Vaginal infections
Itch, unusual discharge or smell
Vaginal infections are very common. The two most common are thrush, a yeast infection, and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Signs include itching, unusual discharge or a fishy smell. They are not a sign of being unclean. They are easy to treat once the cause is known. Dr Leng Meng Chik at KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital can test and treat them.
Good to know
Some discharge is normal and healthy. It changes during your cycle. It is only a concern when its colour, smell or amount changes, or when it comes with itching or pain.
See a doctor soon if you have
- You are pregnant and have symptoms
- The infection keeps coming back
- Tummy pain with a fever
- Bleeding after sex or between periods
- Sores or blisters
If you have any of these, please see a doctor soon. For sudden, severe pain or heavy bleeding, go to the nearest emergency department.
How can I tell thrush from BV?
They can feel alike, which is why a test helps.
- Thrush: itching, soreness and thick white discharge, with little smell
- BV: thin grey or white discharge with a fishy smell, often worse after sex, usually without itching
- Some sexually transmitted infections cause discharge or bleeding after sex. Some cause no signs at all
Why test instead of guessing?
The wrong treatment will not work, and the problem may keep coming back. A quick swab shows the real cause, so you get the right medicine the first time.
How are they treated?
Thrush is treated with antifungal medicine as a cream, a pessary or a tablet. BV is treated with antibiotics. Sexually transmitted infections need their own treatment, and your partner may need treatment too.
How can I lower the chance of infection?
- Wash the outside only, with water or a plain, unscented soap
- Avoid douches, sprays and scented products
- Wear cotton underwear
- Change out of wet or sweaty clothes soon
What else do women ask about vaginal infections?
Can I treat thrush myself?
If you have had thrush before and the signs are the same, a pharmacist can help. See a doctor if it is your first time, if you are pregnant, or if it keeps coming back.
Does my partner need treatment?
For thrush and BV, usually not. For sexually transmitted infections, yes. Your partner should be treated too, so the infection is not passed back to you.
Can BV affect my pregnancy?
BV in pregnancy is linked to a higher chance of early birth. If you are pregnant and notice a change in discharge, tell Dr Leng.
Can I have sex during treatment?
Wait until your treatment is finished and your symptoms have cleared. Some creams can also weaken condoms.
Dr Leng Meng ChikConsultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, MD (UNIMAS), MRCOG (UK). MMC 54266. KPJ Seremban Specialist Hospital. About Dr Leng
Sources
Related conditions
See Dr Leng about vaginal infections in Seremban.
Bring your questions. Dr Leng will explain what is going on and help you choose what to do next.