Various infections, including yeast and bacterial vaginosis, can cause vaginal discharge and itching. Treatment depends on the cause, but antibiotics or antifungal drugs can help. Precautions include avoiding irritants and keeping the area clean and dry. Probiotics may also help prevent vaginitis.
A number of infections can cause vaginal discharge and itching. Vaginal infections are commonly called vaginitis and can be caused by certain types of bacteria and fungi or by a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as chlamydia or genital herpes. Treatment depends on the cause of the symptoms, but many cases can be resolved with antibiotics or antifungal drugs.
A yeast infection is perhaps the most common cause of vaginal itching and discharge. This type of infection is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans. Vaginal discharge is typically thick and lumpy, and itching is usually internal and external. Most infections clear up with antifungal and over-the-counter treatments, such as a suppository and anti-itch cream. A single-serving pill can also clear up a yeast infection.
Bacterial vaginosis can also cause vaginal discharge and itching. The discharge from a bacterial infection is different from that caused by a yeast infection; it often has a thin texture, gray-white color, and an unpleasant, fishy odor. Bacterial vaginosis is usually treated with antibiotics such as metronidazole or clindamycin.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause these symptoms. It is caused by a protozoan. The discharge tends to be green-yellow in color and has a very unpleasant smell. There is usually a large amount of discharge as well as itching and burning due to the infection. Common treatments include single-dose tinidazole or metronidazole pills, and the infection usually clears up within a week of treatment.
Vaginal discharge can also be caused by other STDs, such as gonorrhea or chalmydia, and antibiotics usually clear up those STDs. Some types of cancer, such as cervical or vaginal cancer, can produce a bloody discharge. Itchy vaginal area can also be caused by external irritants or changes in hormone levels, such as during menopause. In rare cases, itching may be caused by precancerous lesions on the vulva or a pinworm infestation.
Some precautions can be taken to prevent abnormal vaginal discharge and itching. A woman should limit her exposure to chemical irritants by avoiding scented feminine products and toilet paper, as well as douches. The vaginal area should be kept clean and dry so that yeast or bacteria are less likely to grow and spread. Some women also find that eating foods with probiotics, such as yogurt, helps keep vaginitis at bay.
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