Some Basics...

• It is normal for women to have some vaginal discharge. A small amount of milky-white or clear and non-smelling discharge is normal. This discharge helps keep the genitals healthy and clean.
• Abnormal discharge is a very common complaint among women. Changes in color, odor, and amount may mean there is a more serious problem.

Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

• Vaginitis: This is a term that means "vaginal inflammation." It often causes vaginal discharge and itching. It may happen from chemical irritation. This may be from too much douching or over-use of yeast medicines. It may also have an infectious cause, like:
  • Candidiasis (thick, white, cottage cheese-like, discharge that does not smell)
  • Trichomonas (foamy, yellow-green foul-smelling discharge)
  • Bacterial vaginosis (white-gray discharge, fishy odor).
• Vaginal Foreign Bodies (FB): These must be removed to stop infection. A common FB can be a forgotten tampon. Sometimes, FBs are not found until a woman sees her doctor.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD): These may cause a new or not normal vaginal discharge. They may also cause urination pain, pelvic pain, and bleeding.

Warning!

• All women of childbearing age should consider the possibility that they might be pregnant.
• In the second half of pregnancy, increasing discharge can be a sign of early labor.

1. What You Should Know:
   • It is normal for women to have some vaginal discharge. A small amount of milky-white or clear and non-smelling discharge is normal. This discharge helps keep the genitals healthy and clean.
   • Yeast infections can cause abnormal vaginal discharge.
   • You can treat yeast infections at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Pregnancy Test, When in Doubt:
   • If there is a chance that you might be pregnant, use a urine pregnancy test.
   • You can buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore.
   • It works best first thing in the morning.
   • Follow all package instructions.
3. Antifungal Medication: There are many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to treat yeast infections.
   • Sold in the United States: Femstat-3, miconazole (Monistat-3), clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin-3, Mycelex-7), and butoconazole (Femstat-3).
   • Sold in Canada: miconazole (Monistat-3) and clotrimazole (Canesten-3,
     Myclo-Gyne).
   • If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before using these.
   • Do not use yeast medication during the 24 hours before seeing a doctor. It may change the results of an exam.
   • Read all package instructions.
4. Genital Hygiene:
   • Keep your genital area clean and dry.
   • Wash daily.
   • Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
   • Wear underwear that is all cotton or has a cotton crotch.
   • Do not douche.
   • Do not use scented soaps or feminine products.
5. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pregnancy test is positive
   • You have trouble with the at-home test
   • Not better after treating yourself for a yeast infection
   • You get worse