Other topics: Birth Control / STD's / Gardasil

Basic Facts about Infections
The vagina is constantly cleansed and kept moist by a creamy, odorless secretion. The amount of this discharge varies among women and depends also on age. It is normal and healthy. This discharge 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, lumpy discharge (like cottage cheese) Itching around vaginal opening.

There are several infections that can be identified by any 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.

MONILLA (Yeast Infections)
Cause: Yeast is a fungus found everywhere, including the healthy vagina. When it spreads too much which is what sometimes happens especially when birth control pills or antibiotics are used, it will cause annoying symptoms. Pregnant women and those with diabetes are also prone to yeast infections.

Symptoms: Heavy, white, cottage cheese like discharge; itching and burning outside the vagina.

Treatment: Yeast infections are treated with either vaginal cream or suppositories. While yeast infections are not usually sexually transmitted, sometimes men can acquire them. It is best to use a condom until treatment is complete.

TRICHOMONAS (trich-o-moan-is) (Trich)
Cause: A tiny parasite, which can exist in the vagina, urethra or rectum. Trichomonas is always sexually transmitted, but the male will rarely have symptoms of infection.

Symptoms: Trichomonas causes a frothy, thin, greenish discharge, itching, a bad odor and possible pain during urination and/or intercourse.

Treatment: The most effective drug is Flagyl (Metronidazole), a powerful medication that can produce side effects. Male sex partners must also take Flagyl at the same time to treat this infection. Flagyl is given in pill form. During treatment, it is important to avoid drinking any alcohol, including beer and wine, as sever nausea, cramps, or vomiting can occur. Also, pregnant women in the first trimester or nursing mothers should not take Flagyl. Condoms should be used until both partners have completed treatment Yeast and/or venereal warts sometimes develop along with Trich, so watch for symptoms of these infections as well.

GARDENERALLA (haemophilus, Non-specific Vaginitis)
Cause: Bacteria passed by sexual intimacy or may occur spontaneously.

Symptoms: Yellowish or green bad-smelling discharges, itching, pain with intercourse and/or urination.

Treatment: Usually an oral antibiotic (Flagy or Ampicillin) will be pre- scribed. Your partner(s) must also be treated to prevent re-infection. A condom should be used until both partners have completed treatment.

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