Baths can be a topic of concern when it comes to vaginal health. To prevent infections, keeping the vulva cool, clean, and dry is crucial. If you’re worried about possible infections, avoiding bubble baths might be advisable. A healthy vagina generally requires just washing the vulva once a day with warm water or mild soap. Remember to rinse off any soap thoroughly.

Yeast infections, or vaginal candidiasis, are influenced by various factors. Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of a yeast infection. Symptoms include itching, irritation of the vulva, pain with urination, vulvar redness, soreness, or swelling. Notably, a yeast infection is not sexually transmitted and can be treated with over-the-counter vaginal creams or suppositories.

Vaginitis can cause a rash on the vulva, which may be itchy and painful during urination and sex. The nature of vaginal discharge varies depending on the cause of vaginitis. For instance, a cottage-cheese-like discharge often indicates a yeast infection.

Vaginal yeast infections, usually caused by the Candida albicans fungus, are common. Factors like stress, antibiotics, pregnancy, and certain health issues like diabetes can disrupt the normal balance of yeast in the vagina, leading to an infection. Symptoms of a yeast infection can include vaginal itching, burning, redness, or swelling, and the discharge is typically white, thick, and clumpy.

Taking antibiotics for another infection can affect the bacteria that normally balance yeast in the vagina, leading to an overgrowth and infection. Wearing tight, non-breathable clothing can also trigger a yeast infection. It’s essential to understand the difference between a yeast infection and other conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a urinary tract infection (UTI).

For more detailed information, you can visit these resources:
Go Ask Alice,
Columbia University,
Student Health Center,
University of Utah Health,
Harvard Health,
University of Rochester Medical Center,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and
Mayo Clinic.