When you come in for your consultation with the GP, the doctor will ask you about your symptoms & examine you. They may suggest some testing in order to confirm a diagnosis – this may include a vaginal swab, urine test, or blood test. If your results show infection, the doctor will help you organise treatment & go through the next steps with you. Your prescription is included in the cost of your consultation.
Symptoms
Vaginal discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle, & will be different for each woman. You may notice a whitish discharge before & after your period, & a thick, stretchy, clear discharge around the middle of your cycle, at ovulation. A mild smell is normal.
Certain colours, odours, & consistencies can indicate an infection or imbalance in the vagina. This will usually be accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, tenderness, urinary urgency or pain during urination, burning, redness, or itchiness.
White discharge: a thin, whitish discharge may be a normal part of your menstrual cycle. If the discharge is thicker in consistency, & has a cottage-cheese consistency, accompanied by other symptoms such as itchiness, soreness, or painful urination, it could be a sign of yeast infection. Also known as thrush, this is a very common condition in women & can be treated with over-the-counter medicine, but it is important to get a proper diagnosis for this, & not to self-medicate. The discharge associated with thrush usually has no smell.
White or grey discharge with a fishy smell: This discharge is slightly off-colour & you will notice an unusual smell. It could be bacterial vaginosis (BV), an infection that develops when your vagina’s natural flora is thrown off balance. This condition is not sexually transmitted, although it can result from intercourse with a new partner. It may cause some discomfort as well, & once it has been diagnosed, can be treated with antibiotics.
Yellow or green discharge: Certain sexually-transmitted diseases are accompanied by more dramatic changes in discharge, such as yellow or greenish colour, & a strong odour. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, & trichomoniasis can all present with these symptoms. Make sure to make an appointment with the doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis & treatment.
Brown or reddish discharge: This is called “spotting” & it is normal to experience this just before or just after your period. If you notice spotting at any other time during your cycle, it could indicate a reproductive disorder, & is something to discuss with a GP.
