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Q: 

Could my vaginal discharge mean I have an infection?

By Anonymous June 29, 2011 - 11:14pm
 
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My boyfriend just went through basic military training for the Air Force. When I finally got to see him for the first time in 9 weeks, we had sex (which was also the first time I'd had sex since he left). He was not exactly gentle, and I feel like he may have ripped me "down there" a bit.
Sex felt painful for me whenever we tried it again later that day and the next day, and when I went home after we had sex I noticed my vagina seemed kind of swollen, but only stayed like that for about a day.

The next few days my vagina still felt slightly painful like it had been ripped, and ever since I saw him last week I've been having more discharge than usual (often leaving my panties wet) and it has changed in color from white to a light yellow. My discharge has always been white from what I can remember, and I've never had as much discharge as I'm having now.
Is it possible that I received a bacterial infection from him, since he wasn't able to really properly clean himself in basic training? Or could I just be experiencing extra discharge from possible being ripped a little?

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Anon,

Discharge is common to all women and helps the vagina stay healthy by regularly flushing them out and maintaining their pH. It is common to notice some discharge after using the bathroom or to find wet or dried discharge on your underwear. Since you say that your vagina was swollen and that you have noticed a sudden change in your discharge, it may benefit you to visit your OB/GYN. But for now, here is a chart I found on Ask Alice's website to help you identify whether your discharge is normal or not...

Color
Normal:
Clear or whitish discharge (may be yellowish when dried)

Cause for concern:
Yellow or greenish discharge, or discharge that suddenly changes color

Scent
Normal:
Mild scent or none at all

Cause for concern:
A strong, foul, sometimes "fishy" odor, or a sudden change in odor

Texture
Normal:
Can vary from "paste" like and somewhat sticky to clear and stretchy, depending on where you are in your cycle and whether you are aroused

Cause for concern:
Clumpy or lumpy discharge, with "cottage cheese" like texture

Volume
Normal:
Can vary from very little to quite a lot (particularly when ovulating or aroused)

Cause for concern:
Sudden changes in volume, particularly if other symptoms are present

Abnormal vaginal discharge can also be accompanied by itching, vaginal redness or soreness, rash, burning sensation when peeing, and/or pain. If you have any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to see your health care provider for an exam and treatment.

Best wishes,

Rosa

June 30, 2011 - 6:21am
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