Vaginal and Urinary infections occur when bacteria, fungi or viruses grow in and around your vagina and the urinary bladder.
Certain types of bacteria live naturally inside your vagina. They produce acid to help fight off other bacteria, viruses and fungi that don't normally live in your vagina. Vaginal infections are common. For example, around three-quarters of women will have thrush in their lives.
Women also tend to suffer from frequent urinary infections.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms that may indicate an infection include:
- Sores, itching or lumps in the genital area
- Sores, itching or lumps in the rectal area
- Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding during or after sex
- Pain or burning when you pass urine
- Passing urine many times
- Blood in the urine
- Discharge from the urethra