Vaginal discharge, causes and treatment.

Dear Ask The Doctor: Im an 18 year old girl iv been getting vaginal discharge its very smelly and when i get my period it stops when im finished it comes back again and it also causes itchiness around my vulva and anus.

Dear Emily: The most common cause of foul smelling vaginal discharge and irritation is due to bacterial vaginosis. In this condition, the normal bacteria in the vagina are replaced by lactobacilli and gardenella vaginalis. The diagnosis will depend on microscopic examination of the discharge and physical examination. You will have to see your gynecologist for antibiotics to treat vaginosis. Antibiotics like metronidazole and clindamycin are affective in bacterial vaginosis.