A vaginal infection is present when the normal vaginal discharge changes color, becomes heavier or smells different, or if there is itching, burning, swelling, or redness around the vagina. A normal discharge does not smell bad and is not accompanied by redness, swelling, or itching. Most vaginal discharges are normal. A vaginal discharge is often present at some stages in the menstrual cycle. This discharge may be most noticeable at the middle of the cycle, which is close to the time of ovulation.
The most common form of vaginal infection is called bacterial vaginosis. Women with this infection have a large number of organisms called Gardnerella vaginalis, as well as many other organisms, in their vagina. If an infection is present, there will be a vaginal smell that is strongest after sexual intercourse, and perhaps an increased amount of thin vaginal discharge, which may be white or discolored.
