Vaginal Discharge

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:

Vaginitis, a swelling and redness in the vagina, may be caused by mental stress, poor hygiene, and irritants such as:

One third of all women have symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge at some point during their lives.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The causes of vaginal discharge include:

Other possible causes of vaginitis include:

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Symptoms of vaginitis include:

How is the condition diagnosed?

Tests that may be done during a pelvic exam 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 handwashing. 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 estrogen.

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 an 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:

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. Estrogen 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 healthcare provider.

Author:Eva Martin, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Smith, Mary Ellen, BS
Edit Date:09/20/00
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:08/09/01

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