Basic Facts about Infection
The vagina is constantly cleansed and kept moist by a creamy, odorless cervical mucus. The amount of this mucus varies among women and can change with her age. It is normal and healthy. This mucus also increases around the time of ovulation. Infections are more common when a woman has a new partner or has more than one sexual partner. Using a condom in the beginning of a new relationship can often prevent this. The following symptoms usually indicate an infection: A bad odor with increased discharge. Burning sensation during urination. Heavy yellowish or greenish discharge. White, clumpy discharge (like cottage cheese). Itching around vaginal opening.
There are several infections that can be identified by an exam and lab tests. Depending on the type of infection, your partner may need treatment too. Many times, men have no symptoms even though an infection is present.
There are three common types of vaginal infections. A different organism causes each.
MONILIA (Yeast Infection)
Cause: Yeast is a fungus found everywhere, including the healthy vagina. When a woman has an overgrowth of this fungus she may have itching, burning and a white, cottage cheese-like discharge. Pregnant women and those with diabetes can be prone to yeast infections, as can women on antibiotics or the Birth Control Pill.
Treatment: Monilia may be treated with vaginal cream, suppository or prescription oral medication. . While yeast infections are not usually sexually transmitted, sometimes men can acquire them (jock itch). It is best to use a condom until treatment is complete or abstain from intercourse until the vagina has healed.
TRICHOMONAS (trich-o-moan-is) (Trich)
Cause: A tiny parasite, which can exist in the vagina, urethra or rectum. Trichomonas is almost always sexually transmitted, but a male may not have symptoms of infection.
Symptoms: Trichomonas causes a persistent, frothy, thin, greenish discharge, itching and irritation, a bad odor and even pain during urination and/or intercourse.
Treatment: The most effective drug is Flagyl (Metronidazole), a powerful oral medication that can produce side effects such as a metallic taste in the mouth and nausea. Sex partners must also be treated. During treatment, it is important to avoid drinking any alcohol, including beer and wine, as severe nausea, cramps, or vomiting can occur. Condoms or abstinence should be used until both partners have completed treatment. Transmission of infection may have occurred years before symptoms. Even if a partner has no symptoms, he or she must be treated in order to avoid reinfection. Frequently, other sexually transmitted infections may also be present and testing for other infections should be included.
BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (BV)
Cause: Overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. May be due to unprotected intercourse, multiple sex partners, tampon use, douching, or in conjunction with other infections, or it may occur spontaneously.
Symptoms: May include yellowish or green persistent bad-smelling discharge, itching, occasional pain with intercourse and/or urination. Some women may have the infection with no symptoms.
Treatment: Usually an oral or vaginal antibiotic (Flagyl or Ampicillin) will be prescribed. Data suggest no alteration of treatment response when partner is treated. Routine treatment of sex partners is not recommended. If a woman has symptoms of BV, she must be treated.
