Vaginal discharge

Knowing the difference between normal discharge and infections

The Healthy Vagina - The vagina serves as a passageway between the outside of the body and the inner reproductive organs. The pH balance of the vagina is acidic, which discourages infections from occurring. This acidic environment is created by normally-occurring bacteria. A healthy vagina produces secretions to cleanse and regulate itself, similar to how saliva cleanses and regulates the environment of the mouth. These vaginal secretions are normal vaginal discharge. Any interference with the delicate balance of vaginal secretions sets up an environment conducive to infection.

Normal Vaginal Discharge - All women have some vaginal discharge. Normal discharge may appear clear, cloudy white, and/or yellowish when dry on clothing. It may also contain white flecks and at times may be thin and stringy. Changes in normal discharge can occur for many reasons, including menstrual cycle, emotional stressors, nutritional status, pregnancy, usage of medications - including birth control pills, and sexual arousal.

Effects of the Menstrual Cycle - The menstrual cycle affects the vaginal environment. You may notice increased wetness and clear discharge around mid-cycle. The pH balance of the vagina fluctuates during the cycle and is the least acidic on the days just prior to and during menstruation. Infections, therefore, are most common at this time.

Signs of Abnormal Discharge - Any changes in color or amount of discharge may be a sign of a vaginal infection. Vaginal infections are very common; most women will experience some form of a vaginal infection in their lifetime. If you experience any of the symptoms below, this may be a sign of vaginal infection:

Discharge accompanied by itching, rash or soreness

Persistent, increased discharge

Burning on skin during urination

White, clumpy discharge (somewhat like cottage cheese)

Grey/white or yellow/green discharge with a foul odor

There is more on the site but i thought this would put your mind at rest - or you can look up the sign os infection yourself

Good Luck Sue

Monilia (Yeast) Infection

There is normally a small amount of yeast (Candida albicans) present in the vagina. A yeast infection occurs when there is an overabundance of yeast, often caused by a change in the pH balance of the vagina. Yeast infections are not usually sexually transmitted.

Some factors that may increase susceptibility to yeast infections

Increased stress

Use of oral contraceptives

Diabetes

Pregnancy

Use of antibiotics (protective bacteria are destroyed by antibiotics, allowing yeast overgrowth)

Signs and symptoms

Increased amount of discharge

White, clumpy (cottage cheese-like), discharge

Redness, itching, burning in vaginal/vulvar area

Treatment

Since yeast is normally present in the vagina, it is unrealistic to try to eliminate all yeast. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to reduce the overgrowth of yeast organisms and return the vagina to a healthy balance. Treatment consists of antifungal agents in the form of tablets, vaginal creams or suppositories. Over-the-counter treatments are available. However, if you are pregnant, always be sure to have any medications approved by a health care provider. Partners are not usually treated unless they are displaying symptoms such as itching or irritation in the genital area. Treatment for male partners consists of the use of fungicidal cream on the penis. 

When I first noticed it it looked a bit like cottage cheese, and then the next day it actually looked and resembled  milk, it doesn't itch, but it was dripping out of me, and  so I took a thrush tablet (the kind that only requires you to take one) and then I waited 72hours before doing the same, mainly because I have had serious Candida problems in the past which is why I am so annoyed with myself for not being careful enough, especially as it always brings on a flare up of LS.

I think in your shoes I would just take one tablet for thrush, see how it goes, and then you can always go and see your Gyno if it doesn't clear up.