Symptom: Discharge

Ureaplasma spp.

Ureaplasma species are tiny microbes capable of being both a commensal and a pathogen.

Leptothrix vaginalis

Leptothrix vaginalis is a relative of lactobacilli, but is longer and can be an unpleasant coloniser.

Enterobius vermicularis vaginal, urinary tract and pelvic infection

Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis) usually infect the intestine, with the eggs highly transmissible, entering via the mouth. Kids are typically the most affected, however anyone can get worms. Vaginal infection isn’t common, but many case reports identify pinworms in the vagina. Read more about pinworms in the vagina and female reproductive tract

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Strep, GBS)

GBS can harmlessly inhabit the vagina, sometimes causing infections and unpleasant symptoms, though this remains controversial between practitioners. 

Saccharomyces cerevisiae vulvovaginal infections

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a yeast that can inhabit the vagina, but is most famous for fermentation in wine, baking bread and brewing beer, with vulvovaginitis uncommon, but more likely to occur more in women who work in or near someone who works in a bakery or brewery.

Lactobacillus crispatus in the vagina

Strong vaginal coloniser, considered a protective bacteria​1​ (for the most part), helps protect against sexually transmitted infections and other pathogens, while helping restore healthy flora after infection/imbalance​2​. Positive indicator of vaginal health. L. crispatus is used by the food industry to produce lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. Causes positive effect on vaginal cells

Neisseria gonorrhoeae vulvovaginal infections (gonorrhoea)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis female genital/reproductive organ infection

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 2 (Genital Herpes)

Commonly associated with genital herpes, but can appear as coldsores and in other areas.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Type 1 (Cold Sores)

HSV1 is typically associated with mouth cold sores, but it can just as easily inhabit the genitals and cause genital herpes.

Ureaplasma parvum vulvovaginal infections

Ureaplasma parvum is found in the human genital tract, and can be either a commensal or a pathogen, depending on various factors.

Chlamydia trachomatis vulvovaginal infections

Ureaplasma urealyticum vulvovaginal infections

U. urealyticum can be a commensal, but can cause inflammation in the vagina and urinary tract.

Candida paratropicalis (Candida tropicalis) vulvovaginal infections

Candida parapsilosis vulvovaginal infections

Candida parapsilosis is a yeast that can cause vulvovaginal infections. C. parapsilosis biofilms have a high, thin, unstructured, carbohydrate-based matrices.

Candida lipolytica vulvovaginal infections

Candida krusei vulvovaginal infections

Candida glabrata vulvovaginal infections

Infection of Candida glabrata is becoming more common, with antifungal drug resistance. Like all vulvovaginal yeast infections, a Candida glabrata infection in the vulvovaginal region is a result of yeast overgrowth from the gut. Accordingly, to prevent recurrence, the gut must be treated while also killing the infection in the vagina to give symptomatic relief.

Candida albicans vulvovaginal infections

Candida albicans is a common cause of vulvovaginal yeast infections in women. The following essential oils have been demonstrated to inhibit (not necessarily kill) C. albicans: Anethum graveolens (dill) Artemisia dracunculus (tarragon) Artemisia sieberi (desert wormwood) Citrus aurantifolia (Tahitian lime) Communis hominis Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian blue gum) Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) Lavandula stoechas (French lavender) Mentha spicata (spearmint) Pelargonium

Escherichia coli urinary tract and vulvovaginal infections

Escherichia coli is found in most mammals, with most strains harmless (or even probiotic), but others cause food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and vulvovaginal infections.