KissMeGoodnight eLearning Series:
Your Sexual Health

Girls: Abnormal Vaginal Behavior and Secretions

Vaginal secretions are a normal part of being a woman. These secretions will vary in consistency and thickness throughout the woman’s life. Vaginal discharges normally do not have an odor or color to them, except being a whitish-yellowish color. If you detect a foul odor, as vaginal secretions do have an odor but that is normal, or a change in color then this would be cause for concern. This would be the time to contact your doctor. If you have experienced itching, or a burning feeling or you might notice a rash this may be an indication of abnormal vaginal behavior. This article lists some symptoms to watch for.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): is a very common cause of vaginitis, which is the inflammation of the vagina. Bacterial Vaginosis has a change in the growth of bacteria in the vagina. A change in sexual partners, using an IUD (intrauterine device), and cleansing with douche products can all affect the bacteria ratio in the vagina.

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis - has a foul-smelling vaginal discharge. It has been described by some women as a fishy odor and is more pronounced after having sex. Besides the odor, other symptoms may include a change in color from whitish to more of a grayish color, possible pain during urinating, and itching in the vaginal area.

The basic treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis is the use of antibiotics. Generally, male sex partners do not need treatment.

Trichomoniasis is a very common sexually transmitted disease. The parasite Trichomonas vaginitis is the reason for this disease. The parasite causes an infection of the urogenital tract. In women, the vagina is the most common place for infection. The urethra is the most common place for infection in men.

Symptoms of Trichomoniasis – often does not present with noticeable symptoms. The majority of men affected do not have symptoms. The symptoms women experience usually appear during the first five to twenty-eight days of exposure, they can include a change in the color of the discharge, which can change from whitish to a yellow-green color, pain or discomfort during intercourse, a change in the vaginal odor, along with painful urination. Many times they may experience itching and irritation in the genital region. On very rare occasions, they may experience lower abdominal pain. The men usually experience a very thin whitish discharge from the penis and painful urination and/or ejaculation.

Treatments for this disease - Most medical professionals want to treat both sex partners because men can transmit the disease even if they are not displaying any symptoms. A high single dose of metronidazole is usually efficient to treat this disease. It is possible to contract this disease again after you have been treated for it.

Vaginal Yeast Infection – is very common among women. This is a fungal infection and occurs when the balance of fungus in off. This is not a sexually transmitted disease and approximately fifteen percent of men can develop symptoms after intercourse with an infected partner. The vagina has yeast present in small amounts all the time. Most women will experience a yeast infection at least once during their lifetime. Several factors are associated with increased yeast infection in women:

• Being pregnant
• Uncontrollable diabetes mellitus
• Oral contraceptives
• Antibiotics
• Perfumed feminine hygiene products
• Douches
• Topical antibiotics
• Steroid medications

If you wear, tight clothing that does not allow for air circulation this can also contribute to a yeast infection. If you think, you may have a yeast infection contact your health care provider.

The most frequent symptoms of yeast infection in women are itching, burning, and irritation of the vagina. Painful urination and painful intercourse also are common. There may not always be vaginal discharge and if there is, it may be a small amount. The discharge is usually described, as “cottage-cheese” like, although the discharge varies from woman to woman.

There are an assortment of antifungal creams and medications available to treat yeast infections. They can be purchased over the counter although it is wise to consult with your doctor first because the symptoms of a yeast infection, BV, and Trichomoniasis are difficult to distinguish your doctor will be able to tell you what is the best treatment plan. Women who are infected with HIV may experience severe yeast infections that may not respond to treatment.

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KissMeGoodnight.com : 2006

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