Vaginal itching and a change in vaginal discharge

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Vaginal itching and a change in vaginal discharge

Most women have some vaginal discharge. A normal vaginal discharge:

• Does not smell bad.
• Is not gray, green, or yellow.
• Does not occur with vaginal or genital redness, burning, or itching.
• Does not occur with pelvic pain or burning when you urinate.

You may notice a normal increase in your vaginal discharge during the middle of your menstrual cycle.

The vagina contains a large number of different types of organisms, such as yeast cells and bacteria, that exist in a balance with each other. Vaginitis is the result of a change in the normal balance of vaginal organisms. When you have vaginitis, you may notice:

• Vaginal itching.
• An increase in vaginal discharge.
• A change in the color of the discharge.
• A strong vaginal odor, especially after sex.

Other symptoms include increased redness, swelling, itching, or irritation in the vaginal or genital area. Sometimes burning after urination may be present.

A few women develop chronic, repeated vaginitis. Vaginal irritation with burning and discharge is the main symptom. While many women think they have a yeast infection that won't go away, this may not be the case. If you have increased vaginal discharge or other symptoms of a vaginal infection, it is important to check with your doctor to find the cause of your symptoms.

Credits

Last updated:	November 03, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer