Vaginal Discharge

Why do I have a vaginal discharge?

• All women have some amount vaginal discharge. It is a part of the body’s immune system – a way to clean the vagina, to maintain an environment for healthy bacteria, and to prevent bad bacteria from thriving.
• The discharge is normally clear or milky and does not smell much. (It can have an odour sometimes)
• The discharge may increase during ovulation, which occurs about two weeks before your period, and when you are sexually aroused.
• Other circumstances such as breastfeeding, or use of some birth control pills, can also cause changes in discharge.
• Vaginal discharge is healthy and normal – but can also be a source of frustration….
• If your discharge suddenly increases, has a stronger smell, changes in colour, or is stained with blood when you do not have your period – something may be wrong.
• Irritation, itchiness and a burning feeling inside and/or around the vagina or on your vulva (lips) are also signs of a problem.

Why do all these problems happen to me?

There are different reasons to a change in the vaginal discharge. These different causes are diagnosed when you are examined and tests done to confirm them. You are unlikely to make a diagnosis on your own other than for a yeast infection.

• If the vaginal discharge is white, grey or yellowish and has a foul smell, you might have a condition called Bacterial Vaginosis (BV).
  • This is a condition caused by a disturbance in the normal balance of healthy bacteria in your vagina.
  • The balance of a healthy vagina can be upset from e.g. douching, use of products like soaps, bubble baths and hygiene sprays that may irritate, taking antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy, infections, aging, and sexual intercourse.
  • The imbalance is usually corrected by itself, and treatment is not needed.
  • However, if you are bothered by the discharge, or by itching or burning, you should see your doctor.
  • We will use either antibiotics or Probiotics (natural special lactobacilli) to treat BV

• A white, cottage cheese-like discharge can be a sign of a yeast infection.
  • Usually intense itching, swelling, redness and pain accompany the discharge. Small cuts on your vulva can occur.
  • Burning and pain can be experienced during sexual intercourse and when urinating.
  • Yeast infections can be a result of taking antibiotics, birth control pills, pregnancy, diabetes, or staying hot and sweaty for a long time.
  • Some women get yeast infections for no obvious reasons.
  • Yeast infections are not dangerous, but you might need treatment for the pain and itchiness.
  • Medicines usually come in a cream or a pill that you can buy without a prescription.
  • However, if you have any questions about what is causing your problems, talk to your doctor.
  • If the symptoms don’t go away, please arrange for a consultation.
  • Not all itching is a yeast infection!

• A yellowish or greenish discharge with a foul smell is a sign of a trichomoniasis infection.
  • Sometimes swelling, pain, itchiness and/or burning occur – especially when peeing.
  • This infection is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse.
  •  It can spread to your urinary tract and cause a urinary infection.
  • Both you and your partner need to be treated with antibiotic pills.

• An increased vaginal discharge, sometimes stained with blood, can also be a sign of chlamydia or gonorrhea.
  • Both infections are spread through sexual activity and need to be treated with antibiotics.
  • Often these infections cause no symptoms at all and are discovered when you have a pap test.
  • There may be symptoms like irritation, a burning sensation when peeing, or lower abdominal pain.
  • If you have had unprotected sex with a new partner you should go to your doctor to be tested.

• During Menopasue, the lining of the vagina becomes thinner and fragile. This is called Atrophic Vaginitis
  •  This can result in painful intercourse and often a yellowish, burning discharge.
  • We can easily treat this and help your sexual enjoyment by increasing lubrication and vaginal strength when we use special designed local estrogen and/or probiotics. These are safe with no real risk to Breast Cancer or Uterus Cancer.

• There are numerous other conditions that can cause ongoing vaginal discharge and discomfort. We will review these during the consultation.

What can I do to avoid these problems?

• If you suspect that you have any of the conditions described above, you should contact your doctor.
• However, there are things you can do to help keep your vulva and vagina as healthy as possible and prevent irritation and infection!

  Avoid tight-fitting clothes and wearing synthetic materials next to your skin Wear cotton underwear – this allows your genital area to breathe Do not wear underpants at night Do not use hygienic products that irritate your genital area Never Douche….ever (it causes infection by destroying the normal, good, protective vaginal organisms. Try to change your laundry soap (we recommend Dove, Ivory or Pear soap) Change to a  gentle, hypoallergic laundry detergent, such as Zero or Woolite. Never use fabric softeners in your laundry or dryer (they can have chemicals that irritate your gentle vulva skin) Avoid sex during infection, or use condoms to prevent the infection from spreading Avoid Latex condoms (can be irritating and cause skin sensitivity and allergies.) Use Aventi condoms (non-latex, polyurethane, can use with lubrication oil) Change pads and tampons regularly – at least every 6-8 hours Wipe from front to back after having a bowel movement Use simple cooking vegetable oil on your Vulva skin (lower lips) is excellent. (Sesame, Canola or Sunflower oil) This keeps the fragile vulva skin protected and comfortable without any irritation. Use small amounts to prevent staining on your panties. Especially after a shower or bath and during intercourse if you are not using Latex condoms (safe with Avanti condoms). Vegetable oil is a great lubricant to make sex more comfortable and great fun during foreplay.

When do I need to see my doctor?

• At Meridia Gynecology, we recommend you see your family doctor or us if your discharge is not going away.
• If you are having vulva irritation
• If you have a fever or pelvic pain.
• If you are concerned, always have it checked.