Vaginal Infection: Causes, Treatments, and What Works Best

When you feel itching, burning, or unusual discharge, it’s often a vaginal infection, a common condition caused by imbalance in the natural flora of the vagina. Also known as vaginitis, it’s not rare — nearly 75% of women will deal with at least one in their lifetime. It’s not a sign of poor hygiene. It’s not always sexual. It’s usually your body’s microbiome out of sync.

Two main types drive most cases: yeast infection, an overgrowth of Candida fungus, and bacterial vaginosis, when harmful bacteria overpower the good ones. They look similar but need different treatments. A yeast infection often brings thick, white discharge and intense itching. Bacterial vaginosis usually means thin, grayish fluid with a fishy smell. Mixing them up means using the wrong medicine — like putting gasoline in a diesel engine.

That’s why treatments like Gyne-Lotrimin, a topical antifungal containing clotrimazole, work for yeast but do nothing for bacterial issues. Antibiotics might fix bacterial vaginosis but can make yeast infections worse. Even probiotics, which some swear by, aren’t magic — they help support balance, not replace targeted treatment.

What triggers these infections? Antibiotics, hormonal shifts from birth control or pregnancy, tight clothing, scented soaps, even stress. It’s rarely one thing. It’s a combo of your lifestyle, body chemistry, and sometimes bad luck. The good news? Most cases clear up fast with the right approach. You don’t need to suffer in silence or guess what’s happening.

Below, you’ll find real comparisons — like how Gyne-Lotrimin stacks up against fluconazole pills or other creams. You’ll see what works for pregnancy-safe options, what to avoid if you’re prone to recurring infections, and how to tell if it’s really a vaginal infection or something else entirely. No fluff. No hype. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve been there.