How can I treat vaginal discharge and odor?

Vaginal discharge and odor should always be evaluated by a physician. You should always rule out any sexually transmitted infection and try not to diagnose yourself because that could lead to drug resistance. Many people do not realize that it is very normal to have discharge in the vagina. Just like you have saliva in your mouth, the vagina is very similar. The vagina also has natural bacteria that live in a very controlled environment. Things like douching to try to get rid of the odor or "flush" out the discharge should not be done because you will destroy the healthy bacteria in the vagina.

A general rule of thumb I use for my patients is that if they have discharge with a foul odor, they probably have a bacterial infection. If they have a discharge that looks like cottage cheese, it’s probably yeast. If their discharge is yellow or green in color accompanied with pelvic pain or low-grade temperature, they probably have an STI.

Getting evaluated as soon as possible is the best treatment! Try not to use over-the-counter medication until you truly have a diagnosis.

The vagina normally has a clear or white mucous discharge that can change in consistency during the menstrual cycle. However, if there is an odor or color, it is not a normal discharge and is most likely a sign of an infection. If the discharge is chronically watery or slimy this is not normal. At this point, medical treatment is necessary to treat the infection. Douching or aggressive cleaning will only make the discharge worse because you will be getting rid of the healthy bacteria in the process. 

Probiotics can prevent recurrent vaginal infections once you have received treatment from your doctor. So use probiotics to keep the vaginal secretions healthy.