Leucorrhoea and antibiotic treatment

Normal discharge can change with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or hormonal contraception. Infection may cause a change in smell, colour or texture, with itching, soreness, pain when passing urine, pelvic pain or bleeding after sex. Antibiotics do not treat every cause: thrush usually needs an antifungal, while irritation may improve after the trigger is removed. Some sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, require specific testing and treatment for partners.

Arrange an appointment if discharge is new, persistent, unpleasant-smelling or accompanied by discomfort. A clinician may ask about periods, pregnancy possibility, sexual exposure and recent medicines, then examine you or collect a swab or urine sample. Avoid self-starting leftover antibiotics or using scented washes inside the vagina. Use prescribed medicine exactly as directed, complete the course unless your clinician tells you otherwise, and follow advice about sex and partner treatment.

Seek prompt medical care for pelvic or lower-abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, pregnancy with unusual discharge, bleeding after sex, or pain during sex. Urgent assessment is needed if severe pain, fainting or heavy bleeding occurs. These features can signal a problem that needs examination rather than an antibiotic chosen without testing.

Ask what causes are being considered, whether testing is needed, whether a partner should be assessed, how long improvement should take, and what to do if symptoms continue.