Yeast infections are treated with anti-fungal medications, which are available as creams and suppositories, or as a pill called Diflucan. Women with recurrent infections may find relief from a prescription for boric acid that is prepared as a capsule that is inserted into the vagina. Boric acid changes the vaginal pH, inhibiting the growth of yeast.
According to Dr. Soper, women who have had a yeast infection before and who are not at risk for a sexually transmitted disease, can try over-the-counter products if they have the same symptoms. He warns that women should see a health care provider if symptoms don't clear up in a few days, however.
Trichomoniasis
The third most common vaginal infection is trichomoniasis, or "trich," which is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a parasite that is identified by examining vaginal secretions under the microscope. While trichomoniasis does not always cause symptoms, it can cause itching and irritation as well as a yellow-green, foul-smelling discharge in women. Both partners should be treated with a single dose of a drug called metronidazole, which usually clears the infections if the partners avoid sex over the course of treatment.
Other STDs
Trichomoniasis is not the only STD responsible for vaginal symptoms. Other common STDs that may produce an irritating itch and/or a discharge include gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes.
