excessive discharge. blah.

[cabrini07.livejournal.com]

Okay, I'm sure there have been about a billion posts like this, but I want to explain MY problem. There is alllwwways discharge in my panties...everyday....ALL the time. It smells terrible also. I know everyone says "Discharge is completely normal...unless it has a strong odor" Ok, greatttt. But I'm way too nervous to go to a Gyno, and I'm 17 and I know I need to get over that, but I'm not ready. So basically, what COULD be wrong down there? And is there any risk in not going to the doctor about this embaressing problem YET? By the way, this has been an ongoing probmen for years, and like I said, I'm only 17.

Thanks so much!

Comments

[recycleanimals.livejournal.com]

I was just about to post about this same issue. I'm 17 as well and have the exact same problem.

Just so you know you're not alone on this. :)

[cabrini07.livejournal.com]

Aw thank you. It's so embaressing! Like I'm always nervous people can smell it, too. You know? Ugggh, it's gross.

[recycleanimals.livejournal.com]

I know exactly what you mean. I hope someone here can help us out!

[ainadal.livejournal.com]

if it smells...especially with your description of "terrible" it very well could be bacterial vaginosis. it is important you get to a doctor, as leaving it untreated can lead to more health problems

[cabrini07.livejournal.com]

Yeah. It's just that firssst trip to the doctor seems like it could be horrifying. I also don't want to have to be like "Mom...I got discharge"

[lucidtheory.livejournal.com]

You shouldn't keep living with this just to avoid a little embarrassment. The doctor's appointment really won't be as bad as you're thinking. It's worth it to have a healthy vagina that you don't have to worry about like you do now. Not to mention that you risk long-term damage leaving this untreated.

[ainadal.livejournal.com]

i understand :) but trust me, you'll feel much better once you get this taken care of so you can put it out of your mind. i don't know what kind of relationship you have with your mother, hopefully it's an open one...but chances are she's dealt with something like this in her lifetime and would understand you needing to go to a doctor.

i was nervous the first time i went to a gyno, but it really wasn't bad at all. they've seen it all, yanno? it seems scary but you can get through it! and BV can get really nasty if left alone, so it's definitely worth it to get it checked out.

good luck!

[cabrini07.livejournal.com]

thanks so muccch

[super-bitch06.livejournal.com]

I agree with the poster that mentioned Bacterial Vaginosis. I had the same problem for years. I can't tell you what a relief it is to get the drugs to get over it!! Really, it's worth the visit to the gyno. You'll be nervous at first, but they are very good at keeping you relaxed and it's only once a year. It's worth the discomfort to know your healthy, or to get the drugs to keep you that way.

If it is BV, you really do want to treat it. It can cause fertility problems if left unchecked.

[loonylupinlover.livejournal.com]

You don't have to go to a gynecologist in particular -- you can go to a general practitioner or even a pediatrician, since you're under 18. You really should go, though; this discharge is obviously bothering you, and untreated bacterial vaginosis or other discharge-causing problems can be seriously uncomfortable.

[laurenoid.livejournal.com]

Just wanted to add that I had a lot more "regular" discharge when I was around your age, too. Actually, it seemed pretty uncomfortably heavy between 14 and 17, and then tapered off to a perfectly comfortable level. Could just be one of the lovely joys of puberty, that you are not necessarily cursed with forever. However, I agree that if it smells especially strong to you, or is really uncomfortable or bothersome, you should do yourself a favor and talk to a gyno about it! No sense in feeling bad if it could be easily taken care of, you know? You have every right to be open and comfortable about your own body parts, and I find it so upsetting that our culture has taught us to be so ashamed. Talk to your mom, call up Planned Parenthood and chat with a nurse, see your family doctor, whatever you're comfortable with. Good luck!

[nakedfaery.livejournal.com]

I just want to mention that what counts as a 'normal' smell for each woman is different. I used to get worried about the strong smell of my regular discharge, until I had every kind of test possible and ruled out absolutely everything.

If the odor is fishy smelling, that can be a good sign of a problem. But sometimes just a strong smell isn't terrible, it's just stronger than you're used to. Especially if you're only 17, it may take you a while to become accustomed to the discharge/smell/lubrication of your vulva and vagina.

If you have absolutely no other symptoms beside this smell, I think, in my personal opinion, that it's probably nothing to worry about. If you have it every day, then it's a good chance it's normal for you. If you get any itching or pain on intercourse or urination, then they are signs that something is wrong.

If you are still worried, I echo the talking to Planned Parenthood thing. If they think there is a problem they'll tell you, and hopefully that opinion will persuade you to pluck up the courage to see a gyn.