Smelly Discharge From Vagina. Treatment?
Thanks for writing in.
Vaginal discharge can be physiological or pathological.
I would like to hear some additional information from you.
1. What is the color of vaginal discharge? Clear, curdy white, grey, or yellowish? Is it frothy?
2. Quantity of the discharge? Is the amount of discharge minimal or copious?
3. Any history of associated fever or burning micturition?
4. Can you describe the smell? Does it have a fishy odour?
5. Any history of pruritis(itching)/burning sensation at the vagina?
6. Any history of associated lower abdominal pain?
7. If sexually active, any history of painful intercourse (dyspareunia) or post coital bleeding.
8. History of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases?
9. When was your last menstrual date?
In order to help me help you better, kindly provide the above details.
Awaiting your reply.
Have a nice day.
Regards,
Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan
Thanks for the reply.
Based on the details provided, I don’t think there is anything to worry about.
You probably may be having a bacterial vaginosis / trichomonal infection. As you report post coital bleeding, the infection may have spread to the cervix too and this needs to be ruled out by careful physical examination and investigations.
All the aforementioned conditions which you might have are treatable condition and there is no reason for you to feel embarrassed. It is a common problem that most ladies suffer from. So do not worry.
However I encourage you to visit your local gynaecologist. He/she can perform a detailed per vaginal examination and subject you to relevant investigations such as routine urine examination, swab / culture study on the discharge, microscopic studies on pap smear, etc. I am sure we will be able to understand the true nature of your problem. A course of antibiotic can be started then.
Meanwhile, maintain good perineal hygiene and abstain from sex till the discharge issue is resolved.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid frequent douching.
I hope I have answered your question. I will be happy to answer any further queries you might have.
Have a great day.
Regards,
Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan
I appreciate your feed backs.
Antibiotics might be started based on the nature of disease.
The gynaecologist might send the vaginal swab (discharge) for wet mount examination, whiff test, along with culture and sensitivity and might start you on such antibiotic empirically while awaiting the results as
- Metronidazole/Clindamycin orally or metronidazole/clindamycin gel intravaginally for bacterial vaginosis
- Metronidazole antibiotic alone for trichomonas.
- Cefixime/ceftriaxone for gonococcus
- Erythromycin/azithromycin for Chlamydia and so on.
Once the right treatment is completed, your symptoms should subside.
Your doctor might also advise you to get a pap smear done as screening test (if you have been sexually active for the past 3 years).
Hope I have answered your question. Kindly get back to me if you have further queries.
Have a great day.
Regards,
Dr.Divya Kuttikrishnan