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Vaginal Discharge and Vaginitis

What Are Vaginal Discharge And Vaginitis?

  • Vaginitis is a soreness or infection in or around the vagina.
  • Normal vaginal discharge is generally cloudy and whitish in colour. 
  • The amount of vaginal discharge depends on where you are in your menstrual cycle, state of sexual excitement and general health.

How Do I Get Vaginitis? 

  • Vaginitis is usually caused by yeast, trichomoniasis, or bacterial vaginosis. 
  • It is not always spread through sexual contact. 
  • Yeast is a fungus normally in the vagina but it can grow unchecked when you use: Antibiotics. 
  • Birth control pills. 
  • Perfumed products such as bubble baths, soaps, douches, and powder. 
  • Vaginal contraceptives, foams, jellies, or creams. 
  • Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an unchecked growth of the bacteria that normally lives in and around the vagina. 
  • Trichomoniasis is an organism that is sexually transmitted.

How Do I Know If I Have Vaginitis?

Symptoms in Women How Males may be Affected

Yeast

  • Clumpy white discharge from the vagina.
  • Itching and redness around the vagina.

Yeast

  • Genital itching.
  • A mild rash on the penis.

Bacterial Vaginosis

  • “Fishy” smelling, thin watery, greyish or yellowish discharge.
  • Burning or irritation around the vagina.

Bacterial Vaginosis

  • Rarely have symptoms that need treatment.

Trichomoniasis

  • Foamy yellow or green discharge.
  • Foul or musty smelling discharge.
  • Burning or itching around the vagina.

Trichomoniasis

  • Usually no symptoms but may have burning during urination (peeing).


How Do I Get Tested And Treated? 
A vaginal swab can be taken by your doctor, the STD or Family Planning Clinic.

How Do You Treat Vaginitis? 

  • Yeast is treated with vaginal creams/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. Males usually do not need treatment. 
  • Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics. Your partner must also be treated.

How Can I Prevent Vaginitis?

Do 

  • 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.

Don’t 

  • 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. 
  • Wear underwear to bed.

How Can I Prevent The Spread Of Sexually Transmitted Vaginitis? 

  • Abstinence (not having sex) may be your best choice. 
  • Practice “Safer Sex”. Always use a condom. 
  • If you think that you have been infected, get checked out. 
  • Limit the number of sexual partners you have. 
  • Ask your partner about his/her sexual history. 
  • Avoid sexual contact with an infected person. 
  •  Tell your partner if you have an infection. 
  • Get education, guidance and support.

For more information call or email the Sexual Health Program:
Ph: 578-2513
E-mail: sexualhealthprogram@brandonrha.mb.ca