We already know it: the vagina is an excellent communicator. Whenever anything’s amiss, our vaginas often send immediate signals—through changes in odor, oddly-textured discharge, imbalances or itching. And we’ve all wondered from time to time: is this normal?
With all the conflicting information out there about vaginal health, it’s hard to get a straight answer. So, we’re making it easy—here are the vaginal symptoms that you absolutely should never ignore if you’re experiencing them. If you notice these, your vagina is trying to tell you something, whether it’s a pH imbalance or something more serious.
Burning
If you’re experiencing a burning sensation in your vagina, while urinating or otherwise, it is not considered normal. This symptom could be a red flag for a variety of conditions, including bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections, and yeast infections. Visit your primary care physician immediately upon noticing it.
Trying out a new lube, douche, or spermicide? You may also be experiencing a genital contact allergy, or an allergic reaction in the vagina (ouch!) Genital contact allergies can also be caused by harsh intimate washes, so you may want to switch to something more gentle.
Green or frothy discharge
Your vaginal discharge can tell you a lot about your health—and any change in color or texture is cause for a closer look. Greenish-yellow or frothy discharge could indicate trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.1
Typically, this symptom is accompanied with extreme itchiness, a foul odor, and painful urination; but even if you’re not seeing those alongside this one, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Your vagina’s putting out an SOS signal, and untreated sexually transmitted infections can lead to health complications.
Swelling
Swelling can be an indicator of a variety of conditions that may range from mild to critically serious, but you should never ignore it. An inflamed vagina or vulva can be caused by anything from rough intercourse to bacterial vaginosis to Bartholin’s cysts, or non-cancerous lumps near the vaginal opening.2
Vaginal or vulval inflammation can also be caused by edemas, or collections of fluid in the body that can indicate uterine fibroids or pregnancy. Either way, you’ll want to get it checked out.
Unhealthy odor
A slight change in vaginal odor is nothing to write home about—the vagina hosts millions of healthy bacteria and a mere change in diet could be responsible. However, if you’re noticing an unhealthy odor, this is a sign that something is wrong.
Strong vaginal odor can be an indicator for bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections, or more serious conditions. Consult your doctor for a solution, and in the meantime, consider trying a vaginal probiotic to support a healthy pH balance.*
Pain during urination
Dysuria, or pain during urination, is an absolute red flag when it comes to vaginal health. Stinging, burning, or itching while peeing can be a major sign of a urinary tract infection, which affects 15 million women annually.3
Dysuria can also be an indicator for serious kidney or bladder conditions. So, if you notice you’re dreading your morning pee—check in with your PCP.
How can I keep track of all this?
Keeping track of all your vagina’s signals can be difficult. But it can be a tad easier with these three steps.
First, set aside some vagina time. We’re serious! Take a moment at the top of each day to investigate—study the discharge in your underwear, note how your vagina’s feeling, and track any symptoms. This way, if anything’s off, you’ll notice immediately!
Next, maintain a consistent vaginal care routine to keep that hard-working organ happy and healthy. This can include boric acid suppositories, a varied and rich diet, or a daily plant-based supplement like URO Vaginal Probiotic.
Last but not least, schedule regular visits with your gynecologist. Get a professional involved! Build a care team to ensure that you have a go-to health provider to track your vagina’s health over time and offer solutions.
