TeenThreads Girls’ Health: Vaginal Health & Vaginal Infections
Government Guide: Vaginal Health (Office on Women’s Health)
TeenThreads mission: Normalize vaginal health. Remove shame. Help girls understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when to get help.
Important: This page is educational and does not replace medical care. If symptoms are severe, painful, or worrying, seek care.
Quick Jump
What Vaginal Health Means
Vaginal health refers to the balance of bacteria, moisture, hormones, and tissues that keep the vagina comfortable and protected.
A healthy vagina usually cleans itself and does not need special products.
Normal vaginal discharge:
- Clear, white, or slightly milky
- Mild or no odor
- Changes across the menstrual cycle
- No strong itching or burning
MedlinePlus – Vaginal Discharge
Normal vs Not-Normal Vaginal Changes
Often Normal
- Discharge that changes during the month
- Mild odor
- More discharge during puberty or ovulation
Needs Checking
- Strong or fishy odor
- Intense itching or burning
- Green, yellow, gray, or frothy discharge
- Thick clumpy discharge with itching
- Pain during urination or movement
- Bleeding not related to periods
Types of Vaginal Infections
1️⃣ Vaginal Yeast Infection (Candidiasis)
- Intense itching
- Thick white discharge (often described as clumpy)
- Redness or swelling
- Burning with urination
2️⃣ Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
- Thin gray or white discharge
- Strong fishy odor
- Little itching
3️⃣ Trichomoniasis (STI)
- Yellow-green frothy discharge
- Strong odor
- Itching or discomfort
4️⃣ Vaginal Irritation (Not Infection)
- Burning or itching
- No infection on testing
- Often caused by soaps, pads, detergents, or tight clothing
Types of Vaginal Pain
- Itching pain
- Burning pain
- Soreness or swelling
- Sharp pain with movement
- Burning during urination
Why Vaginal Infections Happen
- Antibiotics
- Hormonal changes
- Scented products
- Tight or non-breathable clothing
- Stress or illness
- Sexual activity (some infections)
Treatment & Relief
- Antifungal creams or pills (yeast)
- Antibiotics (BV or trichomoniasis)
- Stopping scented products
- Loose cotton underwear
- Finishing all prescribed medicine
Prevention & Daily Vaginal Care
- No douching
- Unscented soap only on outer vulva
- Change pads regularly
- Wear breathable underwear
- Change out of wet clothes quickly
When to See a Clinician
- First-ever infection
- Symptoms are severe or painful
- Treatment doesn’t help
- Frequent infections
- Unusual bleeding or fever
Trusted Resources (Active Links)
- Office on Women’s Health – Vaginal Health
- MedlinePlus – Vaginal Discharge
- CDC – STDs & Vaginal Infections
- HRSA – Find a Health Center
TeenThreads Final Word
Vaginal health is part of overall health.
Changes don’t mean something is “wrong with you” — they mean your body is asking for attention.
Knowledge replaces fear. Care replaces shame.
Last updated: February 5, 2026
TeenThreads note: This page is written for girls and adolescents using trusted medical sources.