Internal Medicine in Lagos
'Staph' Infection (Genital Itching and Discharge)
The signs, what causes it, and when to see a internal medicine specialist in Lagos.
Signs to look for
'Staph' Infection (Genital Itching and Discharge)
- Itching or soreness around the vagina or penis
- White, curd-like discharge (often thrush)
- Thin grey or white discharge with a fishy smell (often bacterial vaginosis)
- Yellow or green discharge, or burning on passing urine (possible STI)
- Discharge from the penis
In Nigeria, 'staph' is often used for genital itching, discharge, a weak erection or trouble getting pregnant, and sold as a sexually transmitted infection with its own cure. Staphylococcus aureus is a real germ that lives harmlessly on the skin, and it causes boils and wound infections, but it is not a sexually transmitted infection and it is rarely the cause of these symptoms. What is usually going on is thrush (a yeast infection), bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas, chlamydia or gonorrhoea. Each needs a different treatment, which is why herbal and chemist staph cures so often fail.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Itching or soreness around the vagina or penis
- White, curd-like discharge (often thrush)
- Thin grey or white discharge with a fishy smell (often bacterial vaginosis)
- Yellow or green discharge, or burning on passing urine (possible STI)
- Discharge from the penis
- Symptoms that come back after every course of treatment
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if symptoms keep coming back, if you have tried a staph cure without lasting relief, or if you have discharge from the penis, burning on passing urine, a sore, or pain in the lower abdomen. A swab and a PCR test show what the cause actually is. See a doctor the same day for lower abdominal pain with fever, or a painful swollen testicle.
Treatment options
- A swab and a PCR test to find the real cause
- Antifungal treatment for thrush
- Metronidazole for bacterial vaginosis or trichomonas
- The right antibiotic, and partner treatment, for gonorrhoea or chlamydia
- Advice on what keeps thrush and bacterial vaginosis from returning
- Stopping repeated courses of antibiotics that do not match the cause
Common Questions
Is staph a sexually transmitted infection?
No. Staphylococcus aureus lives on healthy skin and is not passed on through sex in the way STIs are. Genital symptoms called staph are almost always something else, and finding the real cause is how they get cured.
Can staph cause infertility or weak erection?
Not in the way it is sold. Infertility can follow untreated chlamydia or gonorrhoea, and a weak erection has its own causes, such as blood pressure, diabetes and stress. Each is worth a proper assessment.
Why does my staph keep coming back?
Because the treatment does not match the cause. Thrush, bacterial vaginosis and STIs look alike but need different medicines, and repeated antibiotics can make thrush worse.
Need Help?
Discree, Mezo's private sexual health practice. Tests collected at home, a doctor by video, and nothing on your statement that says health.
Talk to a doctor privately, ₦15,000Complete STI screen with PCR, ₦99,500Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.