It is perfectly normal for all females to have some discharge from the vagina.  Depending on where she is in her menstruation cycle, discharge is either whitish and thick or possibly clear and slippery.  Some very light odor is also normal, however itching and burning are not.  Of course, regular bathing and good personal hygiene are always important.

Yes. You can be infected with a sexually transmitted disease and also have vaginitis. Each infection needs to be treated with different medications therefore it is important to visit your doctor to determine if you have more than one type of infection.

First, don't be embarrassed. Remember, vaginal infections occur in millions of women. Regular visits to your doctor and open dialogue regarding your symptoms will go a long way toward maintaining good vaginal health. Your doctor can perform simple tests to determine the type of vaginal infection you have and provide you with the best treatment recommendations.

Will my Pap smear diagnose a vaginal infection?

While the Pap smear is a very important test, it is not typically used as a test for vaginitis.

Simple tests can be done right in your doctor's office. Your doctor will examine your vagina and use a swab to get a sample of the discharge. Vaginitis is identified by checking vaginal fluid appearance, vaginal pH, the presence of volatile amines (the odor causing gas) and the microscopic detection of clue cells. In addition, new tests are now available to aid the physician in her diagnosis.

Yes, there may be, especially from bacterial vaginosis. If left untreated, BV may result in increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, pre-term birth, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, intra-amniotic infections, endometritis, cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN), post-gynecological surgery infections, and increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Yes. Premature delivery and low birth weight of the baby are more common in women with bacterial vaginosis.  Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are important.

What about my partner?  Does s/he need to be tested?

Some types of vaginitis can be transmitted from one person to another during sexual intercourse.  Whether your partner should be tested or not, will depend on what type of vaginitis you have.  Be sure to ask your doctor.