Diagnosis
If you see a change in vaginal discharge, you should visit the doctor’s clinic and get medical help. Your doctor will suggest a few tests after a physical examination.
Tests that your doctor may order are as follows:
- STD test: In this test, a sample of discharge is collected and sent to a lab to test for STDs like trichomonas, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
- Pelvic examination: Your doctor may examine your vagina and cervix to look for any abnormalities.
- Wet mount: Your doctor may collect a sample of your discharge and examine it under a microscope to find trichomonas, yeast or bacterial infection that causes the white discharge.
- pH test: Your doctor will check the acid level of the discharge as infections can cause changes in the acidity of the vagina or the pH levels.
Treatment
For normal discharge, it requires no treatment or medication. However, abnormal discharge or milky white discharge accompanied by itchiness and inflammation can be managed with home remedies, lifestyle changes and medications.
Your doctor, in the event of infection, may prescribe medications or recommend OTC medicines that are helpful to treat the condition.
For yeast infections, your doctor may prescribe antifungal drugs that are required to be inserted into the vagina or taken orally.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if you are suffering from trichomoniasis, chlamydia, gonorrhea and bacterial vaginosis.
Some women try douching to treat vaginal infections. However, you must know douching washes away healthy bacteria too. This can cause you other health conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid douching or it should be done under your doctor’s guidance.
Lifestyle changes
The following are a few suggestions that will ensure optimal vaginal health.
- After using the toilet, ensure you are wiping the area from the vagina to anus, commonly known as wiping from front to back. This helps to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina.
- Use probiotics as it encourages vaginal health. Also, it fights against infections and bacteria, helping your urinary tract.
- Avoid pantyhose and wear breathable cotton underwear. Choose breathable clothes and avoid tight and synthetic underwear as it increases the risks of vaginal infections.
- Avoid douching and tampons. Both can help enter new microbes into the vagina, increasing the risk of vaginal infection.
- Keep your genital area clean and dry always.
- Always have your partner use a condom during male-female sexual intercourse. This helps to prevent any sexually transmitted infections or diseases.
- Avoid using perfumed products for your vagina. Scented wipes, bubble baths or vaginal deodorants can cause irritation.
Home Remedies
Here are the home remedies for white discharge that you must know:
- Increase your water intake.
- Once a day, drink a glass of fresh cranberry juice without adding any sugar.
- Consume probiotics like yogurt, kimchi, kefir or sauerkraut daily to fight against infections in the urinary tract.
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