General health

Resolved Is vaginal discharge common? When should one seek help?

Posted by User | 2021-02-28 | General health

I have always had vaginal discharge, but recently i seems to have infections too.. any way to prevent it? Or it is just common to women?

2 Replies

Dr Lim Min Yu
Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
01 Mar 2021
Expert

Book Virtual Session

Pending Moderation

It is normal to have some amount of vaginal discharge, as the vaginal walls secrete fluid in order to keep the vagina moist. This fluid also serves as a barrier against infection. It is also normal for the amount of discharge to vary during your monthly cycle, as the hormonal changes affect the production of the fluid. However, if there is a change in the colour of the discharge from clear or white to green or yellow, or there is more discharge, or there is associated itch, pain or a burning sensation, then you might have an infection. You should see your doctor if you are concerned. Your doctor will take a history, perform an examination and may take some swabs to check if there is any infection, so that appropriate treatment may be given.

Nicole D
03 Mar 2021

Pending Moderation

In the past 2 months, my discharge changed from the usually transparent whitish to like a dark red to brown, I thought my period came early but it was just discharge.

A while back I had vaginal itch and went to see my GP. He asked a few questions, didn't examine me and just gave me a cream that apparently covers the different possible causes like yeast infection and bacteria infection. It helped after a few days of application, but I don't know what caused my itch, how to prevent it and it still itches occasionally now.

Nicole D
04 Mar 2021

Okay I am seriously thinking about a checkup now, I didn't know people see a gynae for these things as well, I thought gynae is only for when I am pregnant :x

Thank you for sharing so much (:

Dr Lim Min Yu
04 Mar 2021

It is better to be examined, and to have a swab taken to check whether there is an infection, and what the appropriate treatment would be. There are bacteria that are resistant to certain antibiotics, so giving treatment without first doing a test may not properly treat the infection.

I would agree that having a well woman check regularly is a good idea. Many women will see their gynae once a year to make sure things are OK.

Doreen Gan
03 Mar 2021

I went to GP and was prescribed vaginal tablets. Probably one of the more intrusive way i have ever medicated myself, but it works! So maybe you could check with your GP if it happens again?

But i was strongly recommended by my GP to go for a pap smear and checkup with a gynae. Doesn't have to be for preparation for kids or anything, just do a thorough check for women health (breast and vaginal health). She said every women should have all these check regularly ?