[19F] Experiencing vaginal odor and urinary symptoms

Patient Description

A 19-year-old female is experiencing vaginal odor described as similar to old garbage, burning upon urination, increased frequency and urgency of urination, nausea, and pain during sexual intercourse. The patient has had two new sexual partners in the past four months. The patient has been using the Zulane birth control patch, which has caused a rash and breast growth, but has not sought treatment for these side effects. The patient's vaginal discharge is described as normal, white, and occasionally pink, with no fever or severe lower abdominal pain reported. No known drug allergies or other medications have been reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, the following conditions might be considered:

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.

    • Doctors typically treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. Which drugs are prescribed and for how long depend on your health condition and the type of bacteria found in your urine.
  • Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): This is a type of vaginal inflammation caused by the overgrowth of bacteria naturally found in the vagina, which upsets the natural balance. Women in their reproductive years are most likely to get bacterial vaginosis, but it can affect women of any age. The cause isn't completely understood, but certain activities, such as unprotected sex or frequent douching, increase your risk.

    • For bacterial vaginosis, antibiotic medications are the most common treatment.
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Some sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause similar symptoms. Given your recent history of new sexual partners and unprotected sex, it's possible that an STI could be causing your symptoms.

    • Treatment for STIs usually involves either an antibiotic, antiviral, or antiparasitic medication, depending on the specific infection.

What you can do

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare provider can perform tests to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do:

  1. Drink plenty of water to help dilute your urine and ensure that you're urinating frequently. This might help to flush out any bacteria.
  2. Avoid sexual intercourse until you have been evaluated by a healthcare provider, as some conditions can be transmitted to your partner.
  3. Avoid using any perfumed products in the genital area, which can cause further irritation.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days of starting treatment
  • You develop a high fever or back pain, which could indicate a more serious infection
  • You have any new or concerning symptoms

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Please consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Common symptoms of a UTI include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, passing frequent, small amounts of urine, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain in women.


How is bacterial vaginosis (BV) typically treated?

Bacterial vaginosis is typically treated with antibiotic medications, such as metronidazole or clindamycin, which can be taken orally or applied topically.


What are the risks of having multiple sexual partners in a short period?

Having multiple sexual partners in a short period can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to increased exposure to different partners' bacteria and viruses. It can also complicate the identification of the source of an infection.


Can birth control patches cause side effects like rashes and breast growth?

Yes, birth control patches can cause side effects such as skin irritation or rashes at the application site and changes in breast size or tenderness due to hormonal changes.

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