Vaginal Discharge

What you need to know:

Don’t try to treat yourself. Many women assume that all discharges are caused by thrush and buy over-the-counter remedies, although if they ask a pharmacist these days they can usually tell just by asking a few questions if your self-diagnosis is wrong. Your discharge may be caused by many other problems and must be diagnosed accurately to prevent long-term and possibly irreversible damage - including infertility.

Repeated episodes of thrush often occur because your partner is a carrier. He’s not doing that irresponsibly - thrush often produces no symptoms in men - but both of you need to be treated but it may also be an early warning sign of underlying diabetes. Symptomatic treatment of thrush is seldom a long-term solution and it requires a package of lifestyle and dietary changes as well as medication.

Further information on thrush can be found under pruritus vulvae in the genitalia - vulva section.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.