Vaginal Discharges - Family Planning (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

Common vaginal infections

What is normal?

Any of these can be a sign of infection. If you

notice any of them see your health professional.

Most women have some vaginal discharge which

This is very important if you think you could have a

THRUSH

is clear or white. When it dries on your underwear

sexually transmissible infection (STI).

Also called candida, yeast or fungal infection. It is

it looks yellow and has a slight smell.

Your doctor will discuss your concerns, check your

normal to have candida in your vagina and bowel.

A vaginal discharge helps to keep your vagina

genital area and take swab tests. Other tests may

Sometimes candida grows too much and causes

moist and comfortable. It changes throughout

be suggested.

problems.

your menstrual cycle. During your most fertile

Women often ask for a cervical smear test when

This may happen if

time, about 15 or 16 days before your period,

they are worried about an infection. However,

• you are taking antibiotics

there is more discharge. It is slippery and clear.

swab tests are needed to find infection.

• you are pregnant

Many useful bacteria live in your vagina. They

keep harmful bacteria under control. They cause

• you have diabetes

a slight smell which is completely normal. Normal

• you are under stress

Clitoris

vaginal discharge can change from day to day.

• there is not enough lubrication during sexual

Labia

It is often heavier

intercourse

Urethra

• midway between periods

• you have low immunity such as an HIV

infection.

• when you have an IUD

Thrush is not an STI.

• during pregnancy

In women there can be

• after sexual intercourse.

• an uncomfortable, thick, white discharge

There is less discharge

• itching, redness and swelling of the genital

• when breast feeding

area

• after menopause

• painful sexual intercourse.

Anus

• when using the contraceptive injection.

Thrush is usually treated with cream or pessaries,

Vagina

which you put into your vagina, or tablets by

What is not normal?

mouth. You can buy these from a pharmacy or

Suggestions for vaginal health

A vaginal discharge is not normal when it

get a prescription from a Family Planning Clinic or

from a doctor.

• itches or irritates

• wash your genital area daily

To help reduce the irritation, put a handful of salt

• smells unpleasant

• do not douche

in your bath water.

• changes colour.

• wipe yourself from front to back after a bowel

Some women find natural remedies helpful.

motion

It is also not normal to have

See a doctor if

• wear cotton underwear and avoid tight jeans

• bleeding between periods

and lycra shorts

• you are not sure you have thrush

• uncomfortable or painful sexual intercourse

• avoid perfumed soaps and coloured toilet

• you get thrush more than four times a year.

• lower abdominal pain.

paper.

Vaginal Discharges

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Vaginal Discharges - Family Planning Page 2

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