Vaginal Discharge

Womens Health 2853 2011

Vaginal Discharge

Fluid coming from a woman’s vagina is called vaginal discharge. It is normal for a woman to have vaginal discharge throughout her menstrual cycle, but a discharge that is different to normal may be a sign of an infection or other problem. Describing your discharge will help a doctor or pharmacist to choose the best treatment for you.

Before puberty, girls normally have no notice more discharge at times of sexual vaginal discharge, unless they have arousal and during pregnancy. Women vaginal irritation or infection. After taking the contraceptive pill may notice puberty, oestrogen (a female hormone) less discharge. Normal vaginal discharge causes the vagina to produce secretions usually has little or no smell. that keep it moist and clean. These secretions leave the vagina as a vaginal Abnormal vaginal discharge. After menopause, oestrogen discharge levels fall and vaginal An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge decreases. discharge for no obvious reason or Normal vaginal discharge vaginal discharge that looks abnormal or smells unpleasant may be a sign that The type and amount of a woman’s something is wrong. normal vaginal discharge changes during her menstrual cycle. Straight after a Causes of abnormal vaginal menstrual period the discharge is white, discharge include: thick and sticky. Around ovulation, • Infections more discharge may be produced, and – Bacterial vaginosis it is clearer, slippery and stretchy. After ovulation, the discharge becomes white, – Thrush (candidiasis) thick and sticky again. Most women

Self Care is a program of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Self Care is committed to providing current and reliable health information. – Sexually transmissible infections the overgrowth of harmful bacteria. (e.g., trichomonas, chlamydia, Lactobacillus give the vagina a normal gonorrhoea) acidity level of pH less than 4.5 • Something left in the vagina too long (pH is a measure of acidity). The balance (e.g., tampon, broken condom) of bacteria living in the vagina can be upset by a variety of things, leading to • Allergy or irritation from something BV. In BV, the number of lactobacillus put into the vagina (e.g., condoms, is lower, the number of other bacteria creams, cleansers). is higher and there is a decrease in the Bacterial Vaginosis acidity of the vagina (pH is higher than 4.5). Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common cause of abnormal Things that increase the risk of getting vaginal discharge. BV include new or many sex partners, intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) Symptoms and vaginal douches (washouts). The main symptom of BV is an abnormal vaginal discharge. The discharge Treatment is usually: Non-pregnant women with mild symptoms may not need treatment. • More than normal BV may clear without treatment, but • A white-grey colour symptoms often return, even after • Watery treatment, if the acidity of the vagina is • Fishy smelling, often stronger after sex not corrected. The acidity of the vagina • Less acidic than normal. can be tested using a vaginal pH tester. BV may cause itch and soreness in and BV can be treated with: around the vagina, but these symptoms • Antibiotics (oral tablets/capsules or are not common. vaginal cream) Some women have only mild BV and do • Special vaginal products to restore the not notice any symptoms. normal acidity of the vagina. Cause Ask a doctor or pharmacist about BV is caused by a change in the testing vaginal pH, and treating BV. balance of bacteria living in the vagina. Vaginal Thrush Lactobacillus are the main type of bacteria living in a normal, healthy Thrush is the second most common vagina. Lactobacillus are harmless cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. and they help protect the vagina by producing a mild acid that stops

To find your nearest Self Care pharmacy go to the pharmacy finder at www.psa.org.au Symptoms Important The main symptoms of vaginal thrush are itching and soreness in and around Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you the vagina. Other symptoms are: • Have a change in the colour, smell or • Redness and swelling in and around amount of your vaginal discharge the vagina • Have bleeding or spotting at a • A white, usually thick vaginal different time to your period discharge, with little or no smell • Have itching, irritation, swelling, pain • Pain when passing urine or sores in or around your vagina. • Pain during intercourse. • Are under 16 or over 60 years of age The acidity of the vagina usually and have a vaginal discharge remains normal. • Are or could be pregnant and have an unusual vaginal discharge Cause • Continue to have vaginal symptoms Thrush is an infection caused by a after treatment fungus called candida. Small numbers of candida usually live harmlessly in the • Have more than 3 thrush infections in vagina, but under certain conditions, a year candida can increase and cause thrush. Note: Abnormal vaginal discharge with Things that increase the risk of getting abdominal pain and/or fever may be vaginal thrush include antibiotic use, due to an infection that needs diabetes, a weakened immune system, urgent treatment. pregnancy and wearing synthetic underwear. Self Care Treatment To reduce your risk of vaginal problems: Vaginal thrush can be treated with: • Don’t use vaginal douches (washouts) • One capsule (swallowed) of antifungal or deodorants medicine (avoid if pregnant or • Don’t get shampoos, soaps or breastfeeding) antiseptics in your vagina • Antifungal cream or pessaries inserted (e.g., while bathing) into the vagina. • Wear loose fitting cotton underwear Ask a doctor or pharmacist about • Dry your genital area well after treating vaginal thrush. showers, baths, swimming • After going to the toilet, wipe from front to back using a clean piece of toilet paper each time.

To find your nearest Self Care pharmacy go to the pharmacy finder at www.psa.org.au For more information Related fact cards Contraception A doctor Diabetes Type 1 Listed under ‘Medical Practitioners’ in Diabetes Type 2 the yellow pages of the phone book. Menopause Healthdirect Australia Thrush Phone: 1800 022 222 Website: www.healthinsite.gov.au Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) Your pharmacist can advise on CMI leaflets. National Prescribing Service (NPS) Medicines Information Phone: 1300 MEDICINE (1300 633 424) Website: www.nps.org.au The Poisons Information Centre In case of poisoning phone 13 11 26 from anywhere in Australia.

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