Abnormal Discharge and Anal Itching: When to Seek Help

Q: Abnormal Discharge and Anal Itching: When to Seek Help

Hello, Miss Nai： It is normal for young women to have clear, colorless vaginal discharge due to the abundant secretion of female hormones. <br>If your discharge is colorless, odorless, and does not cause any discomfort to your vulva, it generally does not indicate any issues. <br

Abnormal discharge and anal itching?

Last July, I went to the gynecology department due to a vaginal candidiasis infection and perineal eczema.
I was prescribed medication, but the symptoms persisted for almost a month.
I saw several doctors, and the symptoms slightly improved.
In September of last year, I had another infection that also lasted a long time.
After multiple visits to the hospital, the doctor finally prescribed a suppository, which cured the infection.

After the infection was resolved, I began to experience an abnormal increase in discharge, which has been bothersome in my daily life.
The discharge is clear and odorless, and the doctor said it was normal and not a cause for concern.
I thought it might return to normal soon, so I decided not to address it at that time.
However, this situation has persisted for almost six months now, and it continues to trouble me daily.

Most of the discharge is clear (similar to what occurs during sexual arousal, but it happens without any arousal), sometimes with a bit of white discharge, and occasionally it is quite watery.
I sometimes notice small white, cottage cheese-like discharge at the vaginal opening.
The most frequent occurrence is after showering; even after drying off with a towel and carefully using toilet paper to dry, when I lie down in bed to sleep, a small amount of discharge suddenly appears, requiring me to go back to the bathroom to dry off again.

Sometimes (about once a week), I suddenly expel a small amount of watery discharge that soaks my underwear, and even gets onto my pants (similar to leaking urine).
At that point, I feel awkward walking and have to change my underwear.
The frequency of the sudden discharge is about 2-3 times a day, and there was a period when it was severe enough that I had to wear panty liners daily, which has been very bothersome and frustrating.

This has led me to overthink the situation, wondering if it’s because my clitoris is more external.
A few times, I even considered whether the position of my clitoris makes it prone to friction from my underwear, and I thought about tucking it under the skin when going to the bathroom.
I also wondered if the position of my labia minora might be an issue and if I should consider surgery.
I’m also concerned about whether it could be related to hormonal or endocrine imbalances.
Additionally, about a month ago, I started experiencing some pain in my anus after using the bathroom, followed by a few days of itching.
I thought it might just be a minor skin tear that would heal in a few days, but it hasn’t improved and I have been experiencing intermittent itching (usually at night), along with some redness and stinging around the skin near the anus.

These two issues combined have become quite unbearable, and I feel I should see a doctor again.
However, after previously mustering the courage for an internal examination and thoroughly explaining my symptoms, the doctor just smiled and told me it was nothing serious, which has made me reluctant to return to that clinic.

I would like to ask if my situation is truly normal.
Thank you very much!

Nai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/17

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, Miss Nai: It is normal for young women to have clear, colorless vaginal discharge due to the abundant secretion of female hormones.
If your discharge is colorless, odorless, and does not cause any discomfort to your vulva, it generally does not indicate any issues.
However, if you have broken skin or itching around your anal area, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist or dermatologist for a proper evaluation.
Of course, your condition may not be serious, which is why some doctors might downplay it.
You don't need to worry too much; if you are not satisfied with the doctor's assessment, you can seek a second opinion from another physician.

Reply Date: 2017/02/17

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a range of uncomfortable symptoms related to vaginal discharge and anal itching, which have persisted for several months. Given your history of recurrent yeast infections and dermatitis, it is understandable that you are concerned about these new developments.
Firstly, let's address the vaginal discharge. It is common for women to experience variations in vaginal discharge throughout their menstrual cycle, influenced by hormonal changes. Clear, odorless discharge can be normal, especially if it is not accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or a strong odor. However, the fact that you are experiencing an increase in discharge, particularly if it is causing discomfort or interfering with your daily life, warrants further investigation. The presence of white clumps or a significant increase in discharge could suggest a yeast infection or another type of infection, even if the discharge appears clear or normal at times.

The sudden release of fluid that you describe, which feels similar to urinary incontinence, is concerning. This could be due to several factors, including pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal changes, or even an underlying infection. It is essential to differentiate between normal physiological discharge and symptoms that may indicate a medical issue. If you are experiencing leakage that feels uncontrollable, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider who specializes in pelvic health or urology.

Regarding the anal itching and discomfort, this could be related to several factors, including irritation from hygiene products, dietary factors, or even a skin condition. The fact that you have experienced pain and itching for over a month suggests that this is not a trivial issue. Anal itching can be caused by conditions such as hemorrhoids, skin irritations, or infections. It is crucial to address this symptom, especially since it is causing you discomfort and affecting your quality of life.

Given your previous experiences with healthcare providers, it is understandable that you may feel hesitant to seek help again. However, it is crucial to advocate for your health. If you feel that your concerns are not being taken seriously, consider seeking a second opinion from another healthcare provider. A gynecologist or a specialist in women's health may provide a more thorough evaluation of your symptoms.
In summary, while some variations in discharge can be normal, the persistence of your symptoms, particularly the discomfort and changes in discharge, suggests that further evaluation is necessary. It is essential to address both the vaginal and anal symptoms with a healthcare provider who can conduct a thorough examination and possibly run tests to rule out infections or other underlying conditions. Do not hesitate to seek help; your comfort and health are paramount.

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