Hormonal birth control can change dryness, discharge, libido, infections, and spotting by flattening your natural hormone cycle, while copper IUDs are hormone-free but can increase bleeding and cramps. You figure out whether symptoms are from birth control or an infection by tracking timing, cycle phase, sex/products, and discharge changes, then working with your doctor to test, rule out BV/yeast/STIs, and adjust your method if it’s hurting your quality of life.

Recurrent yeast or BV usually means your vaginal microbiome is disrupted, not that you’re “gross.” Common triggers include sex, products, clothing, antibiotics, diet, stress, and hormone shifts; the best prevention plan is proper testing, full treatment, and habits that protect (not strip) your vaginal flora, sometimes with probiotics or boric acid under medical guidance.

Yes, even with the HPV vaccine you still need regular Pap smears. If you’re 21–29 with a cervix, guidelines recommend a Pap every 3 years with normal results—regardless of vaccination status or how active your sex life is. If you’ve never had one or started late, you’re not in trouble; you just start now and follow the 3‑year schedule.

Normal discharge is usually clear to white with a mild smell and changes through your cycle. Red flags like strong fishy odor, green/gray or cottage-cheese discharge, intense itching/burning, pain, sores, or unusual bleeding mean you should see a doctor ASAP; mild changes without smell or discomfort can often be watched for a few days.