Is thick discharge due to STI in woman?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am wondering what it is I might have. Sometimes I get a super thick discharge that looks like a yeast infection, but it is not itchy, and near the end of the infection, it smells sour. The infection usually goes away on its own after about a week or so, and then turns into a normal white discharge that smells fishy.

This then goes away after a week, and then I am normal-ish, and then I get my period and the cycle restarts. It usually itches or burns. If anything, it might itch for maybe a day maximum, but it feels fine afterwards. Sex usually feels uncomfortable and sometimes swollen after sex. Peeing burns slightly, and I feel a frequent urge sometimes, even if it is not a lot. I have been tested for UTI before, and it comes back as normal. I am only sexually active with my fiance who does not have any issues down there at all. I am a 22-year-old female.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

As per your history and symptoms, this is recurrent bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a common treatable vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria, where harmful bacteria override protective Lactobacillus.

It presents with smelling white discharge, itching, and pain during urination. It is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), though sexual activity can trigger it. Some measures of prevention include-

Wear breathable underwear and loose clothing.
Maintain a healthy pH balance in the vagina. Avoid unnecessary lubricants or soaps when washing the intimate area.
Take plenty of water.
Add citrus fruits to your diet.
Practice vaginal hygiene, especially during the bleeding phase of the menstrual cycle.

As of now, please take this treatment -

Tablet Metronidazole 500 mg twice a day for seven days.
Tablet Azithromycin 500 mg once a day for seven days.
Tablet Levocetirizine 5 mg once a day after dinner for seven days.
Use an intimate wash to wash your intimate area.
Do not use random soaps or shampoo.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.