When it comes to women's health, there is no such thing as a silly question. Do you have a question you want answered, but have been too afraid or embarrassed to bring it up with your GP? Or you forgot to ask while you were in the doctor's surgery? Now, you can 'Ask Dr Jean'.
Answering your questions for this edition of 'Ask Dr Jean' is gynaecologist and Jean Hailes Medical Director, Dr Elizabeth Farrell AM
I have recently been suffering from a discharge that is odourless, stringy and cloudy, with a tinge of yellow. I've been swabbed countless times, all coming back negative for BV, trich, yeast infections etc. I am a virgin, but have engaged in receiving oral sex, which is when the discharge increased.
My gyno and GPs presume it's either physiological or the pill I've been on for 2 years. My last gyno mentioned I had mild cervical ectropion, but didn't go into detail. I have done research and was wondering if cytolytic vaginosis was a possibility as I take women's probiotics daily and have Greek yoghurt daily, so I take a good amount of good bacteria for my vagina. I have to wear a liner every day. Should I specifically test for gonorrhoea? I've been told it's extremely unlikely I would've contracted it through receiving oral sex.
Many women have a vaginal discharge that is natural to them, often increasing on the Pill and with sexual activity. The mild cervical ectropion mentioned by your gynaecologist is where the glandular cells lining the cervical canal between the vagina and your uterine cavity grow out onto the vaginal surface or your cervix. These cells are mucous-secreting and therefore could account for the increasing vaginal secretions.
An ectropion is common and develops in many women in response to their own hormones, the pill or pregnancy.
If you have had unprotected sex, then you should have a screening for sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
