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STDs (Expert Forum)
Burning & discharge
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
This forum does not cover AIDS/HIV issues. This forum is for questions and support regarding STD issues such as: Chlamydia, Crabs (pubic lice scabies), Gonorrhea, Hepatitis (viral), Herpes, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum, PID, Rectal Infections, Syphilis, Trichomonas, Warts, Yeast Infection.
IMPORTANT
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
Burning & discharge
by NJgirl75, Feb 29, 2008 07:44PM
About a month ago I had sex with a man. We used a condom but he penetrated me without a condom for about a minute before I made him stop & use a condom. About 3 days later I began to feel a little crampy and then as time went on vaginal burning. I've had problems with bacterial infections, usually only if the man ejaculates in me though. But it had been roughly 2 years since I had been sexually active so I assumed this just caused my body to react. I had my period since then, normal & the symptoms actually went away while I had it but came back after. I called my family Dr. and asked for a prescription of Flagyl & took that for 7 days (500 mg. 3x a day). The symptoms were still there after I finished the medication... burning, white thick discharge (no noticeable discharge), aching, and cramping at times. I called my gyno to make an appt. but the soonest they can get me in is a month away & I have already been experiencing symptoms for appx. 3 weeks. I am concerned that the short time he was inside of me that I may have been infected? Or is it possible this is just an infection? I took a Vagisil Screening test & it came out as normal PH level.
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Feb 29, 2008 09:44PM
, Feb 29, 2008 09:44PM
Not that it's the main point of your question, but you describe a very typical story for women who suffer from recurrent bacterial vaginosis. As you have learned, some women experience recurrences that are related to having sex, perhaps expecially unprotected sex with ejaculation in the vagina. But despite its association with sex, BV isn't apparently the result of a sexually transmitted organsim. Metronidazole indeed is the drug of choice, but you shouldn't expect Vagisil to make any difference. Research shows it has no effect.
The STD risk from the exposure you describe is very low, although nobody can say it is zero. Since your current symptoms are not typical for BV -- discharge without odor (as you know, odor usually is a prominent symptom of BV) -- you are right to worry about STD despite the low risk and to be tested for common STDs. If you haven't been tested for gonorrhea or chlamydia, that should be done.
But beyond that, I have nothing to suggest. Even though I said an STD is possible, I doubt it explains your symptoms after such a brief exposure. Despite lack of odor, it might just be another somewhat aytpical BV episode. For additional reassurance, though, you could contact your partner and ask if he has symptoms, and perhaps also ask him to join you to be tested.
Bottom line: Continue to follow up with your provider. If you haven't consulted previously with an ObG who specializes in infectious diseases about your recurrent BV as well as the current symptoms.
I hope this helps a little bit. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
The STD risk from the exposure you describe is very low, although nobody can say it is zero. Since your current symptoms are not typical for BV -- discharge without odor (as you know, odor usually is a prominent symptom of BV) -- you are right to worry about STD despite the low risk and to be tested for common STDs. If you haven't been tested for gonorrhea or chlamydia, that should be done.
But beyond that, I have nothing to suggest. Even though I said an STD is possible, I doubt it explains your symptoms after such a brief exposure. Despite lack of odor, it might just be another somewhat aytpical BV episode. For additional reassurance, though, you could contact your partner and ask if he has symptoms, and perhaps also ask him to join you to be tested.
Bottom line: Continue to follow up with your provider. If you haven't consulted previously with an ObG who specializes in infectious diseases about your recurrent BV as well as the current symptoms.
I hope this helps a little bit. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Vaginal pH above 4.5 usually indicates BV, and sometimes other infection. It also happens during menstruation. Your 4.5 result in on the borderline. But I don't know if the test measures any lower levels. Perhaps it just shows 4.5 or below as a single, normal result. In any case, it suggests your current problem isn't BV.