A change in your normal vaginal discharge may be the first sign of a
vaginal problem. Changes in urination, such as having to urinate more
frequently or having a burning feeling when you urinate, also may be a symptom
of a vaginal problem.
Conditions that may cause a change in your normal vaginal discharge
include:
·
Infections of the vagina, such as a yeast infection, bacterial
vaginosis, trichomoniasis, human papillomavirus (HPV), or herpes.
·
Infection of the cervix (cervicitis).
·
An object in the vagina, such as a forgotten tampon.
·
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
·
Various sex practices, such as oral-to-vaginal and anal-to-vaginal
contact.
·
Vaginal medicines or douching.
A vaginal infection may occur when there is a change in the
normal balance of organisms in your vagina.
The most common types of vaginal infections are:
·
Candida vulvovaginitis (yeast infections). This is due to the overgrowth of
yeast in the vagina because of antibiotic use or other factors. Discharge
appear thick and white like a cottage cheese, and odorless. Other
symptoms include burning, soreness, and pain during urination or sexual
intercourse.
·
Bacterial infections (bacterial vaginosis). This is the imbalance of the growth
of bacteria that are normally present in the vagina. Discharge appear
thin and grayish-white, accompanied by fishy smell.
·
Parasitic infections (trichomoniasis). This sexually transmitted infection is caused
by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. Discharge appear
frothy, yellow-green discharge with a strong smell.
·
Chlamydial infections (chlamydia). This sexually transmitted disease is caused
by Chlamydia trachomatis and may not manifest any symptom to
women, but a vaginal discharge is apparent.
Common symptoms of vaginal infection include:
·
Increase or change in the vaginal discharge, including gray, green, or
yellow discharge.
·
Vaginal redness, swelling, itching, or pain.
·
Vaginal odor.
·
Burning with urination.
·
Pain or bleeding with sex.
DIAGNOSIS
After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, the health care
practitioner will likely perform a pelvic examination, which includes
examination of the external genital area and the insertion of a speculum to
examine the vaginal walls and cervix.
Depending upon the examination, the health care practitioner may take
swabs of the vaginal discharge for culture or for examination under a
microscope to help define the cause of the vaginal discharge.
RECOMMENDED MEDICATIONS
Self-care at home
A vaginal infection may clear up without treatment in 2 or 3 days.
·
If you could be pregnant, do a home pregnancy test. Any pregnant woman
with abnormal vaginal symptoms should talk with her doctor about her symptoms
before considering using any home treatment measures or nonprescription
medicines.
·
Avoid sex so that irritated vaginal tissues can heal.
·
Do not scratch the vaginal area. Relieve itching with a cold water
compress or cool baths. Warm baths may also relieve pain and itching.
·
Make sure that the cause of your symptoms is not a forgotten tampon or
other foreign object that needs to be removed.
·
Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothing. Stay away from nylon and
synthetics, because they hold heat and moisture close to the skin, which makes
it easier for an infection to start. You may want to remove pajama bottoms or
underwear when you sleep.
·
Do not douche unless your doctor tells you to.
·
If you have gone through menopause, try using a vaginal lubricant, such
as Astroglide, to reduce irritation caused by having sex.
·
Vaginal yeast infections
·
If you have symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection and have been
diagnosed and treated by your doctor for this condition in the past, you may
want to try treating it at home using a nonprescription medicine, such as
tioconazole (for example, Vagistat), clotrimazole (for example, Gyne-Lotrimin),
or miconazole (for example, Monistat) to treat your symptoms.
If your symptoms do not improve with home treatment, contact your
doctor. Vaginal symptoms that may be related to another type of vaginal infection
or a cervical infection need to be evaluated.
Medications
Oral, injectable, and topical medications are used to treat the various
causes of vaginal discharge.
·
Trichomonas infection: A number of medications may be effective in the treatment of bacterial
vaginosis, including metronidazole, tinidazole, and clindamycin
·
Gonorrhea: Treated by an injection of ceftriaxone intramuscularly or by oral
cefixime. Other antibiotics may also be used.
·
Chlamydia: is typically treated by oral azithromycin or doxycycline
·
Vaginal yeast infections can be treated by topical creams such as butoconazol,
clotrimazole, miconazole, and terconazole. Nystatin is also available in
vaginal tablet form. Oral medications such as fluconazole can also be used if
necessary.
