$Unique_ID{PAR00177}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Medical Advice:  Vaginal Discharge}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Chasnoff, Ira J}
$Subject{Vaginal Discharge irritating pus-like bloody foul-smelling sitz baths
bath bathe vinegar pinworm pinworms urinary tract infection cotton underpants
chemical products chemicals product diethylstilbestrol DES gynecologist
puberty Mucous discharges itch itches itching sore soreness hygiene sprays
toilet habits habit masturbate masturbates masturbating masturbation vaginitis
viral bacterial infections microorganisms yeasts vaginal adenosis antibiotic
antibiotics worm worms medicine medicines medication medications fungicide
fungicides medicated suppositories suppository hormones hormone ointment
ointments}
$Log{}

Your Child:  A Medical Guide


Vaginal Discharge


     Quick Reference

     SYMPTOM
     - Discharge that is irritating, pus-like, bloody, or foul-smelling

     HOME CARE
     - Have the child take sitz baths to which a cup of vinegar has been
       added.
     - Check for signs of pinworms or urinary tract infection.
     - Teach your daughter simple preventive measures, such as wearing cotton
       underpants, avoiding the use of chemical products, and practicing
       proper techniques for cleaning herself after using the toilet.

     PRECAUTIONS
     - Any girl whose mother took diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant
       should be examined by a gynecologist (a specialist in disorders of the
       female reproductive system) at the beginning of puberty, whether or not
       vaginal discharge is present.
     - The use of chemicals in the bathwater or vaginal sprays can cause
       vaginal discharge.
     - Discharge from the vagina is normal during the first two weeks of a
       baby girl's life and for one to two years before a girl starts
       menstruating.  This discharge does not irritate or have a foul odor.


     Mucous discharge from the vagina is normal during the first two weeks of
a baby girl's life and during the one to two years before a girl starts
menstruating.  Such vaginal discharge may be quite heavy, but it does not have
an unpleasant odor and it does not irritate the skin.
     Vaginal discharge that irritates nearby membranes, smells foul, and
causes itching, soreness, or pain may be caused by using chemicals in the
bathwater (for example, bubble bath and water softeners) or vaginal hygiene
sprays, wearing panties made from synthetic materials, or practicing poor
toilet habits.  It can also result from pinworms, a urinary tract infection,
masturbation, foreign bodies in the vagina, or poor hygiene.  Discharge can
also be caused by vaginitis (vaginal infection) due to viral or bacterial
microorganisms or yeasts.
     Girls whose mothers received the drug DES during pregnancy may have
vaginal adenosis, an abnormality that causes bleeding and discharge.  All
girls with vaginal adenosis should be carefully monitored.  Whether or not
they have vaginal bleeding, all girls whose mothers took DES should be
examined by a gynecologist (a specialist in disorders of the female
reproductive system) at the beginning of puberty.  Although the medical
profession originally overestimated the chances that a girl whose mother took
DES would get cancer, the possibility does exist.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

     Vaginal discharge that occurs during puberty and is not irritating or
foul-smelling is normal.  Vaginal discharge that is pus-like, irritating,
foul-smelling, or bloody is not normal.  The cause of the problem must be
determined by your doctor.

HOME CARE

     Some of the causes of abnormal vaginal discharge can be prevented.  Have
your daughter avoid using chemicals in the bathwater, wear cotton rather than
synthetic underpants, and wipe herself from front to back after using the
toilet.  Look for signs of pinworms or urinary tract infections.  Taking sitz
baths in a tub of water to which a cup of vinegar has been added may be
helpful.

PRECAUTION

  -  Any girl whose mother took DES during pregnancy should be seen by a
     gynecologist at the beginning of puberty.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

     Your doctor will take a detailed health history and conduct a physical
examination, including inspection of the vaginal area and the rectum.  A
culture of the discharge, an x-ray examination of the pelvis, and urine tests
may be performed.
     Treatment depends on the cause of the problem, but it may involve the use
of antibiotics, worm medicine, fungicides, medicated suppositories, or hormone
ointments.

RELATED TOPICS:  Gonorrhea; Herpes simplex; Menstrual irregularities;
Pinworms; Toxic shock syndrome; Urinary tract infections; Vaginal bleeding