These signs indicate urogenital candidiasis, which may instigate the region and cause vaginal itching and discomfort. A gauzy pus-like discharge may indicate the probability of the woman being infected with trichomonas colpitis or trichomoniasis.

This form of discharge is fluid in consistency with it emitting a foul odor. Besides these, women may endure sensitivity and irritation in the vaginal region. Some have reported discomfort in the lower abdominal area, too, accompanied with a burning sensation while urinating. Diagnosis By now, you must have been able to understand the difference between normal and abnormal vaginal discharge. If you have a normal discharge before your menstrual cycle, there is no reason to worry. However, if you observe any change in the amount of discharge, its color and odor, plan to visit your gynecologist without much delay. Your gynecologist would perform a number of tests and examinations before prescribing a particular treatment plan. On consultation, your gynecologist may take a sample of your discharge to further the diagnostic procedure. Besides, a Papanicolaou test, also called the Pap test or the Pap smear, is a diagnostic method to detect changes in the cells of the cervix. A Pap test may reveal the signs of an infection, or the growth of unhealthy cells. It is also a potent method to detect the early signs of cervical cancer. Treatment An abnormal increase in the amount of discharge accompanied with itching, irritation, and burning sensation are signs depicting that the vaginal discharge is not normal. Along with itching and irritation, the discharge is coupled with foul odor. 

On the other hand, green, or yellow discharge before, or any time during your V-Tight Gel menstrual cycle can indicate an infection. Such changes in the discharge may be associated with some problems of the reproductive organs. Treatment for such abnormal discharge depends on certain underlying causes and its subsequent diagnosis. If yeast infection it is, antifungal medication and lubricants are used to gain control over the problem. Besides, an antibiotic course accompanied with vaginal suppositories may help to treat the condition. Preventive Measures Undermentioned are measures that you ought to take up to avert vaginal infection. » Keep the vaginal area clean. Use a mild soap with warm water for the purpose. » Keep from using a scented body wash. Overindulging in bubble baths, too, may put you at the risk counter. » After using the facilities, ensure that you wipe the region clean with non-perfumed tissues in order to prevent a bacterial infection. » As far as possible, wear cotton panties. The only accurate way to comprehend the cause of an abnormal discharge is to get the condition thoroughly evaluated by your gynecologist. Disclaimer: The article published herein, is meant to accomplish pedagogical purposes only. The recommendations mentioned hereby may not be generically applicable. The information, by no means, intends to supplant the diagnosis and advice imparted by the gynecologist. Feminine itching or vaginal irritation can be one of the major causes of embarrassment for any woman. It is basically a tingling, uneasy sensation in the skin of the vagina, and the surrounding area called vulva. This itching, at times, is also accompanied by other symptoms like painful burning sensation, redness, soreness, discomfort, and dryness in the vaginal area. 

This may lead to extreme frustration or exasperation, hence keeping the person from living a normal, healthy life. Being a common occurrence, it is not a life-threatening condition. In fact, reports show that all women at some point or the other suffer from this kind of irritation. Possible Causes and Symptoms Though usually a yeast infection is considered as the only cause for feminine or vaginal itching, the truth is that this condition can take place due to many other health disorders too. Yeast Infection: Candidiasis (yeast infection), a common cause for vaginal itching in most women, is a fungal infection caused by Candida Albicans. This fungus thrives in moist areas of the body like vagina, arm pits, etc. Apart from being a major reason for itching during pregnancy, this infection also manifests in women having diabetes, stress, weak immune system, poor diet, birth control pills, alcohol, etc. Vaginal discharge resembling lumps of cottage cheese, swollen, red, itching vaginal skin, pain while urinating or during intercourse, are some common symptoms of yeast infection in women. Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial vaginosis occurs in women of childbearing age, before their periods. This happens due to change in the vaginal bacterial environment or pH level, i.e., there is an abnormal growth of normal bacteria in the vagina. Although during the initial stages, most women experience no symptoms, in later stages there is an excessive odorous vaginal discharge, especially after intercourse. Trichomoniasis: This is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that occurs due to parasitic infestation in the urogenital tract by a single cell protozoan parasite called trichomonas. The condition, also termed as trich, is more commonly seen in young, sexually active women. 

Its symptoms primarily include feminine itching, burning sensation in the vaginal area, heavy, yellow-green or gray vaginal discharge, pain and discomfort during intercourse, vaginal odor, and painful urination. Chlamydia: This bacterial infection may contribute to itching after the periods. The bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis mainly infects the cervix, and slowly spreads to the surrounding areas. Also being an STD, it affects both, men and women. It may cause an abnormal odorous vaginal discharge, pain, and burning or itchy sensation while urinating or during intercourse. The condition seeks immediate medical attention, because if left untreated for a longer period of time, it can even result in ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women. Gonorrhea: Like Chlamydia, gonorrhea is also a bacterial STD, caused by bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Being one of the oldest STD, the condition affects both, men and women, but is more commonly seen in young, sexually active women. Apart from feminine itching, there are various other gonorrhea symptoms, like burning or frequent urination, a yellowish vaginal discharge, redness, and vaginal swelling. If not treated in time, this disease can cause severe pelvic infection with inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, leading to fertility complications in women. Genital Herpes: This is caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). This virus infects the cervix and the surrounding areas, leading to painful blisters or open sores in the genital area, as well as tingling, itching, or burning sensation in the legs, buttocks, or genital region. Other Causes: Besides the above-mentioned causes, genital warts, allergies due to chemical irritants found in soaps, detergents, vaginal creams, and hygiene products, stress, menopause wherein the estrogen hormone level drops, wearing tight, wet clothing, skin complications like lichens sclerosus, etc., are some other factors that may lead to feminine itching. 

Treatment and Prevention The best way to treat such irritation is to first diagnose its cause, and then seek proper medical care. For bacterial or viral vaginal infections, many over-the-counter or prescribed antibiotics and antifungal creams are available. These can help relieve the pain and discomfort. Eating yogurt along with these antibiotics is also one of the most effective home remedies. Maintaining proper hygiene by cleansing and wiping the vaginal area well, and avoiding the use of feminine hygiene sprays, douches, colored or perfumed toilet tissue, etc., can all help in curing as well as preventing vaginal itching. Avoid overexertion, heat, sweating, and scratching on the affected area, as this will aggravate the problem. As far as possible, try wearing loose cotton innerwear, in order to keep your genital area clean and dry. To sum up, we can say that feminine itching is not a disease in itself, rather a symptom of any of the above-mentioned disorders. However, if these home remedies do not prove to be helpful, it is better to consult your doctor to elucidate the case. Did You Know? If the number of HIV infected women continues to rise at present rate, they will outnumber men in near future. Besides, HIV assumes a more severe form in women. HIV/AIDS remains the leading cause of death among the developing and underdeveloped nations. Although, men are more likely to contract this disease, the number of female patients is also substantial. African-American women in the age group between 25 to 34 are the prime victims of HIV/AIDS. General HIV symptoms in women are pretty much similar to those in men. However in addition to these, they also exhibit other more pronounced and difficult to treat symptoms. What are the HIV Symptoms in Women Earliest HIV symptoms include fever, tiredness, enlarged lymph nodes etc.