What Causes Vaginal Itching And Thick White Discharge?
Question: I have vaginal itching and some cheesy discharge as well as some witish spots around my vagina. This last symptom makes me a bit worried and that's why I would like to ask your gynecologist whether she could confirm it is yeast infection (which I had last time in January) or something else. Also what treatment would you recommend? Does my partner (no symptoms) also need to be treated? Many thanks in advance
Brief Answer:
Can you upload photos ?
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Can you upload photos of the areas mentioned ?
Itching and cheesy discharge are highly suggestive of a yeast infection.
Whitish areas are sometimes seen too.
I hope you understand that confirmatory diagnosis is only possible by taking a swab of the involved areas and culturing it for a yeast growth.
However, looking at the areas can give me a fairly good idea.
I would request you to upload photos, so that I can give you a better idea.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Take care.
Can you upload photos ?
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Can you upload photos of the areas mentioned ?
Itching and cheesy discharge are highly suggestive of a yeast infection.
Whitish areas are sometimes seen too.
I hope you understand that confirmatory diagnosis is only possible by taking a swab of the involved areas and culturing it for a yeast growth.
However, looking at the areas can give me a fairly good idea.
I would request you to upload photos, so that I can give you a better idea.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks, fully understood full diagnosis requires culture. I have already attached two photos to my first e-mail. Now two more - maybe sharper. Hope you receive it this time
Brief Answer:
I need more clear pics.
Detailed Answer:
I have received 4 pics - all blurred.
And do you have some spots around your anus too ?
I request you to send me sharper pics, delete all the ones you have sent me so far, and upload newer ones please.
Awaiting clearer pics.
Take care.
I need more clear pics.
Detailed Answer:
I have received 4 pics - all blurred.
And do you have some spots around your anus too ?
I request you to send me sharper pics, delete all the ones you have sent me so far, and upload newer ones please.
Awaiting clearer pics.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I cannot remove the previous ones I'm afraid but here are some better ones.
Hello, I have now logged in via internet and removed blurred photos - only kept the better ones. Also, just to confirm: there is nothing on my anus. I am looking forward to your fast reply
Hello, I have now logged in via internet and removed blurred photos - only kept the better ones. Also, just to confirm: there is nothing on my anus. I am looking forward to your fast reply
Brief Answer:
As below
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for the update.
I apologize for a slight delay in the response, since I was not able to access the internet for some time.
I have gone through the recent pics, they are quite clear.
Yes, the pictures are very suggestive of a vaginal yeast infection.
The rawness and white spots occur alongwith itching and the cheesy discharge.
The constellation of symptoms strongly points to vaginal candidiasis ( yeast infection ).
The next step as per my recommendation is to go for vaginal swab and culture, and have a confirmed diagnosis before commencing treatment.
This is because some particular strains of yeast are very virulent and might need intensive treatment.
But if you insist on my outlining the treatment, I will do so, with the caveat that is it best to start drugs after seeing your doctor.
Generally a 3 day course of antifungal cream, lotion, vaginal tablet or suppository is prescribed.
Any one of the following agents is chosen -
butoconazole (Gynazole-1), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole (Terazol 3).
IF symptoms persist, a culture is strongly recommended to know the exact strain, and then oral antifungals ( Diflucan ) or prolonged 14 day treatment might be needed.
Your partner does not need treatment if he is asymptomatic since this is not sexually transmitted.
I hope this helps you.
You can reach me anytime by clicking on the below direct link to my profile -
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-aarti-abraham/64623
Take care.
As below
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you for the update.
I apologize for a slight delay in the response, since I was not able to access the internet for some time.
I have gone through the recent pics, they are quite clear.
Yes, the pictures are very suggestive of a vaginal yeast infection.
The rawness and white spots occur alongwith itching and the cheesy discharge.
The constellation of symptoms strongly points to vaginal candidiasis ( yeast infection ).
The next step as per my recommendation is to go for vaginal swab and culture, and have a confirmed diagnosis before commencing treatment.
This is because some particular strains of yeast are very virulent and might need intensive treatment.
But if you insist on my outlining the treatment, I will do so, with the caveat that is it best to start drugs after seeing your doctor.
Generally a 3 day course of antifungal cream, lotion, vaginal tablet or suppository is prescribed.
Any one of the following agents is chosen -
butoconazole (Gynazole-1), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin), miconazole (Monistat 3) and terconazole (Terazol 3).
IF symptoms persist, a culture is strongly recommended to know the exact strain, and then oral antifungals ( Diflucan ) or prolonged 14 day treatment might be needed.
Your partner does not need treatment if he is asymptomatic since this is not sexually transmitted.
I hope this helps you.
You can reach me anytime by clicking on the below direct link to my profile -
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-aarti-abraham/64623
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Many thanks for your reply. Unfortunately I am travelling so it will be difficult to go see a doctor the next week. Nevertheless I went into a pharmacy (in Paris) and received clotrimazole 500 mg suppository as well as clotrimazole 1% cream for outside treatment. I have started the outside treatment already and plan to put the suppository tonight. Could you please confirm this treatment corresponds to the one you suggested? Many thanks again
Brief Answer:
Yes, the treatment is right.
Detailed Answer:
Yes it definitely does.
The treatment is right.
Continue the suppository for 6 days, as you are travelling.
I hope you will be better then.
Let me know how you feel in a day or two, you should respond to the treatment by then.
Take care.
Yes, the treatment is right.
Detailed Answer:
Yes it definitely does.
The treatment is right.
Continue the suppository for 6 days, as you are travelling.
I hope you will be better then.
Let me know how you feel in a day or two, you should respond to the treatment by then.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar