| 24 September 2004 |
 |
|
Vaginal Infection
|
Is vaginal discharge normal?
Vaginal discharge, or leucorrhea, is the clear or semi-opaque protein-like substance secreted to keep the vagina moist and healthy. It should be odorless. Many women find vaginal discharge annoying, but this is in fact normal.
The amount of vaginal discharge increases during pregnancy, before or after menstrual period or when subject to sexual stimulations.
Watch out for symptoms
The following are symptoms of vaginal infection. Consult the doctor promptly if you develop any of them.
| Vaginal Discharge |
Genital Area |
- Increased discharge
- Change of colour (greyish white, yellow or green)
- Blood-stained discharge
- Abnormal odor (fishy or stinky)
|
- Itchiness
- Burning sensation inside the vagina
- Painful and frequent urination
- Lesions, fleshy growth or blisters
|
Changes in vaginal discharge can also be caused by cervical cancer, cervical polyp or the use of tampons.
Common types of vaginal infection
Candidiasis (Moniliasis)
Causative agent: Candida, a type of yeast (fungus).
Characteristics: Candida is found in the natural world, particularly in moist and warm environments such as the oral cavity, digestive tract, skin and vagina.
Causes: The following conditions make the vaginal environment favourable for candida to multiply and cause vaginal infection:
- Pregnancy, menstrual period or the use of oral contraceptive pills,
- Frequent use of antibiotics, long-term use of steroids or immunosuppressants,
- Wearing tight-fitting underpants,
- Diabetes, or
- Vaginal lavage.
Candidiasis is usually not sexually transmitted. However, it sometimes causes the glan of the sexual partner to develop a rash or become inflamed. Medical treatment should be sought when this happens.
Symptoms:
Thick white or cheese-like vaginal discharge,
Itchiness and redness around the genital area,
Burning sensation inside the vagina,
Painful intercourse, or
Burning sensation at the urethral opening and difficulty in urinating.
Treatment:
- Vaginal suppositories or ointments.
- For frequent relapses, oral medication may be necessary.
- Controlling risk factors to prevent relapses:
- Stop using contraceptive pills.
- Control diabetes.
- Stop wearing tight-fitting underpants.
- Avoid vaginal lavage.
Trichomoniasis
Causative agent: Trichomonas, a single-cell parasite.
Characteristics: Trichomonas is a parasite of the urinary-reproductive tract.
Causes: It is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse.
Symptoms:
Yellowish green, foamy and fishy-smelling vaginal discharge,
Itching, hyperemia or swelling of the genital area,
Burning sensation or itchiness inside the vagina,
Urethral itch and difficulty in urination.
Treatment:
Oral medication is the mainstay treatment, but vaginal suppositories are recommended for patients in the early stage of pregnancy.
**Some of the infected men and women have no symptoms and transmit the disease to their partners through sexual intercourse.
Abnormalities in vaginal discharge can also be caused by other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, chlamydial infection, genital herpes and condyloma.
If sexually transmitted diseases are not properly treated, the uterus, oviducts and ovaries can be affected. It can result in oviduct obstruction and lead to complications including sterility, ectopic pregnancy, habitual abortion or even pelvic infection.
Seek medical advice
Vaginal infection is not always caused by sexually transmitted diseases. If in doubt,
- Consult a registered medical practitioner promptly for examinations and treatment.
- Complete the recommended course of treatment.
- Avoid sexual intercourse until recovery.
- Do not take medications without doctor's advice.
- Advise the sexual partner to seek treatment as appropriate.
Tips to prevent vaginal infection
- Clean the genital area every day.
- Wear cotton underpants and change them daily.
- Take a shower instead of a bath.
- Avoid using genital cleansers or fragrances.
- Wipe the genital area or anus from front to back.
- Clean the genitals before sexual intercourse and empty the bladder afterwards.
- Use a condom.
Tests and screening service
Social Hygiene Clinics of the Department of Health provide tests and screening service for sexually transmitted diseases as well as related individual counseling to women in need. Tests and screening service include:
- Vaginal discharge tests,
- Blood tests for syphilis / HIV, and
- Cervical screening (Pap smear).
Social Hygiene Service Clinics Information
Social Hygiene Clinic (Male)
Social Hygiene Clinic (Female)
Integrated Treatment Centre (SHS)
|
|
|
