Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is your body’s way of keeping the vagina clean and healthy. The amount and appearance of discharge you produce can change depending on your period cycle. But changes to discharge from the vagina can also be caused by infection, disease, or certain breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and hormonal therapies.

Normal vaginal discharge can be white and sticky or clear and watery. It can also be odorless. Discharge that is thick and white or yellowish and resembling cottage cheese can be a sign of a vaginal infection. Discharge that is bloody can be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Let your doctor know if you think you might have an infection, and see your doctor immediately if there is blood in your vaginal discharge.

The following breast cancer treatments can cause vaginal discharge:

• Sponsor Message

  chemotherapy

• Sponsor Message

  some hormonal therapies: tamoxifen and Fareston (chemical name: toremifene)

• Sponsor Message

  some bone-strengthening medicines (called bisphosphonates)

Chemotherapy can cause symptoms of early menopause if you’ve not yet started menopause. Some symptoms of early menopause brought on by chemotherapy can include vaginal dryness and hot flashes. But chemotherapy can also cause yeast infections and lead to thick and whitish vaginal discharge and itching inside the vagina or on the vulva.

Tamoxifen is a hormonal therapy that blocks estrogen in breast cells but acts like estrogen in other tissues, like the uterus and the vagina. Although it’s possible for tamoxifen to cause vaginal dryness, it commonly causes vaginal discharge that is odorless and clear or white.

Fareston — another type of hormonal therapy — commonly causes hot flashes, nausea, and white or yellowish vaginal discharge. Fareston can also cause bleeding from the vagina. If you are taking Fareston and begin bleeding, let your doctor know right away.

You might find the following tips for managing vaginal discharge helpful:

• Sponsor Message

  Take daily showers or baths using gentle soap and warm water. Make sure to pat yourself dry to avoid further irritation. Avoid bubble baths.

• Sponsor Message

  Don’t douche and stay away from vaginal sprays and deodorants that can irritate the vagina.

• Sponsor Message

  Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid spreading bacteria.

• Sponsor Message

  Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.

• Sponsor Message

  Use cotton or other breathable panty liners to help absorb excess discharge. Avoid scented tampons and pads, which can cause irritation.

If you’re sexually active, use protection to prevent the spread of possible infection to your partner. Avoid vaginal contraceptives because they increase the risk of infection.