A small amount of vaginal discharge is completely normal. Glands inside your vagina and cervix make small amounts of fluid that constantly carry old cells out of the vagina. When you ovulate, breastfeed, or are sexually excited, the discharge can get thicker, but the color remains clear or milky and it does not smell bad. There are several conditions that can cause an odor, a change in discharge, and/or itching. See your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- a sudden increase in the amount of discharge
- a change in color or smell of discharge
- irritation, itchiness or burning in or around your vagina
- bloody discharge when you aren’t having your period
What could be causing your symptoms? There could be many causes, but let’s look at some of the more common problems:
- Yeast Infection- an overgrowth of yeast fungus in the vagina. Usually not sexually transmitted, you’re more likely to get a yeast infection from antibiotic use, pregnancy, hormone imbalance, diabetes, or being hot and sweaty for long periods. You may have a “cottage cheese” looking discharge, itching, burning, and pain during intercourse. Treated with a vaginal creme that is sold over the counter. Most women have the best results with the 7-day treatment. If that doesn’t work, your doctor can prescribe a pill that will get rid of a yeast infection in one to two doses.
- Bacterial Vaginosis-a bacterial infection treated with antibiotics. Not usually sexually transmitted. You may have a clear or colored discharge that may have a fishy smell, especially after intercourse. Must be treated or it may cause more serious infections in the fallopian tubes or uterus.
- Trichomoniasis-an infection caused by a protozoan parasite. Usually caught by having unprotected sex with an infected person. Treated with one dose of antibiotics. Signs of trichomoniasis in women include a frothy, yellow-green discharge, strong odor, pain with intercourse, and genital itching.
- Chlamydia-a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. 3/4 of women with chlamydia will have no symptoms. Some may have abnormal discharge and burning with urination. Treatment usually consists of a single dose of an antibiotic.
- Gonorrhea-a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. Most women infected with gonorrhea have no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they can range from burning sensation while urinating, to increased vaginal discharge and bleeding between periods. Treated with antibiotics.
These are the most common causes of vaginal discharge and itching. If you experience problems, your best course of action is to see your doctor to be properly diagnosed and treated. If you are one of the women who gets frequent yeast infections however, and know the symptoms- do try the over the counter remedies first. If that doesn’t work, follow up with your doctor.