Abnormal Discharge: Is It Vaginitis or Cystitis?

Excessive secretion?

Hello, doctor.
About two Sundays ago, I experienced some incontinence as soon as I stood up, but I didn't feel a strong urge to use the restroom at that time.
Later, I started to feel discomfort in my genital area, so I went to see a gynecologist who diagnosed me with a urinary tract infection (UTI).
I have been taking medication for five days now, but my condition seems to fluctuate, which makes me question whether it really is a UTI.

After researching, I feel that my symptoms are somewhat different from others.
I only experienced itching or pain in the genital area for about two days, but I have had a persistent increase in discharge, which is mostly yellow or light yellow.
I had some improvement after taking traditional Chinese medicine, but the problem recurred shortly after stopping the medication.
Today, the discharge seems to have a cottage cheese-like consistency and is moist.

I have a constant strange feeling in my genital area, but I can't quite describe it.
However, crossing my legs seems to alleviate the discomfort.
Initially, I thought it was due to a frequent urge to urinate, but I haven't been going to the restroom that often.
Could this be vaginitis with a possible urinary tract infection as well? Should I see a gynecologist or a urologist? I've been troubled by this issue for two weeks now, and it's quite frustrating.

fan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/10

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Since the Sunday before last, I've experienced some incontinence when I stand up, although I didn't feel a strong urge to use the restroom at that time.
Later, I began to feel discomfort in the genital area and visited a gynecologist, who diagnosed me with a urinary tract infection.
I've been taking medication for five days, but my condition fluctuates, leading me to question whether it is truly a urinary tract infection.
After researching, I feel that my symptoms differ from others.
I only experienced itching or pain in the genital area for about two days, but I've had a persistent increase in discharge, which is mostly yellow or light yellow.
Previously, I saw some improvement after taking traditional Chinese medicine, but the issue recurred shortly after stopping the medication.
Today, the discharge seems to have a cottage cheese-like consistency and is moist.
The genital area feels strange, but I can't quite describe it.
However, crossing my legs seems to alleviate the discomfort.
Initially, I thought I had a constant urge to urinate, but I don't actually go to the restroom very often.
Could this be vaginitis with a urinary tract infection as well? Should I see a gynecologist or a urologist?
Answer: The symptoms of itching or pain in the genital area, discharge with a cottage cheese-like consistency, persistent discomfort, and a constant urge to urinate with infrequent restroom visits suggest vaginitis with a possible urinary tract infection.
It is advisable to see a gynecologist.

Reply Date: 2017/10/10

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a complex and distressing situation with your symptoms, and it's understandable to feel overwhelmed. Based on your description, it seems you may be dealing with a combination of issues that could involve both vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina) and cystitis (inflammation of the bladder).

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Abnormal Discharge: The presence of a yellow or light yellow discharge, especially if it has a "cottage cheese" appearance, is often associated with a yeast infection (candidiasis). This type of discharge is typically thick and can be accompanied by itching and irritation. On the other hand, a foul-smelling discharge can indicate bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

2. Urinary Symptoms: The feeling of urgency or discomfort in the bladder area, along with the sensation of needing to urinate frequently, suggests cystitis. This condition can occur alongside vaginitis, especially if there is irritation or inflammation affecting both the vaginal and urinary tracts.

3. Pain and Discomfort: The discomfort you feel in the vaginal area, especially when sitting or crossing your legs, could be due to inflammation. This can be a result of either vaginitis or cystitis, or even a combination of both.

Possible Conditions
- Vaginitis: This can be caused by various factors, including yeast infections, bacterial infections, or even irritants such as soaps or hygiene products. Given your symptoms, a yeast infection seems plausible, especially with the "cottage cheese" discharge.

- Cystitis: This is often caused by a bacterial infection, but can also be due to irritation from chemicals or even stress. If you have been experiencing frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), it may be worth investigating further.

Next Steps
1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be beneficial to see a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough examination. Since your symptoms involve both the vaginal and urinary areas, a gynecologist (for vaginitis) and a urologist (for cystitis) could both be helpful.
2. Diagnostic Tests: Your healthcare provider may recommend tests such as a pelvic exam, urine analysis, and possibly a culture of the discharge to determine the exact cause of your symptoms. This will help in providing a targeted treatment plan.

3. Treatment Options: Depending on the diagnosis, treatments may include antifungal medications for yeast infections, antibiotics for bacterial infections, or other medications to relieve symptoms.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments: In the meantime, consider avoiding irritants such as scented soaps, douches, or tight clothing. Staying hydrated and practicing good hygiene can also help alleviate some symptoms.

Conclusion
It's crucial to address these symptoms promptly, as untreated infections can lead to more serious complications. Your feelings of frustration and concern are valid, and seeking medical advice is the best course of action. Remember, you're not alone in this, and with the right care, you can find relief from your symptoms. Don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional who can guide you through this process.

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