Vaginal infections, also known as infectious vaginitis, can affect women of all ages. They can be caused by the bacteria or fungi that live in our bodies or they can be due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a microscopic one-celled organism called Trichomonas vaginalis.
Bacteria and fungi live in our bodies and for most of the time don't cause any problems. However, sometimes, if conditions in the vagina change, these microorganisms can begin to grow out of control causing an infection.
Bacterial Vaginosis1
Bacterial vaginosis is the most frequently reported vaginal infection in women of reproductive age.2 It occurs when there is an imbalance in the bacteria in the vagina and potential overgrowth of bacteria such as Gardnerella. The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include:
Bacterial vaginosis is not usually associated with soreness or itching but about half of women do not experience symptoms.
Women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis have an increased risk of acquiring a STI and this can be triggered by sexual activity. Other triggers include use of vaginal washes or deodorants, multiple sexual partners, smoking or high stress levels.
Like most bacterial infections, bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics in the form of oral tablets or as cream or gel that is inserted into the vagina. There are also non-pharmacological products available without prescription which can help rebalance the good bacteria and/or have a protective barrier effect to help relieve the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and help prevent recurring vaginal infection.
Vaginal Thrush3
Vaginal thrush is a common infection caused by the fungus Candida. It can affect both men and women. The most common symptoms include:
Not everyone with thrush experiences symptoms.
Although not considered an STI, vaginal thrush can be triggered by sexual activity. It can also be triggered by antibiotics, poorly controlled diabetes, HRT, pregnancy, the contraceptive pill, stress, tight clothes, washing your genitals with soap or a weakened immune system.
Thrush can be treated with antifungal drugs such as a tablet that you swallow, or a vaginal pessary or cream that you insert into your vagina. There are also non-pharmacological products available without prescription; products which do not contain antifungals and can help rebalance the microorganisms in the vagina, relieve symptoms and/or have a protective barrier to help prevent recurrent infections.
It is possible to have both bacterial vaginosis and vaginal thrush at the same time.4
References:
EU-REG-07-25-00001 April 2026
