Vaginal discharge is the fluid that is made by the vagina and cervix and flows out daily.
Normal vaginal discharge is generally clear and whitish.
The amount of discharge depends on where you are in your menstrual cycle, state of sexual excitement, and general health.
Any changes in a woman's normal discharge may mean that she has an infection.
What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis is a soreness or infection in or around the vagina.
How do I get vaginitis?
Vaginitis is usually caused by yeast, trichomoniasis, or bacterial vaginosis.
It is not always spread through sexual contact.
Yeast (Candida albicans) is a fungus normally in the vagina. It can become overgrown when you use antibiotics, birth control pills, vaginal contraceptives, or perfumed products such as bubble baths, soaps, douches, and powder.
Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by the overgrowth of the bacteria that normally lives in and around the vagina.
Trichomoniasis is a parasitic organism that is transmitted through unprotected sexual activity. It can also live on wet towels and objects, which may spread the infection if they come in contact with your genitals. The parasites may infect the vagina, urethra, bladder, or cervix. If not treated, trichomoniasis can increase the risk of transmitting HIV.
What are the symptoms?
In Women
In Men
Yeast
clumpy white discharge from the vagina
itching, swelling, or redness around the vagina
painful sex
Bacterial Vaginosis
"fishy" smelling, thin watery, grayish, or yellowish discharge
burning, itching, swelling, redness around the vagina
Trichomoniasis
foamy yellow or green discharge
bad or musty-smelling discharge
burning or itching around the vagina
pain during sexual intercourse or urination (peeing)
Yeast
genital itching
a mild rash on the penis
Bacterial Vaginosis
rarely have symptoms that need treatment
Trichomoniasis
usually no symptoms
may have burning during urination (peeing)
mild discharge
irritation/redness on tip of penis
How do I get tested?
A vaginal swab can be taken by a doctor, the STD, or Family Planning Clinics.
How is vaginitis treated?
Yeast is treated with vaginal creams or tablets available in most stores with a pharmacy. If the infection comes back, see a doctor. Males usually use the same cream.
Bacterial Vaginosis is treated with antibiotics. Men usually do not need treatment.
Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics. Your partner must also be treated. If left untreated, trichomoniasis can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
How can I prevent vaginitis?
Do
Do Not
wash or bath daily
wear clean, cotton underwear
wipe from front to back after using the toilet
get lots of rest
urinate (pee) after sex
use a condom every time you have sex
use bath oil, vaginal douches, bubble bath, feminine deodorant sprays, strong soaps, or scented tampons
wear tight jeans, pants, or underwear
wear nylon underwear or pantyhose
have sex with a partner who has a discharge, a rash, or sores around the genitals
How can I prevent the spread of sexually transmitted vaginitis?
Abstinence (not having sex) may be your best choice.
If you are being treated, do not have sex until the medication is finished and the symptoms are gone.
Practice "safer sex". Always use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Use a dental dam during oral sex on women.
Do not share sex toys.
Limit the number of sexual partners you have.
Ask your partner about his or her sexual history.
Get tested for STIs before having any sexual activity with a new partner.
If you think you have been infected with an STI, see a healthcare provider.
Do not have sex with an infected person. You cannot tell just by looking at the person.
Tell your partner if you have an infection.
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