What causes delayed periods and white discharge?

Question

Hi doctor,

My periods are late. I noticed a little spotting, and I have a lot of white discharge. I had a similar experience earlier but got my period 40 days later. I had unprotected sex 10 days before my expected date and found the spotting 11 to 12 days later. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

A whitish vaginal discharge is usually a sign of a yeast infection (otherwise known as vulvovaginal candidiasis). It can be acquired through sex though not always. It can also be acquired through douching or washing the vagina with soap as that kills the healthy vaginal microbiome giving candida a chance to overmultiply. Note that candida can naturally be found in the vagina. To confirm a yeast infection, I suggest you a high vaginal swab and endocervical swab microscopy, culture, and sensitivity. The presence of other bacteria can also give similar symptoms, which would need to be treated. The symptom of delayed periods can also be related to pelvic inflammatory disease (an infection of the genital tract from the vagina to the ovaries). This can cause abnormal discharges, irregular menstrual flow as well as intermenstrual bleeding. The microscopy, culture, and sensitivity test should be able to confirm this if present. I also suggest a pelvic ultrasound scan to check if fluid is found in the pouch of Douglas although this can be normal in some women. The treatment for a yeast infection can involve Clotrimazole pessaries or a course of antibiotics if pelvic inflammatory disease is detected.

I hope this information will help you. Please revert in case of more queries.

Thank you.