Infections
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) - The most common vaginal infection is caused by a change in the normal bacteria found in the vagina. Normal bacteria help to fight other kinds of infections. Women who have this infection complain about a fishy smell and a watery discharge from the vagina. It is not a sexually transmitted disease [STD] but may be affected by sexual intercourse.
Treatment - Pills or a cream or gel that goes into the vagina. Male partners do not have to be treated. It is serious in pregnant woman.
Trichomoniasis (Trich) - Caused by an organism that is not a normal part of the vagina. Women with this infection complain of a greenish/yellowish discharge that has a foul odor. This is a sexually transmitted infection and the male partner needs to be treated.
Treatment for both partners is 4 pills that are taken all at once.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) - When bacteria gets into the bladder it can cause an infection. Women who have this infection complain about the need to go to the bathroom frequently and "in a hurry". It often hurts when they "pee".
Treatment - Antibiotics for 3 or 7 days; we urge women to drink plenty of water and avoid carbonated drinks, caffeine and alcohol. Cranberry juice sometimes helps get rid of the infection.
Yeast or candida - Also found in the vagina normally, but sometimes there's too much of it. Taking some antibiotics or certain hormones can change the balance in the vagina and the yeast grows. Women who have yeast infections complain of a lot of itching and a thick, white discharge.
Treatment is a suppository or cream that go in the vagina, or one pill taken by mouth
Warning: Vaginal symptoms can be a sign of more serious disease, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, so it is always a good idea to go to the clinic and have a check up.
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