Definition Vaginal discharge is a fluid coming from the vagina.
What is going on in the body? The vagina normally discharges a small mount of fluid that is clear, cloudy, or whitish. There is usually more discharge during exercise or sexual foreplay. A healthy vagina keeps a balance of many bacterial and fungal organisms.
Many factors can affect the delicate balance of organisms within the vagina. These include:
What can be done to prevent the condition? Prevention of vaginal discharge depends on the cause. Candida infections can be prevented by avoiding a humid environment around the genital area. This can be done by wearing loose-fitting and absorbent clothing. Women should practice good hygiene methods, such as bathing, showering, wiping front to back after urinating, and frequent hand washing. Practicing safer sex and having fewer sexual partners should reduce the chances of spreading STDs. Hormone replacement therapy can prevent atrophic vaginitis caused by low levels of oestrogen.
How is the condition diagnosed? Tests that may be done during a pelvic examination include:
culture of the vaginal discharge or cervix
a laboratory analysis of the vaginal discharge
pH analysis of the vaginal discharge, to check the acidity
What are the long-term effects of the condition? Normal vaginal discharge does not need treatment. Feminine hygiene products and douching should not be used. These products can mask the symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease as well as force the bacteria higher into the pelvic organs. These products may cause a contact dermatitis to the vulva and vaginal tissues.
With proper treatment, there are usually no long-term effects. However, certain causes may not be completely curable. Some of these include herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV. If a severe long-standing STD has spread to the pelvic organs, pelvic adhesions may occur. This can lead to long-term pain and infertility.
What are the risks to others? Normal vaginal discharge poses no risk to others. If there is an underlying infection, such as a sexually transmitted disease, the infection may be highly contagious through sexual contact.
What are the treatments for the condition? Treatment of vaginal discharge depends on the particular cause of the infection. Treatment may include the following, in the form of pills or as a cream:
antibacterial antibiotics
antifungal antibiotics
antiviral medication
antihistamines to relieve itching
cortisone to relieve itching
oestrogen replacement therapy
What are the side effects of the treatments? Side effects depend on the particular agent used. Antibiotic pills may cause stomach upset or allergic reactions. Some creams may cause skin irritation.
What happens after treatment for the condition? Most antibiotic treatment is used for 3 to 7 days. Oestrogen treatment is usually continued indefinitely. If a sexually transmitted disease has been found, the woman's sexual partner or partners will also need evaluation and possibly treatment.
How is the condition monitored? Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.
Author: Eva Martin, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
