Vaginal itching and discharge may occur at times in a woman’s life and while discharge may be normal, if it persists, is accompanied by itching or of an offensive odor, it should be investigated. Vaginal irritation, like discharge and itch, may be due to an infection or inflammation of the organs of the female reproductive system and usually the vulva of the vagina is also involved.

Normal vaginal discharge is often associated with a rise in the estrogen levels, around the time of ovulation, pregnancy, just before the first period in life (menarche) and may be caused by certain drugs. In these cases, the discharge is not usually considered to be a problem if there is an absence of other symptoms. However if other concomitant symptoms, like itching, burning during urination, a rash or pelvic pain, is also present, then further investigation is required.