Great question! Yeast infections actually aren’t related to birth control pills at all.  Yeast is a natural part of the vaginal flora, existing in balance with different types of bacteria. Sometimes yeast can overgrow—this is what we call a yeast infection. Yeast overgrowth can occur for many reasons, including illness, recent antibiotic use, poor vaginal hygiene, and eating too much sugar. Symptoms of a yeast infection can include itching, burning, bleeding after intercourse, and an increase in white, clumpy discharge.

If you are having repeat yeast infections, it’s a good idea to see a medical provider.  The nurse can help troubleshoot the reoccurring infection. She can also make sure you don’t actually have a different (but similar) infection, like bacterial vaginitis or an STI.  Thanks for being so aware of your body!

…I am not sexually active. I shower every morning but by mid-day I can smell the odor. It’s not so much a fishy smell but just a strong odor. I use panty liners and wipes. Is there anything else I can try?

First of all, it’s great that you’re paying attention to your body! A change in odor can be a sign of infection, so it’s a good idea to make an appointment at Teen Clinic for a pelvic exam to make sure you’re healthy.  Even though you’re not sexually active, some infections like yeast and bacterial vaginitis can occur organically from imbalances in the body. Some of these infections may resolve themselves, but others require medical treatment.

At Teen Clinic, we recommend washing only the vulva (the outside of the vagina), and only with mild soap and water.  While wipes may seem like they help, they can actually upset the natural balance of the vagina.  Keep in mind that the vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Much like earwax and tears are parts of the normal functioning of the ear and eye, all females secrete moisture from the membranes that line the vagina. These normal secretions help control the growth of organisms—like yeast and certain bacterias—that are normal, healthy parts of the vagina. While everyone’s bodies are different, some amount of discharge can be expected.

Give us a call to make an appointment this week. Teen Clinic uses next-day scheduling, so you’ll want to call the day before you’d like to come in, as close to 9am as possible. Check out our hours here.

Bacterial vaginitis, or BV, is an organic infection in which normal healthy bacteria are absent from the vagina, and other bacteria are present in abnormally high numbers.  In some people, BV will occur naturally right before or right after menstruation, then resolve itself. In other cases, the imbalance may require medical treatment.

In very rare cases, a bacterial vaginitis infection can turn into PID, or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. There is an increased risk of infertility from PID; however, BV that has not turned into PID will not cause infertility. It may cause bleeding, pain during intercourse, increased discharge, itching, or burning.

If you have not received treatment for your BV yet, make an appointment at Teen Clinic! The practitioners there will be able to answer your questions about fertility in depth. And don’t forget to use a condom consistently, correctly, and every time to prevent pregnancy and STIs.

… I’m really scared!!

First of all—good for you! It’s great that you made the healthy decision to use a condom, and it’s important to be aware of your body, too!

Vaginal itching can occur for all sorts of reasons. Some females may experience yeast or bacterial vaginitis infections after intercourse; others may experience a reaction to spermicides or lubricants.  Itching can also be a symptom of some sexually transmitted infections.

The most important thing is to see a healthcare provider if the itching continues. Teen Clinic offers free, confidential infection checks if you’re under 20. Just give us a call to schedule for the next possible day.

STIs are transmitted four ways: through blood exchange, fluid exchange, skin to skin contact, and from mother to child (during breastfeeding or vaginal birth).  Unless you have recently had genital contact or fluid exchange with someone who is infected, it’s unlikely you have an STI.

However, some females experience natural infections that are unrelated to sexual activity.  Yeast infections and bacterial vaginitis (BV) often share the same symptoms as bacterial STIs: itching, burning, unusual discharge, and/or change in genital odor.  They are curable, common, and affect women of all ages.  While males can acquire bacterial and yeast infections, it is less common. Males often expel bacteria or yeast during ejaculation or urination.

Whether you’re male, female, or intersex, see a medical professional and get treated if you are experiencing discomfort of any type.  You can make an appointment for the next Teen Clinic by calling 303-442-5160.

Pain during intercourse is often a sign of infection. Bacterial vaginosis, overgrowth of yeast, and sexually transmitted infections can all irritate the tissues of the vaginal canal, causing burning or discomfort during sex. In some cases, these tissues may bleed after intercourse.  See a healthcare provider soon to make sure you’re healthy. Remember, all services at Teen Clinic are free!

The vaginal canal can also become sore after poorly lubricated sexual activity.  Keep plenty of water-based lubricant on hand, especially when you’re using a condom. Some females naturally self-lubricate quite a bit; others may not lubricate enough to avoid discomfort. Remember, reducing the friction during intercourse makes it less likely that vaginal tissues—and condoms!—will tear, lowering your risk for STIs. It’s important to use only water-based lubricants, since oil-based lubes can create holes in a condom.  We keep free samples of lube in the waiting room at Teen Clinic; come grab some!

Lastly, make sure your partner knows when you’re experiencing pain during intercourse! Communicating with your partner is key to keeping sex safe and healthy. If you’re in pain—whether from a position, an infection, or poor lubrication—your partner should know that it’s time to stop.

… I have never been sexually active, but I have a bad odor and discharge. I did some online research and I have some symptoms that are similar to a yeast infection but it also seems like it’s more than that.  I’m really terrified that I have serious life-long damage because I let it go for so long. I’m also worried I can’t afford the payment. Can you help me?

Yes–you’ve come to the right place! Teen Clinic is a free, confidential clinic for anyone under 20.  We offer sexual health services of a wide range—including infection checks! Make an appointment to see one of our nurses in Boulder or Longmont soon.

Women can experience vaginal infections that occur naturally and are unrelated to sexual activity, for example a yeast infection or  bacterial vaginitis (BV). These are considered organic infections because they occur naturally in the vagina and are not considered STIs. They are very common infections and can happen to women of any age.  Other types of infection may be possible as well; be sure to see a nurse soon.  And remember—Teen Clinic is free! Don’t ever hesitate to come get the care you need.

Learn how to make an appointment here.

BV stands for Bacterial Vaginosis. It’s an organic infection in the vagina in which the normal healthy bacteria is absent, and other bacteria are present in abnormally high numbers Symptoms may include a milky white discharge; a “fishy” odor, especially after intercourse; and vaginal itching and irritation.  Symptoms often appear when the body is under stress, either from illness, inadequate diet or rest, or emotional upsets.

Bacterial vaginosis is not thought to be sexually transmitted. It’s treated by a topical gel applied for five nights.  It is best not to have sex while you are being treated. If you do, use condoms to avoid re-infection.  Anal intercourse can aggravate symptoms or contribute to re-infection. If you are experiencing symptoms of BV or have more questions, call Teen Clinic at 303.442.5160.