SHE sat across from me looking extremely defeated.

Sandra, a 34-year-old schoolteacher, was extremely frustrated. This visit to me, made the fourth obstetrician/gynaecologist (ob/gyn) visit within six months. She had exhausted all oral antifungals/antibiotics and vaginal inserts, gels/creams and even the probiotic yoghurt someone at church had recommended, all resulting in temporary relief. Yet, she was in my office with the same complaint – an offensive, recurrent vaginal discharge that has been affecting her confidence, quality of life and her intimate relationships.

“Dr Daley, I do everything right – I exercise, shower frequently, don’t use scented lotions or soaps, change my sanitary products frequently and have a healthy diet! Nothing works! What is the cause?”