Discharge, other symptoms,

can signal infections

Diana Jones, OB/GYN, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

BSU Women’s Center

How do I know if vaginal discharge is something to be concerned about?
Normally, vaginal discharge is clear or white. It may become stretchy and slippery during ovulation, about 2 weeks after your period. A change in the color or amount of discharge, along with other symptoms, may mean you have an infection.

The vagina contains normal bacteria to help fight off infection, and is influenced by several things, such as hormones. Anything upsetting this balance can cause infection, overgrowth of the normal bacteria, or yeast (examples include: antibiotics, birth control pills, douching, diabetes, pregnancy, and tight or synthetic panties).

Infections could result from:

• Yeast, a type of fungus which can be found on normal skin
• Gardernella, a type of bacteria normally found in the vagina and can cause bacterial vaginosis
• Trichomonas, a type of one celled organism

Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause vaginal discharge, as well as menopause, chemical irritants (soaps, pads or tampons).

What are the symptoms?
A change in color, amount, or odor. If it's thick and white, like cottage cheese, it may be a yeast infection. Yellow, green or gray may be trichomonas or bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis also has an extremely fishy odor.

Itching is common with yeast infections, but could also be present with any type of vaginal infection or irritation. If there's a fever, abdominal pain or pain during sex, there could be a sexually transmitted disease.

How is a diagnosis made?
Several questions may be asked, including whether you have a new sexual partner or any recent changes in your health or lifestyle. Sometimes, a pelvic exam will be done, along with inserting a speculum to see your cervix. At that time, a sample of discharge is collected and looked at under the microscope. Sometimes, other samples may be taken and sent to the lab. If yeast, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomonas is present, treatment can be started right away.

If you're having pain, then a pelvic exam will be done to check for tenderness of the cervix and/or uterus. This could mean you might have a sexually transmitted infection or pelvic inflammatory disease.

How do I prevent all of this?
The first step is to identify the cause of your symptoms. Sometimes, only certain antibiotics may cause you problems with yeast. Suggestions for prevention: wearing cotton-crotch panties, avoiding tight-fitting clothes (especially undergarments) during exercise, avoiding scented products on the genitals, controlling your blood sugar, avoiding spermicides, avoiding colored underwear (the dyes in the fabric can irritate), avoiding multiple sexual partners, and use water soluble vaginal lubricants if dry during intercourse. Some things to try to help prevent vaginal infections: wipe front to back, wash with clear, lukewarm water immediately after sex (avoid soap), no bath oils or bubble bath, urinate before and after sex, avoid caffeine, no panties at bedtime, don't use feminine hygiene sprays, avoid highly scented toilet paper, put clothes through a 2nd rinse cycle, and avoid powders or perfumes in the genital area.

When do I call my doctor?
If you have had a previous yeast infection, and you have repeat symptoms, you can try an over-the-counter antifungal medication. If your symptoms don't improve, then you need to see your doctor. If you have a fever or abdominal pain with a new discharge, then call your doctor the same day.

Diana Jones, is a OB/GYN and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at the BSU Women’s Center, managed by Cardinal Health System. For more information contact info@chsmail.org.

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