Excessive Creamy White Vaginal Secretions

Q: I am a 22 year old female. I was diagnosed with BV about 5 months ago. The doctor treated me and it seemed to go away within a week. Recently, I’ve had more discharge than normal. It’s smooth creamy white color and it doesn’t smell the same. I went back to my gynecologist and she said I tested negative for BV, and sent me on my way.

I’m still living with this and I don’t know who else to go to. I wish it would just go away. Is there any treatment you know of that makes excessive discharge go away? Could it be something else besides BV? I was wondering if my boyfriend had given it back to me, but my doctor said that men do not get it. So I’m at a loss of what to do.
-By Brittany

Reply:

It’s unlikely to to bacterial vaginosis again. The discharge in BV is typically smelly (patients report a fishy odor usually).

There are many causes of vaginal discharge. Without actual examination, it’s difficult to say exactly what it is. However, let us attempt to inform you as much as possible to help you reach some conclusion.

Normal Vaginal Discharge

A normal healthy vagina secretes in small quantities to keep the vaginal canal lubricated and maintain a pH of about 4.5. The amount of discharge varies during different phases of the menstrual cycle. It is normal to have excess discharge during safe (fertile) periods. Discharge is also more in phases when you are sexually more active.

Normal vaginal discharge is slimy, non-odorous and transparent to whitish in color. It is not itchy and causes no inflammation (redness or swelling) of vulva and adjoining area. The only symptom felt is wetness all the time, which may make you feel clumsy.

Since you have not mentioned any itching, redness, swelling in your genitals, may be your discharge is not pathogenic. It is just excessive due to increased sexual desire. If it is so, it will go away on its own after some days.

Sometimes taking any birth control pills may also be a reason for increased vaginal discharge.

Candidiasis

There is another possibility as well. It may be candidiasis. This is a fungal infection. It is very common. It usually occurs when the immune power of the individual is somewhat compromised (when taking steroids for some ailment, pregnancy, diabetes, poor nutrition).

It also occurs in people who frequently take antibiotics. Antimicrobials disturb the normal bacterial flora of the genitals making the area prone to growth of fungus.

Symptoms

Candidiasis is recognized by its symptoms. Look for the following:

• Self exam to see if the genital area is somewhat red and looks inflamed. All infections produce some degree of inflammation.
• Discharge here is curdy white typically. It is non- odorous.
• Itching is present.

If you have any of the following symptoms, it can be candidiasis. You may visit your doctor to get it confirmed.

Treatment

Treatment for candidiasis is simple. Antifungal vaginal tablets are given. They can be inserted into the vaginal canal before sleep.

Also, self care is essential. Do the following:

• Keep the area clean and dry. Cleaning with water alone is sufficient. Do not use harsh soaps for this area.
• Wear loose cotton under wears only, to avoid the building up of moisture in the area.

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.