Top 3 Causes of Green Vaginal Discharge

1. Genital & Urinary

>

2. Green Vaginal Discharge

Read about

Vaginal discharge is normal, but if it’s green, that’s a sign of an infection, such as an STD.

Language:

English

Written by

Jessica B. White-Videa, DO, FACOG.

Ivonne Reynolds DO, LLC

Last updated May 25, 2023

Tooltip Icon.Speech Bubble Icon.1

Copied to clipboard

Most common questions

What does green vaginal discharge mean?

Causes

Next steps

Treatment

Prevention

Table of Contents

Tooltip Icon.Speech Bubble Icon.1

Copied to clipboard

Written by

Jessica B. White-Videa, DO, FACOG.

Ivonne Reynolds DO, LLC

Last updated May 25, 2023

Green vaginal discharge quiz

Take a quiz to find out what’s causing your discharge.

Buoy Chat Icon.Take symptom quiz

Green vaginal discharge is often a sign that you have a vaginal infection. Common culprits are a yeast infection or vaginosis, but it is also a common symptom of STDs, like trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. You will likely have other symptoms like irritation or pain with urinating. Prescription or over-the-counter medications are usually needed to treat it.

3 most common causes

Yeast Infection

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Illustration of a health care worker swabbing an individual.

Vaginal trichomonas

Green vaginal discharge quiz

Take a quiz to find out what’s causing your discharge.

Take green vaginal discharge quiz

Most common questions

Common causes of green vaginal discharge include vaginal infections such as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted infections. You should consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Was this information helpful?

Thank you! Buoy values your feedback. The more we know about what’s working – and what could improve – the better we can make our experience.

Having green vaginal discharge is not necessarily an emergency. However, if there is a fever or severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medications, it may be necessary to go to the emergency room.

Was this information helpful?

Thank you! Buoy values your feedback. The more we know about what’s working – and what could improve – the better we can make our experience.

Green vaginal discharge is often a sign of an infection, so it is recommended to call your doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Was this information helpful?

Thank you! Buoy values your feedback. The more we know about what’s working – and what could improve – the better we can make our experience.

Treatment for green vaginal discharge will depend on the underlying cause, but may involve anti-fungal creams, or antibiotics for possible infections.

Was this information helpful?

Thank you! Buoy values your feedback. The more we know about what’s working – and what could improve – the better we can make our experience.

✨ BETA

Take our green vaginal discharge quiz

Your response today was provided by ChatGPT trained on the proprietary content of this page. Please note, this tool is for information purposes only and not intended to be used as a substitute for professional advice. You assume responsibility for decisions made with your individual medical situation.

Was this information helpful?

Thank you! Buoy values your feedback. The more we know about what’s working – and what could improve – the better we can make our experience.

What does green vaginal discharge mean?

Vaginal discharge is normal. Its consistency changes throughout the month and is a key sign of ovulation. Some women naturally have more discharge than others. However, it is never normal to have green vaginal discharge.

Green vaginal discharge can be a sign of something relatively easy to treat, such as a yeast infection. Or it may be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If you have a green vaginal discharge, it is very likely you will also have other symptoms, such as vaginal irritation and discomfort, pain with urination, and pelvic pain.

Most causes of green vaginal discharge are treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

Causes

1. Vaginal trichomonas

Pro Tip

Trichomoniasis is the most common cause of green discharge. But most women with trichomoniasis are asymptomatic. They only find out they have it during a routine PAP smear. —Dr. Jessica White-Videa

Symptoms

• Vaginal odor
• Vaginal itching or burning
• More than usual vaginal discharge

Vaginal trichomonas, also called trichomoniasis or “trich,” is a common STD caused by a parasite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it affects over 2 million people per year. Only about 30% have symptoms.

You need a test to make sure you have vaginal trichomonas. If the test is positive, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection.

2. Yeast infection

Symptoms

• Cottage cheese-like discharge
• Yellow or green-tinged discharge
• Vaginal itching and discomfort
• Swelling of the external genitals
• Burning or pain when urinating

A yeast infection is a common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Candida albicans.

Yeast infections can happen because you’re taking antibiotics or birth control pills, are pregnant, or have diabetes or a weakened immune system. These conditions can disturb the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina.

Stress, sexual activity, living in a warm climate, and using perfumed soaps and other personal hygiene products can also raise your risk for yeast infection.

Over-the-counter and prescription anti-fungal creams and medications usually treat yeast infections.

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Symptoms

• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pelvic pain, including during sexual intercourse

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a general term for a bacterial infection of a woman’s reproductive organs. The major causes are two STDs called gonorrhea and chlamydia. But you can get PID from other bacteria commonly found in the rectal and vaginal area, including the one that causes bacterial vaginosis.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms because untreated PID can cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and abdominal pain. Treatment includes antibiotics. If the cause is chlamydia or gonorrhea, your partner also needs to get treated.

Other possible causes

A number of conditions may also cause green vaginal discharge, though these are either rare or green vaginal discharge is not usually the defining symptom. They include bacterial vaginosis and a tampon that’s kept in for too long.

When to call the doctor

As soon as you notice green vaginal discharge, call your doctor to determine the cause.

Dr. Rx

Important questions to ask your doctor: What is the underlying cause of this discharge? Should my partner be tested and treated? Should I be screened for other STDs? —Dr. White-Videa

Should I go to the ER for green vaginal discharge?

Your doctor should be able to treat most cases of green vaginal discharge. However, go to the emergency room if you have any of these signs of a more serious problem:

• Fever
• Severe pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medications
• Severe nausea and vomiting

Treatments

Pro Tip

When talking with your doctor, be very open and honest about your sexual history. —Dr. White-Videa

At-home care

• Use an over-the-counter, anti-fungal creams for suspected yeast infection.
• Use a cold compress, such as an ice pack wrapped in a washcloth, to alleviate discomfort due to itching or swelling

Other treatment options

• Prescription strength anti-fungal pills and creams
• Antibiotics for sexually transmitted infections

Prevention

• Avoid douching and the use of scented soaps to restore the balance of vaginal organisms.
• Use a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent STDs.
• Limit number of sexual partners.
• Replace or remove tampons after 4 to 8 hours, the FDA advises.

Jessica B. White-Videa, DO, FACOG.

Ivonne Reynolds DO, LLC

Dr. White-Videa is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist. She received her undergraduate degree in 2002, in Psychology from Barnard College in New York City . Dr. White-Videa then attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) starting in 2005. During that time, she participated in several medical mission trips and also mentored high school students who wanted to pursue car…

Read full bio

Was this article helpful?

127 people found this helpful

Tooltip Icon.

Copied to clipboard

Read this next

Slide 1 of 4

Vaginal Itching and Burning

Some causes of vaginal itching or burning, such as yeast infections, are common and may be treated at home. But it’s still important to talk to a doctor to rule out other causes, such as infections and skin conditions.

Read more

What Causes Bloody Vaginal Discharge?

While there is an array of color and consistency to vaginal discharge, it’s quite common to have bloody vaginal discharge after your period. Other causes can relate to age, bacterial or yeast infections, or an STD.

Read more

Vaginal Discharge: What Different Colors & Odors Mean

A comprehensive guide to understanding vaginal discharge including colors, odors and causes.

Read more

Vaginal Swelling

A swollen vagina is often accompanied by other conditions, such pain, discharge, or itching, and can be caused by inflammation, obstruction, or trauma.

Read more

Vaginal Itching and Burning

Some causes of vaginal itching or burning, such as yeast infections, are common and may be treated at home. But it’s still important to talk to a doctor to rule out other causes, such as infections and skin conditions.

Read more

What Causes Bloody Vaginal Discharge?

While there is an array of color and consistency to vaginal discharge, it’s quite common to have bloody vaginal discharge after your period. Other causes can relate to age, bacterial or yeast infections, or an STD.

Read more

Vaginal Discharge: What Different Colors & Odors Mean

A comprehensive guide to understanding vaginal discharge including colors, odors and causes.

Read more

Vaginal Swelling

A swollen vagina is often accompanied by other conditions, such pain, discharge, or itching, and can be caused by inflammation, obstruction, or trauma.

Read more

Vaginal Itching and Burning

Some causes of vaginal itching or burning, such as yeast infections, are common and may be treated at home. But it’s still important to talk to a doctor to rule out other causes, such as infections and skin conditions.

Read more

What Causes Bloody Vaginal Discharge?

While there is an array of color and consistency to vaginal discharge, it’s quite common to have bloody vaginal discharge after your period. Other causes can relate to age, bacterial or yeast infections, or an STD.

Read more

Vaginal Discharge: What Different Colors & Odors Mean

A comprehensive guide to understanding vaginal discharge including colors, odors and causes.

Read more

Vaginal Swelling

A swollen vagina is often accompanied by other conditions, such pain, discharge, or itching, and can be caused by inflammation, obstruction, or trauma.

Read more

Green Vaginal Discharge: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

For anyone with a vagina, it can be surprising and even upsetting to experience discharge of an unexpected color.

The good news is, it’s totally normal for vaginal discharge — fluids secreted from your cervical glands — to occasionally change color and even consistency. 

Certain changes, though, may signal a health condition.

Green discharge, for example, could indicate an infection that requires treatment by a medical provider.

Infections that cause green discharge can be uncomfortable, but there are many treatments available, and you can also take steps to prevent abnormal discharge. 

In this article, I’ll explore green vaginal discharge causes, what green discharge means, and possible treatments. I’ll also cover what normal discharge is like and how to prevent abnormal discharge.

Finally, I’ll explain when to see a doctor for abnormal discharge. 

Green Vaginal Discharge Causes

While it’s normal to experience changes in your discharge from time to time, green discharge is usually not normal, and can often indicate an infection. 

One of the most common causes for green vaginal discharge is bacterial vaginosis, an infection thought to be caused by a disruption in people’s vaginal flora.

Along with excessive, fishy-smelling green or yellow discharge, bacterial vaginosis can cause pain and itching in the vagina.

People with bacterial vaginosis may also experience pain during urination.

Sexually Transmitted Infections and Diseases

Some infections that cause green or yellowish green discharge are sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, such as: 

• Trichomoniasis: Also known as “trich,” trichomoniasis is an STI that spreads through unprotected sex with an infected person. Trichomoniasis usually causes greenish-yellow discharge that smells fishy or musty and looks frothy, and it can cause pain, burning, or itching in the vagina accompanied by painful urination. Some cases of trichomoniasis can also be asymptomatic, not causing any symptoms for the infected individual. 

• Gonorrhea: Another STI, gonorrhea, can lead to green or yellow discharge that smells foul. In addition to increased discharge, people with gonorrhea usually have painful urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, and pelvic or abdominal pain.
• Chlamydia: This infection also causes smelly green or yellow discharge that’s accompanied by pain during sex and urination along with vaginal bleeding between periods. 

Yeast Infections vs Bacterial Vaginosis

If you’re experiencing changes in your vaginal discharge, you may be wondering whether your symptoms are due to a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

These two infections can both cause discomfort and change your discharge, but they have different causes.

Yeast infections are caused by a fungal infection, and bacterial vaginosis happens from a bacterial infection. 

Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis usually cause different types of discharge.

While yeast infections often cause thick, white, clumpy discharge, BV can result in thin, milky gray, yellow, or even green vaginal discharge.

It’s possible for a yeast infection to cause an unpleasant smell, but bacterial vaginosis usually has a distinct, fishy smell.  

The treatments for yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis are different, too.

If you’re unsure whether you have a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, check in with your doctor for an exam and diagnosis. 

What Green Discharge Means

Everybody notices changes in their discharge, and some of those changes can represent perfectly healthy processes in the body, like ovulation or sexual excitement. 

Green discharge, however, is usually cause for concern.

It can occur due to an infection, which can cause uncomfortable symptoms along with changes in discharge.

Left untreated, infections can worsen and spread to the bloodstream, so it’s important to seek medical treatment if you have green discharge. 

Talk to a doctor today.

Start my visit

Possible Treatments

Learning an infection is causing your green vaginal discharge can be upsetting.

Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for bacterial infections, including those that affect your discharge.  

Bacterial vaginosis treatments 

If you’re diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, your healthcare provider may prescribe you an antibiotic, a type of drug that stops bacteria from growing and reduces infection symptoms. 

It’s important to seek treatment if you suspect an infection, both to decrease your symptoms and your risk of complications.

Treatment is especially vital if you’re pregnant, as BV and STIs can both cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. 

The following drugs are often prescribed for bacterial vaginosis: 

• Metronidazole: The generic form of Flagyl and Metrogel-Vaginal, metronidazole is an antibiotic that’s available as an oral tablet or a topical gel you apply to your vagina. 
• Clindamycin: This medicine, the generic version of Cleocin and Clindesse, is a cream you insert into your vagina. 
• Secnidazole: This drug — the generic form of Solosec — is a one-dose antibiotic. It typically comes in a pocket of small granules you add to food and eat.
• Tinidazole: Also sold under the brand name Tindamax, this medication is an oral antibiotic commonly used for vaginal infections. 

Sexually transmitted infection treatments

Sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria are best treated with oral antibiotics, because the infection isn’t only in your vagina.

Depending on the type of infection you have and how severe it is, your medical provider may prescribe one of a few types of antibiotics.

You may be prescribed a one-time dose or antibiotic medication you take daily or several times a day for several days.

No matter what type of drug you’re prescribed, always follow your doctor’s instructions and finish the dose.

Stopping antibiotics prematurely can result in antibiotic resistance, which means future infections could be more difficult to treat. 

What is Normal Discharge Like?

There’s no one “normal” color or consistency of discharge.

Your vagina can secrete different forms of discharge at different times.

For example, your discharge may change at different points in your menstrual cycle, if you take birth control, or during pregnancy. 

It’s typical for vaginal discharge to be either clear or white.

If your vaginal discharge becomes yellow, green, or gray, it’s important to get checked out by a medical provider.

These colors can indicate a potential infection or another medical condition. 

Prevention of Abnormal Discharge

Many infections that cause green discharge are treatable, but it’s important to do what you can to prevent conditions like sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis. 

To prevent a sexually transmitted infection, always use condoms when you have sex of any kind, especially with a new partner.

If possible, ensure your partner doesn’t have an STI before engaging in sexual activity. 

Bacterial vaginosis isn’t always preventable.

Some people get BV due to a natural lack of “good bacteria” in their vaginas.

Douching can also heighten your risk of bacterial vaginosis, so avoid washing inside your vagina with soap and water. 

Talk to a doctor today.

Start my visit

When to See a Medical Provider

Noticing changes in your vaginal discharge can be disconcerting.

Your healthcare provider is the best resource for finding out whether these changes could be due to an infection or another health condition.

A doctor can also recommend the best course of treatment if you do have an infection. 

If you’ve already been diagnosed with an infection, call your doctor right away if it’s not responding to treatment or getting worse.

Certain red flags may also indicate an infection is spreading, which requires prompt medical care. 

Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the below symptoms during an infection: 

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Feeling weak or faint
• Nausea and vomiting

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can access online urgent care with K Health?

Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes.  

K Health’s AI-powered app is based on 20 years of clinical data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when you have a green discharge?

Green discharge most often indicates an infection. Bacterial vaginosis, an infection caused by a disruption in your vaginal bacteria, can cause yellow or green discharge along with itching and pain during urination. Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause green or yellow-green discharge. If you have green discharge, talk to your doctor.

Is it normal to have light green discharge?

It’s not normal to have green discharge. Typically, green or yellow discharge happens if you have an infection. It’s important to speak to a healthcare provider if you think you may have an infection, as untreated infections can result in potentially serious medical complications.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions,
and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Abnormal Vaginal Discharge. (n.d.).
  https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/vaginitis

• Vaginal discharge. (1990).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK281/

• Vaginal discharge. (2007).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2099568/

• Vaginal itching and discharge: adult and adolescent. (n.d.).
  https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003158.htm

Vaginal discharge – causes, examination and treatment | Symptoms

Foreign object (often toilet paper, forgotten tampon) in the vagina
Signs: The discharge is usually foul-smelling, often containing a small amount of blood. Often redness in the genital area and pain during urination, and sometimes pain during intercourse.

Infections (yeast, pinworm, streptococcus, staphylococcus)
Signs: Itching, redness and swelling in the genital area. Often pain during urination. With pinworms – itching, which increases at night. With streptococcal and staphylococcal infections – redness and swelling in the genital area.

Personal hygiene
Signs: Itching, redness and unpleasant odor from the genital area. Sometimes pain during urination.

Sexual abuse
Signs: Soreness in the genital area. Sometimes discharge that smells bad or contains blood. Often vague symptoms (fatigue or abdominal pain) or behavioral changes (tantrums or withdrawal).

Bacterial vaginosis
Signs: Liquid, white or gray cloudy discharge with a fishy smell. Itching and irritation.

Yeast infections
Signs: Irritation, itching, redness and swelling in the genital area. Thick, white, lumpy cheesy discharge. Sometimes worsening of symptoms after intercourse and before menstruation. Sometimes taking antibiotics in the recent past or having a history of diabetes.

Trichomoniasis (protozoal infection)
Signs: Usually copious yellow-green frothy discharge with a fishy odor. Itching, redness, swelling and soreness in the genital area. Sometimes pain during intercourse and urination.

Pelvic inflammatory disease
Signs: Aching growing pain in the pelvic area, which can be felt on one or both sides. A discharge that is sometimes foul-smelling and may become pus-like and yellow-green in color as the infection progresses. Abnormal vaginal bleeding. Sometimes pain during intercourse and urination, fever or chills, nausea or vomiting.

Thinning of the vaginal mucosa (atrophic vaginitis)
Signs: Scanty discharge. Pain during intercourse.

R irritation (urine-induced)
Signs: General redness in the genital area and anus. Conditions that increase the risk of this type of irritation (urinary incontinence or when women are bedridden with illness).

Cancer of the vagina, cervix, body of the uterus
Signs: Watery or bloody discharge. Pathological vaginal bleeding. Often there are no other symptoms until the cancer has spread. Pain that develops gradually and sometimes becomes chronic. Sometimes weight loss.

Irritation due to use of chemicals (due to use of soaps, bubble baths, hygiene sprays or vaginal creams and ointments)
Signs: Redness, itching, swelling and soreness in the genital area.

Fistula (abnormal canal) between intestines and genital tract
Signs: Causes of formation: trauma during childbirth, surgery, inflammatory bowel disease. cancer of the digestive tract or genital organs. Discharge with an unpleasant odor. Presence of stool in the vagina or in vaginal discharge.

Inflammation (after radiotherapy, pelvic surgery, chemotherapy drugs)
Signs: Recently treated for disorders of the pelvic organs. Discharges containing pus. Pain during urination and intercourse. Sometimes irritation, itching, redness, burning pain and minor bleeding.

Skin diseases (psoriasis, lichen sclerosus and ringworm)
Signs: Rash, itching, or other symptoms, depending on the disorder.

Vaginal itching – PCMC medical blog article

Vaginal itching is sometimes accompanied by painful sensations and can cause severe discomfort. This symptom is incredibly common among women. When the delicate areas of the vagina, clitoris, and vulva are inflamed and irritated, your whole day can be ruined.

There are many possible causes of vaginal irritation, including bacterial vaginosis, a sexually transmitted disease, a yeast infection, or menopause.

The use of chemical irritants such as creams, douches, and condoms can also cause itching. Many women are sensitive to birth control foams, fabric softeners, laundry detergents, and scented toilet paper. There is also a condition called lichen sclerosus, which causes white patches on the skin around the vulva and scarring in the vagina.

How can a woman tell if her symptoms are abnormal?

A clear or milky white discharge usually comes from the vagina. These secretions are produced by the glands of the cervix and the walls of the vagina and have a thick, liquid or pasty consistency. Normal vaginal discharge may be foul-smelling or odorless. When exposed to air, they turn white or yellow.

If you don’t have an infection, vaginal itching may go away on its own. Allergies to soap and scented toilet paper can be cured by simply not using these products, especially around the vagina. However, if your vaginal discharge is foul-smelling and has changed color, you may have an infection. The abnormal discharge may be thick, white and lumpy or green and yellowish in color and give off a foul odor.

When should I see a gynecologist for symptoms of vaginal itching?

If your vagina has a pronounced red tint, itches, you feel tired and weak with fever, then you should consult a gynecologist. These symptoms may be due to an infection requiring antibiotics. This type of infection can cause green, yellow, and cheesy discharge in the vagina. Signs of abnormal discharge may include inflammation of the skin around the vagina and vulva, as well as bleeding and discharge between periods.

Common causes of female itching

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection often caused by smoking, unprotected sex, and douching. When you douche, you disturb the natural bacteria of the vagina, new sexual partners can also disturb the flora. The use of scented soaps, lotions, and perfumes can also lead to bacterial vaginosis. Anal sex, use of an intrauterine device, swimming in pools, and using public toilet seats can also cause this infection.

Since the balance of bacteria in the vagina is very sensitive, it is important to take precautions to maintain a healthy environment. You can do this by replenishing your body with good bacteria and by avoiding scented foods near your vagina. Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include a thin, white, gray, or green discharge and a burning sensation when urinating. A fishy smell also comes from the vagina, which intensifies after sex.

Yeast infections

Yeast infections are common among women and are caused by the fungus Candida. This fungus is naturally present in the vagina, but when it gets out of control, it becomes a painful infection. This infection occurs when the balance of beneficial bacteria and yeast in the vagina is disturbed. While most infections are easily treatable, some are persistent and difficult to treat. If your immune system is weak, it may be harder to fight yeast than usual, allowing the infection to thrive.

Women can develop a yeast infection if they eat too much sugar, have diabetes, and are under stress. When hormones are out of alignment due to pregnancy, menopause, or birth control pills, yeast usually thrives. The use of antibiotics, douches, and vaginal sprays can also cause yeast infections. Although yeast is not a sexually transmitted disease, it can be passed from one person to another during sexual contact.

Yeast infection symptoms include thick, white, odorless discharge that looks like cottage cheese. The vagina and vulva swell, redden, become very irritated and itchy. You may experience pain during sex, frequent urination, and burning sensation when urinating.

Chemical irritants

Chemical irritants can irritate the vagina and cause itching and burning due to their toxic ingredients. The use of scented pads, toilet paper, and feminine sprays can cause an allergic reaction and irritation. As well as bathing in foam baths, disinfection and washing with perfumed soaps. To avoid vaginal itching, you should refrain from using scented toiletries. Also, to avoid vaginal irritation, wear cotton panties, avoid douching, and wipe from front to back after urinating.

Menopause

When a woman reaches menopause, the hormones in her body change dramatically. Falling estrogen levels lead not only to hot flashes and night sweats, but also to vaginal dryness. As a result of changes in the chemical composition of the vaginal walls become thin and dry. The decrease in the amount of tissue causes itching and irritation of the vagina. To reduce these unpleasant symptoms, the doctor may prescribe estrogen pills, creams, or ring inserts.

General hormonal or pH imbalance

In addition to the changes in hormones associated with menopause, your body goes through hormonal changes that come and go over the course of a month. Hormone levels change when you are pregnant, have your period, or are on birth control pills. As your body goes through these changes, estrogen levels and pH are disrupted, which can lead to vaginal itching and dryness.

What are the common treatments for vaginal itching?

How to treat symptoms depends on the cause of vaginal itching. If you have a yeast infection, you will need an antifungal cream or tablets to help relieve your symptoms. Your gynecologist can often prescribe oral medications to get rid of the yeast. An over-the-counter cream is sometimes also effective in trying to clear up a yeast infection.

Bacterial vaginosis is treated by balancing the good and bad bacteria in the vagina.