Itching or burning
Irritation or external discomfort can have several causes.
Folsom, California
Vaginal Itching, Odor & Discharge Care
Similar symptoms. Different causes.
Get evaluated at Haven—with same-day vaginal infection test results usually available to help guide treatment.
3 in 4
Estimated lifetime occurrence of vaginal yeast infection.
This CDC estimate does not identify the cause of symptoms you have today.
What would you like help with?
These symptoms can overlap. Testing and your health history help point toward the right next step.
Explore care
Odor or discharge changes
Color, texture, and odor may change for different reasons.
Symptoms keep returning
Repeated symptoms deserve a fresh look at the cause.
Treatment hasn’t helped
Symptoms may persist when the cause needs a different approach.
Discomfort with sex
Pain or irritation with penetration can have several explanations.
Dryness or irritation
Dryness and sensitivity may relate to hormones or products.
What could be causing your symptoms?
Symptoms alone often cannot distinguish infection from irritation or hormonal changes.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
An imbalance in the vaginal bacteria. It is common and not the same as an STI.
Yeast infection
Overgrowth of Candida species. Itching and soreness may occur, but symptoms overlap.
Trichomoniasis
A common sexually transmitted infection that can cause vaginal symptoms.
Irritation or hormonal changes
Can be related to products, menopause, or other factors—not an infection.
A vaginal infection panel does not test for every STI or explain every cause of symptoms. Your clinician may recommend other evaluation based on your history.
Educational video
Understanding Vaginal Yeast Infections
A short introduction to yeast infection symptoms and care. It covers yeast specifically—not every possible cause of vaginal symptoms.
CDC: candidiasis guidance →Common questions—and a few misconceptions
Vaginal symptoms are common. They are not a reason for shame, and guessing can delay the right care.
Does itching mean I have a yeast infection?
Not always. Yeast, bacterial vaginosis (BV), trichomoniasis, skin irritation, and hormonal changes can cause overlapping symptoms. Symptoms alone may not identify the cause. Examination and testing, when appropriate, help guide treatment.
Does this mean I am not clean enough?
No. Vaginal symptoms are not a measure of cleanliness. Douching and scented vaginal products can irritate tissue and disrupt the normal bacterial balance. Gentle external care is usually enough; the vagina does not need internal cleansing.
Does this panel test for every STI?
No. Xpert Xpress MVP helps identify BV, Candida associated with yeast infections, and trichomoniasis. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection, but this panel is not a complete STI screen: it does not test for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, or syphilis. Additional testing depends on your symptoms, history, and exposure concerns.
What if treatment has not helped?
Arrange reassessment rather than repeatedly treating presumed yeast. A different cause, more than one condition, a less common yeast type, or a noninfectious problem may be involved. Bring the names and dates of treatments you have tried. Persistent symptoms after over-the-counter yeast treatment, or symptoms returning within two months, deserve clinical evaluation.
Same-day vaginal infection testing at Haven
In-office molecular testing to help identify common causes
One vaginal swab can help distinguish common infections. Testing is one part of evaluation, not a complete STI screen or a test for every cause.
Discuss symptoms
We’ll talk through your symptoms, health history, and what may help.
Collect a vaginal sample
Your care team explains how the vaginal swab is collected.
Review results & next steps
Your clinician interprets the result alongside your symptoms and discusses care.
Treatment starts with understanding the cause
Your clinician considers test results, symptoms, examination findings, and health history. There is no single treatment for every cause.
Treatment for BV, yeast, or trichomoniasis
Treatment differs by infection. Your clinician can discuss the recommended medicine, how to use it, possible side effects, and whether partners or follow-up testing matter for your specific diagnosis. Avoid treating a suspected infection repeatedly without confirming the cause.
Care for irritation or menopause-related changes
If infection is not the explanation, care may focus on avoiding irritants, addressing dryness or skin changes, and considering hormonal or nonhormonal options when appropriate. Recommendations depend on your symptoms, medical history, and preferences.
Negative results or recurring symptoms
A negative panel does not mean symptoms are imaginary or that every cause has been ruled out. Persistent or returning symptoms may call for additional evaluation, a different test, or reassessment of products, skin conditions, and hormonal factors.
What to Expect at Your Visit
A clear, private conversation helps make the visit useful and comfortable.
Tell us what you’ve noticed
Discuss symptoms, timing, treatments tried, and what matters most to you.
Understand what needs evaluation
We’ll talk about an exam or sample collection and explain each step before proceeding.
Review your care plan
Understand results, treatment options, and when to check back if symptoms continue.
Before your visit: Avoid douching, and tell us about vaginal products, medicines, and treatments you’ve used. Don’t stop prescribed medicines unless your clinician advises you to.
More questions before you book?
Explore more answers, or talk with our care team about what you’re experiencing.
How quickly will I get my results?
Haven performs Cepheid Xpert Xpress MVP testing in the office, and results are usually shared the same day. The test itself processes a sample within about 60 minutes; this is not a guarantee of your total visit length or result-delivery time. Your clinician reviews the result alongside your symptoms and examination. Additional testing may take longer.
How is testing done?
The vaginal panel uses a vaginal swab, not a blood draw. Your care team explains how the sample will be collected and whether an examination or other tests are needed. Let the team know about discomfort, pregnancy, recent medicines, or products you have used.
What if the panel is negative but I still have symptoms?
A negative result does not mean your symptoms are not real. This panel does not detect every cause of itching, discharge, burning, or pain. Your clinician may consider skin conditions, irritation, hormonal changes, other infections, or additional testing based on your history and examination.
Why do symptoms keep coming back?
Recurrence can have several explanations, including recurrent BV or yeast, a different infection, or a noninfectious condition. Diabetes, antibiotics, hormonal changes, or other factors may contribute, but many people have no clear trigger. Confirming the cause helps your clinician discuss treatment and follow-up rather than repeating the same treatment without reassessment.
Does my partner need treatment?
It depends on the diagnosis. Trichomoniasis requires partner treatment and guidance about avoiding sex until treatment is completed and symptoms resolve. Uncomplicated yeast infections do not usually require partner treatment. For BV, especially when it recurs, ask your clinician about current recommendations and whether partner care is appropriate.
Can menopause or hormonal changes cause these symptoms?
Yes. Changes in estrogen can contribute to vaginal dryness, irritation, burning, and discomfort with sex. Infection and other causes may still need to be considered. Treatment may include moisturizers, lubricants, or prescription options based on your history and preferences.
What should I do before my visit?
Avoid douching and tell the team about recent vaginal products, medicines, antibiotics, and treatments you have tried. Ask the office whether any products should be avoided before your particular test. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice, and do not delay evaluation of severe or worsening symptoms.
When should I seek care promptly?
Contact a clinician promptly for pelvic pain with fever, worsening symptoms, sores, or vaginal symptoms during pregnancy. Severe pain, fainting, or feeling very unwell may require emergency care. Do not wait for an online appointment request to be answered in an emergency.
Get answers. Understand your next step.
We’ll listen, explain what we know, and help you decide on care that fits.
Educational information supports—not replaces—individual medical care.