyle medicine specialist in southern California. He has always placed wellness at the center of his work, in both del...

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Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Allison Buttarazzi, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Allison Buttarazzi, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine, and is a certified health and well-being coach. In her primary care practice, Dr. Buttarazzi...

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Jennifer Payne, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jennifer Payne, MD, is a physician at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

She earned her bachelor's from the University of St. Thomas, majoring in biochemistry and minoring in t...

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Mayoni Ranasinghe, MBBS, MPH

Medical Reviewer

Veronica Johnson, MD, FAAP, FACP, Dipl. of ABOM

Medical Reviewer
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Kara Smythe, MD

Medical Reviewer

Kara Smythe, MD, has been working in sexual and reproductive health for over 10 years. Dr. Smythe is a board-certified fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolog...

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Michelle Seguin, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Michelle Seguin, MD, is a board-certified family medicine, lifestyle medicine, and certified functional medicine physician (IFMCP). She is a practicing physician at Root Functional...

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Kayli Anderson, RDN

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Kayli Anderson has over a decade of experience in nutrition, culinary education, and lifestyle medicine. She believes that eating well should be simple, pleasurable, and sustainabl...

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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Vagina: What’s Typical, What’s Not. Mayo Clinic. January 30, 2025.

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