If you have any form of unusual discharge, it is best to see your doctor immediately. You doctor will be able to take some tests to find out the cause of the problem and also treat it with medication to avoid it getting any worse and hopefully treat it quickly and easily. Never leave a problem untreated as it will only get worse and will be harder for your doctor to treat. You should never be shy or embarrassed about seeing your doctor about a personal problem. They will always be professional and will not make you feel uncomfortable. It should be possible to see a female doctor if you would feel more comfortable, but they are all used to and fully trained in personal problems such as this.
Excess or unusual discharge is most likely to be a bacterial infection but the ‘gritty’ description does seem unusual which is why you should contact your doctor. You may also be experiencing burning, soreness or pain during urination and/or intercourse.
To firmly establish the diagnosis and to rule out any other causes of the symptoms, your doctor may take a specimen scraped from the affected area for microscopic analysis or for culture in the laboratory. Identification of yeast under a microscope, when possible, is the least expensive and most rapid and accurate way to establish the diagnosis. The over-the-counter topical treatments are an option for some women when yeast is the cause of the infection. However, it should be noted that infection other than yeast can cause similar symptoms. These include bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. If symptoms are not eliminated by over-the-counter products, patients should see their doctor for evaluation.
Excess or unusual discharge is most likely to be a bacterial infection but the ‘gritty’ description does seem unusual which is why you should contact your doctor. You may also be experiencing burning, soreness or pain during urination and/or intercourse.
To firmly establish the diagnosis and to rule out any other causes of the symptoms, your doctor may take a specimen scraped from the affected area for microscopic analysis or for culture in the laboratory. Identification of yeast under a microscope, when possible, is the least expensive and most rapid and accurate way to establish the diagnosis. The over-the-counter topical treatments are an option for some women when yeast is the cause of the infection. However, it should be noted that infection other than yeast can cause similar symptoms. These include bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. If symptoms are not eliminated by over-the-counter products, patients should see their doctor for evaluation.
