VAGINAL DISCHARGE
Condition
The vagina normally has a clear, acidic, mucus discharge that keeps it clean and healthy. It is abnormal for the discharge to:
- have a foul or fishy odor
- be white, yellow, green or gray
- cause irritation, itching, burning, swelling or redness
- cause pain with intercourse or urination.
Causes
Abnormal vaginal discharge may be the result of a vaginal infection or vaginitis, an inflammation of the vagina that may or may not be caused by infection. Vaginitis occurs most often in women of childbearing age, although young girls and older women can also develop it.
Infections that can result in vaginitis include:
- bacterial vaginosis which is caused by bacteria
- trichomoniasis which is caused by a protozoa
- a yeast infection which is caused by a fungus. Among the things that can increase your risk of developing a yeast infection are:
- taking antibiotics or birth control pills
- being pregnant, diabetic or overweight
- having a lowered resistance due to poor diet, lack of sleep, stress or medical illness.
Vaginitis also can result from other things such as:
- dryness and shrinkage of the vagina that occurs with menopause
- chemicals found in feminine hygiene sprays, douches, scented tampons and sanitary pads, bubble bath, soaps and spermicides.
Wearing slacks that are too tight in the crotch can result in vaginitis or a yeast infection. So can wearing panties or pantyhose that do not have a cotton crotch. Having multiple sex partners increases the risk of getting bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, both of which are very contagious.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR VAGINAL DISCHARGE
Call Your Doctor Right Away (day or night) If
- You suddenly have abnormal vaginal discharge that:
- Smells bad
- Is discolored
- Causes irritation, itching, burning, swelling or redness
- Causes pain with sex or urination
- You have abnormal vaginal discharge with a fever 100 degrees F or higher.
Call Your Doctor During Regular Office Hours If
- You have abnormal vaginal discharge and want to be examined.
- You have abnormal vaginal discharge like one you have had before and need to have your doctor refill a prescription.
- You are menopausal, have symptoms such as vaginal dryness or painful intercourse, and nonprescription medications are not working for you.
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR VAGINAL DISCHARGE
- If you know from experience that you have a yeast infection, you can use nonprescription medications like Monistat or Gyne-Lotrimin. If you tend to get yeast infections when taking antibiotics, use these nonprescription medications while taking the antibiotic.
- Use nonprescription hydrocortisone creams to relieve itching or irritation on the outside of your vagina.
- To relieve irritation of the vaginal area, apply cold, moist compresses two to three times a day for about 15 minutes. Pat dry with a soft cloth.
- If you have vaginal dryness and sex is painful, try nonprescription vaginal creams and lubricants.
- Do not have intercourse while you have vaginitis.
- If you have been diagnosed with trichomoniasis or bacterial vaginosis, have your sex partner get treatment also.
For More Information Click on the Links Below
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Vaginitis
- American Social Health Association Vaginal Discharge
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ACOG Practice Bulletin; Number 72, May 2006.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ACOG Patient Education; APO28, 2005, Vaginitis: Causes and Treatments.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new healthcare information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional