Whitish Vaginal Discharge With Clumps

Dear Ask The Doctor: A few weeks ago, I started to itch in the lower region and got very swollen. That went away for a while. Ever since I went off birth control, I have not been able to understand my own body. Recently, I have been very gassy, and moody, and have had a vaginal discharge that is very thin and white as milk but with some clumps in it. I am also itchy again. I also had clear urine which made no sense because I haven't been drinking that many liquids. I also have sensitive nipples (only nipples, not breasts) that get erect very easily and are a bit sore. That seems to be subsiding and it was after I wore a bra that didn't really fit well to the gym. At first I thought I was pregnant, but my symptoms don't really sound like what I've researched pregnancy symptoms are, especially the discharge. What could be going on??

Dear Caitlynn: The whitish discharge and clumps could be due to a vaginal yeast infection. Candida is a microorganism that's normally present in your vagina, along with bacteria. Overgrowth can result from antibiotic use, pregnancy, impaired immune system, diabetes and anything that changes the type and amount of bacteria normally present in the vagina, such as douching or irritation of the vagina. A yeast infection can also be sexually transmitted. Treatment of uncomplicated cases include a short course of a one time application or one-to-three-day regimen of an antifungal cream, ointment, tablet or suppository. Your doctor might also prescribe a one-time single dose of the antifungal medication fluconazole (Diflucan) to be taken by mouth.