What is the treatment of common vaginal conditions?

A self-care action plan could be the best treatment for your vaginal condition. You may be familiar with the symptoms of thrush (yeast infection) and make your own diagnosis even before you visit the doctor. If you have used thrush treatment with no improvement, then there may be another cause for the discharge. In this case, you should see your doctor. You should also see your doctor if you find any swelling, sores or skin changes, or if you have any unexpected bleeding.

Bubble baths, perfumed soaps, vaginal douches, or the use of disinfectant all destroy the natural acidic vaginal secretions that protect against abnormal conditions. Women who have recurrent thrush infections may need to take vaginal tablets as the only treatment option.

Trichomonal, chlamydial, and gonorrhoeal infections must be treated with antibiotics. [7]

Bacterial vaginosis may require antibiotic treatment as well. [7] 

The doctor will treat genital warts with a solution, or with cryotherapy. [8]

A recurrent attack of herpes simplex can be controlled with antiviral medications, especially if outbreaks are frequent or severe. [9]

Most commonly, post-menopausal changes require estrogen-containing creams or hormone replacement therapy. [10]

Surgery may be necessary for infected Bartholin’s glands, and occasionally in case of severe skin changes or cancers.

How to Help the Doctor Determine Appropriate Treatment?

Your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination including a pelvic exam to establish the right diagnosis. Medical history questions may include the following:

• When did the abnormal vaginal discharge begin?
• Did you have the same amount and type of vaginal discharge throughout the month?
• What does the discharge look like?

You have to inform your doctor about possible odor, pain, itching, burning and you also have to mention if your sexual partner has abnormal discharge. For the diagnosis of abnormal vaginal discharge, it is also important to report your sexual relationship specifics, like multiple sexual partners, or sexual partners that you do not know very well. It might be important to know if there is anything that relieves the discharge.

Specific tests can determine the underlying cause of vaginal discharge. These tests include [1]: :

• Pelvic exam — the health care provider looks at the vagina and cervix (the part of the uterus at the top of the vagina).
• pH test — the health care provider checks the acid level of the discharge.
• Pap smear — during the pelvic exam, the health care provider takes a sample to check for cell changes and cancer.
• Wet mount — a sample of discharge is examined under the microscope to check for infection
• A culture of the discharge — a sample is taken from the vagina to check for infection.