If Your Vaginal Discharge Looks Like Any of These 6 Types, Schedule That Gynac Appointment Immediately!
In this Article
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of a woman’s reproductive system. However, if you are experiencing any changes in the amount, colour or odour of vaginal discharge, the chances are you are suffering from vaginal infection and need medical attention.
Many women wonder if vaginal discharge is normal. In most cases, yes! But there may be some cases when you will need to seek help.
Reasons For Vaginal Discharge
Fluids from glands inside the vagina and cervix carry away dead cells and bacteria. This keeps the vagina clean and prevents infection. The vaginal discharge’s smell and amount of discharge can vary from woman to woman, and the normal colour can range from clear to a milky whitish at different times during the menstrual cycle.
Normal Vaginal Discharge
All women have some vaginal discharge. Normal discharge may appear clear, cloudy white, and/or yellowish when dry on clothing. It may also contain white flecks, and at times may be thin and stringy. There may be more discharge if you are ovulating, breastfeeding, or sexually aroused. The smell may be different if you are pregnant.
Abnormal Discharge
Any change in the balance of normal bacteria in the vagina can affect the smell, colour or texture of the discharge. If you experience itching or burning, seek medical advice as this could indicate an infection or other problem.
Causes of Abnormal Discharge
Following is the list of some factors that can upset the balance of normal bacteria and cause abnormal discharge: 
- Antibiotic or steroid use
- Emotional stressors
- Bacterial vaginosis, which is a bacterial infection that’s not sexually transmitted, but more common in women who have multiple sexual partners
- Tight or synthetic undergarments
- Birth control pills
- Cervical cancer
- Chlamydia or gonorrhoea, which are sexually transmitted infections
- Diabetes
- Scented soaps, lotions and bubble baths
- Pelvic infection after surgery
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Trichomoniasis, which is a parasitic infection typically caused by having unprotected sex
- Vaginal atrophy, which is thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during and after the menopause
- Vaginitis, which is irritation in or around the vagina
- Yeast infections
Types of Abnormal Discharge
|
Type of Discharge |
Disease Indication |
|
Bloody or brown |
Irregular menstrual cycles, or less often, cervical or endometrial cancer |
|
Cloudy or yellow |
Gonorrhea |
|
Frothy, yellow or greenish with a bad smell |
Trichomoniasis |
|
Pink |
Shedding of the uterine lining after childbirth (lochia) |
|
Thick, white, cheesy |
Yeast infection |
|
White, gray, or yellow with fishy odor |
Bacterial vaginosis |
Treatment of Vagina Discharge
The first step for treatment of vaginal discharge is wearing cotton undergarments and fitting undergarments during exercise. Avoid using scented products that irritate the vaginal lining. Yeast infections may be treated using over-the-counter medicines, but other causes of vaginal discharge require prescription medications. It is critical to take the entire course of medication as prescribed or recommended by your doctor, even if the symptoms improve.
Abnormal vaginal discharge is a problem which may be an indication of some other serious health problem. It is advisable to seek medical help if you’re worried.
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