THE itch was so bad she could not stand or sit without fidgeting.

After five days, Ms Cynthia Ang, 25, could not take it anymore and went to see a gynaecologist and obstetrician (O&G).

The diagnosis: vaginal infection, a condition which affects at least one in five women here.

Her doctor, Dr Lee Keen Whye, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Gleneagles Medical Centre, prescribed Neo-Penotran, a vaginal suppository.

The relief was immediate.

The O&G Society of Singapore (OGSS) noted that women here are largely unaware of vaginal infections - or vaginitis - until the infections become very severe.

Those who visit a gynaecologist with the condition will do so for abnormal vaginal discharge.

And the leading cause for the discharge is vaginitis (vaginal inflammation or infection), according to the OGSS.

Last month, the society launched the 'V(aginitis)-free' public education programme to raise awareness that a vaginal infection is a common, treatable female gynaecological condition.

The weapon of choice is Neo-Penotran, a broadest-spectrum drug that was launched in January by pharmaceutical company Bayer Schering.

There are several causes for a vaginal infection, which is why it usually takes some time to diagnose and may require different medications to treat.

But this insert can treat nearly all these causes, even if it is related to a sexually transmitted disease.

OFTEN, NO CLEAR CAUSE

Dr Beh Suan Tiong, the president of OGSS, said: 'The problem with vaginitis is that although it strikes many women regardless of their age, the cause may not be easily determined on the basis of symptoms or physical examination alone.'

Often, in order to make a diagnosis, a specimen of the vaginal fluid has to be examined under a microscope.

However, the sensitivity of tests vary and may not always be accurate.

Additionally, such tests take up time and increase costs to the patient.

In the meantime, the woman will continue to experience discomfort, which can sometimes be severe, as it was in Ms Ang's case.

Ms Ang, a private tutor, said: 'It was so bad that I had to keep going to the toilet to relieve myself.

'After five days, it was not getting better and it was getting a little painful in the lower abdominal area, so I panicked.'

Her mother suggested that she see a specialist, recommending her own O&G, Dr Lee.

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