Vaginal infections, STIs and vaccines for women

Vaginal infections

Most common causes:

Yeast infection (Candida) — white, crumbly discharge, itching; topical antifungal treatment
Bacterial vaginosis — thin, fishy-smelling discharge; diagnosis-directed antimicrobial treatment
Trichomonas — yellow, frothy discharge; targeted antibiotic treatment according to the pathogen

Microscopy and testing directly at the practice — targeted treatment rather than guesswork.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Chlamydia — detected by nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT/PCR), using a vaginal swab or first-void urine, for example, depending on exposure. Switzerland does not recommend blanket testing of all asymptomatic women; testing is selected according to symptoms, exposure and individual risk.
Gonorrhoea — targeted testing at exposed anatomical sites; the antibiotic, test of cure and partner management depend on the result and current resistance patterns.
Mycoplasma genitalium — a distinct STI. Testing is mainly considered with compatible symptoms or signs, such as cervicitis, intermenstrual/post-coital bleeding, unexplained dysuria, acute pelvic pain/PID, or for a current sexual partner of a person with the infection. If detected, treatment should be planned with antimicrobial resistance in mind; broad screening of asymptomatic people is not recommended.
Mycoplasma hominis and ureaplasmas — U. parvum and U. urealyticum are often present as colonisation. Routine testing or treatment is recommended neither in asymptomatic women nor indiscriminately in women with symptoms. Established STIs and, in women with vaginal symptoms, bacterial vaginosis should be assessed first.
Syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B/C — blood test, in cooperation with infectious-disease specialists
Genital herpes — antiviral treatment, suppressive therapy in case of frequent recurrences

STI testing without symptoms? No single routine interval is right for everyone. Which infections and anatomical sites to test, and when, depend on factors such as new or multiple partners, specific exposures, condom use, pregnancy and your sexual history. We discuss this confidentially and without judgement.

HPV – the essentials & vaccination

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection. High-risk types (especially HPV 16/18) can cause cervical cancer as well as cancers of the vulva, vagina and anus. Low-risk types (especially HPV 6/11) cause genital warts (condylomata).

Cervical cancer screening: With normal previous results, the SGGG recommends cytology (Pap smear) every three years from age 21 to 29. From age 30 to 70, either cytology or primary high-risk HPV screening at three-year intervals is a possible strategy. Routine simultaneous co-testing with both Pap and HPV is not recommended. After abnormal previous results, treatment of dysplasia or where there is a particular risk, individual intervals and assessment pathways apply, which may include colposcopy.

Costs: Swiss compulsory health insurance reimburses gynaecological screening including Pap smears at the statutory intervals when results are normal. HPV detection used for primary cervical screening is currently excluded from compulsory insurance coverage and therefore usually has to be paid for by the patient. We clarify the method and expected cost before testing.

HPV vaccination

Primary vaccination: for all adolescents aged 11–14, preferably before the start of sexual activity
Catch-up: primary catch-up vaccination until the 20th birthday; supplementary vaccination for unvaccinated people aged 20–26 if the first dose is given before the 27th birthday
Schedule: two doses six months apart if the first dose is given before the 15th birthday and there is no immunodeficiency; otherwise three doses at 0, 2 and 6 months
The 9-valent HPV vaccine is not a live vaccine. It does not treat an existing HPV infection, and vaccination does not replace cervical cancer screening.

Recommended vaccinations for women (general)

Diphtheria/tetanus (dT) — with a complete primary series, generally every 20 years from age 25–64 and every 10 years from age 65. Shorter intervals can apply with immunodeficiency and in certain exposure situations.
Pertussis — one dTpa dose at age 25; additionally during every pregnancy and, for people who have regular contact with infants under six months, if the last pertussis dose was at least ten years ago
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) — people born after 1963 should catch up missing doses to a total of two documented doses. This is a live vaccine: complete it before pregnancy, not during pregnancy.
Varicella (chickenpox) — catch up in people under 40 who have not had the infection and do not have two documented doses. This is also a live vaccine and should be completed before pregnancy.
Hepatitis B — primary vaccination preferably during infancy and catch-up for unvaccinated adolescents under 16; at any adult age where there is an increased exposure, transmission or complication risk
Influenza (flu) — annually for pregnant women and other risk and age groups defined in the vaccination schedule, preferably between mid-October and the start of the influenza wave

Live vaccines (MMR, varicella) are generally not indicated during pregnancy. Ideally clarify your vaccination status before a pregnancy.

Costs since 1 January 2026: For physician-administered vaccinations and vaccination counselling covered by Article 12a KLV, the annual deductible does not apply; the 10% co-payment remains. A recommendation in the vaccination schedule does not automatically mean coverage: the indication, vaccine, Specialities List and applicable limitations must be met. HPV vaccination is covered from age 11–26 only through a cantonal programme; costs may be payable by the patient outside these conditions.

Vaccinations during pregnancy

Pertussis (whooping cough) — one dTpa dose in every pregnancy, regardless of the last vaccination or previous infection; ideally in weeks 13–26. Catch-up in the third trimester up to two weeks before birth can still provide the newborn with a high level of passive protection.
Influenza — seasonally in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd trimester; it does not need to be postponed until the second trimester
COVID-19 — according to the Swiss vaccination schedule in the 2nd or 3rd trimester; the season, current vaccination status and individual risk factors are taken into account

RSV protection for the newborn

In Switzerland there are two ways to protect newborns against RSV:

Maternal vaccination — one dose between weeks 32+0 and 36+0, preferably at least five weeks before the due date, if the estimated due date is between the beginning of October and the end of March. It is currently not repeated after RSV vaccination in a previous pregnancy.
Passive immunisation of the infant — a long-acting monoclonal RSV antibody; timing and indication depend on the month of birth, maternal vaccination and particular risks.

As a rule one method is chosen; combining both is normally not necessary. We advise on what makes sense for you.

Costs: Maternal RSV vaccination is covered by compulsory health insurance when the KLV indication is met, without the annual deductible; the 10% co-payment remains.

Hygiene basics (CMV & toxoplasmosis)

CMV and toxoplasmosis are particularly relevant during pregnancy, as they can harm the unborn child. Protection comes from simple hygiene measures:

Wash your hands regularly, especially after contact with nappies or the body fluids of small children
Do not share cutlery or cups with young children
Cook meat thoroughly; wash vegetables and salad carefully
Take care with raw-milk products (listeriosis risk)

Screening overview

Cervical cancer — cytology every three years from age 21–29; from age 30–70, cytology or a primary high-risk HPV test every three years. No routine co-testing; an individual plan applies with previous abnormalities or increased risk.
Chlamydia in pregnancy — no systematic testing of every asymptomatic pregnant woman; testing based on sexual history, exposure, symptoms or individual risk
HIV and syphilis — the FOPH recommends that tests be offered systematically to all pregnant women
Hepatitis B — HBsAg during every pregnancy; exception where reliable immunity after vaccination or past infection is already documented as specified in the vaccination schedule
Rubella, measles and varicella — check vaccination records first. Specific IgG serology only in unvaccinated pregnant women; do not routinely repeat serology where vaccination is documented.

When to call us immediately?

Fever > 38.0 °C during pregnancy (especially with shivering)
Severe lower abdominal pain, bleeding or fluid loss
Reduced fetal movements (once movements are felt)
Shortness of breath, chest pain, severe headache or visual disturbances
Signs of dehydration (passing little urine, dizziness, circulatory problems)
After contact with certain infections (e.g. slapped cheek disease / parvovirus B19) — please tell us promptly

Vaccination appointment / STI test Discreet, during a consultation. Book online.

Sources

Last updated: 11 July 2026 · These notes do not replace individual medical advice.

Infections & Vaccinations