Vaginal Discharge, Infections, & Odors and Douching / Question
Published: February 28, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have been getting a white discharge on my panties. My friends say that it is not a yeast infection because there is no burning or itching. This has been going on for about 6 months now. What should I do?
Signed: Discharge-Yeast Infection
Dear Discharge-Yeast Infection,
Without going to the doctor, you cannot get a definite diagnosis. A female has a normal white discharge that occurs naturally in her body. However, if the amount of discharge, the smell or the consistency (curdy or clumpy) has changed, it could be a sign of an infection.
You asked specifically about yeast infections, so here are the details:
Yeast infections happen in the vaginal area because of an excessive growth of yeast or an imbalance of vaginal microorganisms. They are not sexually transmitted and can have many causes. Some include the use of antibiotics or steroids, wearing tight clothing in the vaginal area, frequent douching, strong soaps, pregnancy, diabetes and other illnesses.
Symptoms of a yeast infection are:
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Increase in amount of discharge
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Change in consistency of discharge (white, curd-like or lumpy)
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Change in smell of discharge (yeast like smell)
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Change in the color of discharge (gray or green color)
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Painful or uncomfortable intercourse
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Swelling or redness in the vaginal area
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Itching or burning in the vaginal area
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Pain while urinating
Some women suffer from frequent yeast infections and use prevention methods. They include eating yogurt, not wearing tight fitting clothes, wearing cotton underwear, using mild soaps, and avoiding feminine sprays and douches. A good way to avoid any type of vaginal infection is to wipe correctly by wiping your vaginal area from front to back.
Yeast infections are very treatable. There are over the counter medications, but for teenagers we recommend seeing a doctor. As a teenager your body is changing, a doctor can examine you and make sure everything is okay. Also, the doctor can answer any of your questions and prescribe the right kind of medication for you.
Since you are concerned about this vaginal discharge or if it has changed from what it was before, please see your doctor or talk to your mother or an aunt about it. It is important to your physical health to get any infection treated. Doctors are very used to dealing with these issues in teenagers. If you cannot go to your doctor or talk to your mother about this because you are sexually active, go a teen health center.
You did not state if you are sexually active. If you are sexually active, a discharge could be a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease. A teen health center can see you for sexuality transmitted disease prevention and treatment and/or birth control issues without your parent's consent and on a low/no cost basis. In Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971.5199. Outside of New Jersey, please call your local Planned Parenthood.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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