vaginal infections

Yeast infections. The vagina has natural yeast, but sometimes the yeast can overgrow. Yeast infections can be very uncomfortable, causing itching in your vagina or around the outside skin of your genitals. It can also cause you to have vaginal discharge (fluid) that is thick, white, and looks like cottage cheese. These infections can be easily treated.

Bacterial vaginosis. There are different kinds of bacteria that normally live in your vagina without causing any problems. You can get bacterial vaginosis when too much of a certain kind of bacteria grows. Bacterial vaginosis causes a bad smell that seems “fishy,” more discharge (fluid) from your vagina than you normally have, and discharge that is gray-white and seems “milky.”

Talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent or a school nurse, if you have:

• Itching or burning around your vagina
• Pain when you urinate
• Discharge that is thick and looks like cottage cheese, or is grayish or milky
• Discharge that has a strong “fishy” odor
• Pain or any discharge that you feel is unusual

The best way to prevent these infections is good hygiene. You should shower or bathe and change your underwear every day. If you think you have abnormal discharge or are in pain, talk with an adult you trust. They have been through puberty. Together, you can decide if you should see a school nurse or a doctor about your symptoms.