Q: Hello there, I need your help Doc. I’ve been experiencing a huge discharge which even burns my panties down there. What might be the problem? It stresses me. God bless you

A: Vaginal discharge is quite common in females especially in sexually active females, though it can also occur in people who are not sexually active. It can be rather disturbing if associated with symptoms like itching, sores in the genital area and bad odor.

There are different causes of discharge and many organisms responsible for vaginal discharge (bacterial, fungal and protozoan), and the offending organism/cause will determine the treatment.

Some causes include poor hygienic practices, use of harsh chemicals to wash the genital area, use of tampons and pads for long periods without change, insertion of herbs or other objects into the vagina, and wrong cleaning practices, like cleaning from back to front (the correct way should be from front to back)

From the description of your symptoms, it is rather difficult to determine the cause of your discharge.

I would advise you try to maintain a high level of cleanliness, eat healthy, involve in exercise as this helps in cleansing the system, try to keep the place dry always, by during with a towel or tissue after washing (wash with only water or water and a mild toilet soap). Washing and urinating after intercourse can also help. I would also advice you visit a doctor, who would request you have some test done and then based on the results would prescribe the appropriate drugs for you.

Following the result of your tests, your doctor may advice that your partner be treated if he thinks it’s a sexually transmitted infection. This would prevent you from getting reinfected on meeting him after your treatment. It’s important to note that this is not always the case…your symptoms may not be due to a sexually transmitted disease and in that case, there may be no need for your partner to be treated.

Fungal infection such as candidiasis are not usually transmitted through intercourse and so would not require this.

Sorry, about the discomfort you may be going through, but once treated properly you will be preventing yourself from likely complications and recurrence.

Hope this helps. Cheers!

******This post was contributed by a doctor ‘guest’ blogger. For related posts, please click on these links:

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/04/27/daily-health-tips-is-vaginal-discharge-normal/

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/12/08/daily-health-tips-is-vaginal-odour-normal/

https://chatwithdrketch.com/2014/03/07/daily-health-tips-toilet-infection-seriously/

Have a good night, y’all 😀