White vaginal discharge can be a normal part of the female menstruation cycle. As long as the white discharge is thin and odorless, women should not worry. If a woman begins to experience white discharge that is thick, clumpy, and itchy, she could have a yeast infection. Yeast infections are one of the most common causes of white vaginal discharge. Some sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can also cause abnormal vaginal discharge.
During different parts of the menstrual cycle, the vagina produces discharge as a natural way of taking care of itself. Women may see clear or white vaginal discharge on their panties from time to time. Some women naturally produce more discharge than others. If the discharge does not cause a woman pain and does not smell bad, there is usually no reason to be alarmed.
When white discharge of a thicker nature appears, this may be a sign of a yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections occur when the balance between good and bad bacteria in the vagina is thrown off. Common triggers for a yeast infection include antibiotic use, douching, and pregnancy.
Thick white vaginal discharge is a classic symptom of a yeast infection. Other symptoms include vaginal itching, burning, foul odor, and pain from sexual intercourse. If a woman has had a yeast infection before, she could be treated with an over-the-counter yeast cream. Women who have never experienced a yeast infection should seek help from a gynecologist if they develop symptoms of an infection.
A gynecologist can prescribe a prescription cream that can be inserted into a woman's vagina at bedtime. Another option is for your doctor to prescribe an oral medication to treat the yeast infection. A healthy woman should be free of yeast infection a few days after starting her prescribed treatment.
Bacterial vaginosis and many sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause vaginal discharge. For this reason, it is important for patients to be honest with their doctor about their sexual history. Leaving an STD untreated can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and reproductive problems.
Yeast infections can be prevented by practicing healthy habits at home. Women should not shower. The vagina is designed to clean itself naturally. It is also important for women to change out of wet swimsuits immediately after swimming. An excessively moist vaginal area can allow a yeast infection to thrive.
Women experiencing chronic yeast infections should talk to a doctor about long-term treatment. Adding additional yogurt and garlic to their diets may also be beneficial for those suffering from chronic yeast infections, because these foods help fight yeast. If a woman knows that she is prone to yeast infections, she might benefit from asking her doctor for an oral yeast infection treatment pill whenever she is prescribed antibiotics.