Tartaczna 2
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Itching, burning, unusual vaginal discharge or pain during sex may indicate an infection, but similar symptoms can also result from irritation, skin conditions or hormonal changes. At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre in Gdańsk, we assess and treat conditions affecting the vulva, vagina and cervix.
During your consultation, a gynaecologist will assess your symptoms, recommend appropriate tests and offer treatment tailored to the underlying cause. Recurrent symptoms or those that persist despite treatment require particular attention.
Vulvovaginal candidiasis, commonly known as thrush, is most often caused by Candida albicans. It may cause intense itching, burning, redness and thick, white discharge. However, symptoms are not always typical.
Finding Candida in a sample without symptoms does not necessarily mean that treatment is needed. If symptoms recur or treatment is unsuccessful, identifying the Candida species may be helpful. In selected cases, antifungal susceptibility testing may also be appropriate.
Bacterial vaginosis is an imbalance in the vaginal microbiota. Protective lactobacilli decrease, while other bacteria become more abundant. It is not the same as a typical inflammatory vaginal infection.
A common symptom is a thin, uniform discharge with an unpleasant, often fishy smell. Itching and redness may be mild or absent. Smell alone is not enough to establish the diagnosis.
Trichomoniasis can cause vaginal discharge, irritation and pain when passing urine, although it may also be asymptomatic. Infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause inflammation of the cervix.
If a sexually transmitted infection is suspected, the doctor will recommend suitable tests and explain whether a sexual partner also needs assessment or treatment.
Cervicitis may cause abnormal discharge, bleeding after sex or spotting between periods. Some patients have no symptoms.
Infection is one possible cause, but a specific organism is not always identified. Lower abdominal pain or fever also requires assessment for infection involving the upper reproductive tract.
Vulval itching does not always mean thrush. Possible causes include cosmetics, scented products, contact allergy and skin conditions. Low oestrogen levels, for example after menopause or during breastfeeding, may cause dryness, burning and pain during sex.
These conditions need a different approach from an infection. Repeated antifungal treatment without establishing the cause may delay appropriate care.
Arrange a consultation if you experience:
Normal vaginal discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Discharge alone, without an unpleasant smell, pain or irritation, does not necessarily indicate a problem.
Fever, severe lower abdominal pain or feeling significantly unwell require urgent medical assessment. During pregnancy, new genital symptoms should be discussed with your healthcare professional. Pain, bleeding or suspected leaking of amniotic fluid require urgent contact with maternity services.
Risk factors depend on the condition. They may include antibiotic use, poorly controlled diabetes, a weakened immune system, hormonal changes and irritating products.
A new sexual partner or sex without barrier protection may increase the risk of certain infections. Vaginal douching can disturb the vaginal environment. An infection is not evidence of poor hygiene – excessive washing and harsh products can also make symptoms worse.
Assessment starts with a discussion of your symptoms and an examination of the vulva, vagina and cervix. Depending on the findings, the doctor may recommend:
Cervical cytology does not replace testing for vaginal infections. Cervical screening, including liquid-based cytology (LBC) and HPV testing, has a different purpose. A positive culture result alone does not always mean that an infection requires treatment.
Treatment is selected according to the cause, rather than the symptom alone. Candidiasis is treated with antifungal medicines. Bacterial vaginosis and specific infections require appropriate antibacterial or antiprotozoal treatment.
Dryness associated with low oestrogen levels and vulval skin conditions require different treatment. During pregnancy, the choice of medicine and how it is administered need particular consideration.
If symptoms do not improve or return quickly, the diagnosis should be reassessed. Repeated courses of the same medicine should not be used automatically.
This depends on the diagnosis:
Do not share prescribed medicines. Your doctor will also advise when it is appropriate to resume sexual activity.
Probiotics and products intended to regulate vaginal pH do not replace treatment for a diagnosed infection. Their usefulness depends on the specific product and clinical situation; effectiveness should not be assumed for every preparation.
Avoid vaginal douching, scented products and vigorous scrubbing. Wash the external vulval area gently. The vagina does not need to be washed internally.
Bring previous swab and culture results and the names of any medicines you have used. Make a note of when the symptoms started, whether they relate to your period, sex or antibiotic use, and whether you have experienced them before.
If a sample is planned, ask reception about preparation, as vaginal medicines can affect test results. However, do not stop prescribed treatment without advice or delay an urgent appointment to prepare for a swab.
At Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre, gynaecology consultations are available with Dr Marek Korożan, Dr Dominika Kozikowska and Dr Volha Khitrun. Our clinic is located at 2 Tartaczna Street in Gdańsk city centre, in the Śródmieście district.
Book through the Tartaczna 2 Medical Centre reception team, call +48 58 719 10 25 or use ZnanyLekarz.
