Lab Result, Vaginal Discharge

I have had a lot of vaginal discharge for the last 6 months to a year.  Though it seems to be cyclical, I'm concerned because it's been going on so long.  Snapshot: 5-6 days after period, start to feel crampy, have thick, clear discharge. Eventually turns more mucousy, yellow, and watery.  Last a few days then subsides.  Couple days later, same thing.  Colored discharge goes away for the 5-6 days leading up to my period but still watery.  I feel wet, but when I wipe there's nothing there.  My periods are only 22 days apart -- ugghh!  Doesn't seem like I have much of a break from cramps or discharge.  

My last 2 PAPs have shown mild inflammation.  Had culture done 4 months ago which showed Group B (no yeast, trich, BV, chlamydia, gon.)  Took Amox., no change.  Got another culture last week.  Found Group B, again, but also an overgrowth of diptheroid bacilli. The nurse didn't really seem to know what it was.  Said it was an overgrowth of natural bacteria.  I've tried to find out more about it on the internet, but can't find anything.  

I also had transvaginal sonogram (because of pain in pelvic area after moving heavy stuff -- felt like something ripping inside me -- pain near rectum & inside me.  Could hardly walk).  Sonographer said I had 3 small cysts on my right ovary and that right ovary was larger.  I felt fine after the sonogram, played soccer l with my kids.  However, that evening I could barely walk again, and 4 ibuprofen only dulled the pain.  It's been 5 days now, and I'm feeling better.  Again, did the sonogram actually cause all that pain or was it my physical activity?  I didn't feel any muscle pulls while I was playing.  

Back to the vaginal discharge.  I'm trying to decide what all of this discharge and bacteria overgrowth is indicating.  I'm starting to get very concerned.  Would you please let me know what could be causing this, what I should be concerned about, and any further actions I need to take with the doctor.

Thank you.  

[Elaine Brown, MD]

HI!
I doubt that the ultrasound caused the pain, more likely the activity was the culprit.
It is normal to have tiny cysts on the ovaries, if they are two inches or less, they are just follicles (eggs) so that is nothing to worry about, and wouldn't cause pain.

RE the discharge. there is a physiologic ( normal ) discharge that goes along with the cycle, and some people have quite abit.  If you notice the mucousy watery clear discharge preceding the period, that is probably due to progesterone effects.

Diptheroids are colonizing organisms, and not really considered an infection--they probably showed up because you took the antibiotics.  I have also seen Gp B strep cause discharge.  It is also a colonizing organism and you can't really get rid of it completely, even with antibiotics.  Two thoughts--you need to re-establish your "good" natural bacteria, which are lactobacillus.  These guys are found in live culture yogurt.  Some people eat lots of it, others even douche with it (!).  They will help fight off the "bad" bacteria and yeast.  The other thought is that birth control pills might reduce the physiologic component of the discharge and would space out your periods to 28 days.

Whatever you do, don't take lots more antibiotics, that won't help!

Good luck!
Dr B