What Is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a vital part of the female reproductive system’s housekeeping. Dead cells and bacteria are carried away by fluid produced by glands inside the vagina and cervix. This helps to keep the vaginal area clean and infection-free. Vaginal discharge is, for the most part, entirely natural. Depending on where you are in your monthly cycle, the amount, odor, and color (which can range from clear to a milky white-ish) can all change. When you’re ovulating, breastfeeding, or sexually stimulated, for example, you’ll have greater discharge. When you’re pregnant or haven’t kept up with your personal hygiene, it may smell different. However, none of these changes are alarming. If the color, smell, or consistency is out of the ordinary, especially if you’re also experiencing vaginal itching or burning, you could be dealing with an infection or another problem.

Types of Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge can come in a variety of forms. The color and consistency of these sorts are used to classify them. Some discharges are perfectly normal. Others could indicate an underlying problem that needs to be addressed.

White Discharge

It’s common to have some white discharge, especially at the start or close of your menstrual period. If the discharge is itchy and has a thick, cottage cheese-like substance or look, it’s not normal and has to be treated. This kind of discharge could indicate a yeast infection.

Yellow or Green Discharge

It’s not typical to have a yellow or green discharge, especially if it’s thick, chunky, or smells bad. This type of discharge could be an indication of the trichomoniasis illness and sexual contact is a common way for it to spread.

Clear and Watery

It’s usual to have a clear and watery discharge. It could happen at any point during the month. It’s possible that it’ll feel extra heavy after you’ve worked out.

Clear and Stretchy

You’re most likely ovulating if your discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery. This is a common occurrence in the body.

Brown or Bloody Discharge

Brown or bloody discharge is common, especially during or immediately after your menstrual period. It’s possible that a late discharge at the conclusion of your period will seem brown rather than red. Between periods, you will likely notice a tiny quantity of bloody discharge. This is referred to as spotting. If you’re spotting during your period and haven’t had sex without protection recently, it could be an indication of pregnancy. Spotting during the first trimester of pregnancy might be an indication of miscarriage. Brown or bloody discharge might be an indication of endometrial or cervical cancer in rare circumstances. Other issues, such as fibroids or other abnormalities, could also be the cause.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy body function. It’s your body’s natural way of cleaning and protecting your vaginal area. It’s also typical for discharge to increase with sexual desire and ovulation, for example. Discharge can also be a result of physical activity, the use of birth control tablets, and emotional stress. An infection, on the other hand, is the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. Such infections include:

Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes burning and itching as well as a white, cottage cheese-like discharge. The presence of yeast in the vaginal area is natural, but in some circumstances, its growth can become uncontrollable. Some factors such as; stress diabetes, pills for birth control, pregnancy, and antibiotics, especially if used for more than ten days may make you more susceptible to yeast infections.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial illness that is extremely frequent. Although it generates no symptoms in some cases, it causes increased vaginal discharge with a strong, foul, and sometimes fishy odor. Women who have had oral sex or have had several sexual partners are more likely to have this infection.

Trichomoniasis

Another infection is trichomoniasis. A protozoan, or single-celled creature, causes it. Sexual contact is the most common way for the infection to spread, although it can also be transmitted via sharing towels or bathing suits. It causes a foul-smelling yellow or green discharge. Pain, inflammation, and itching are all common symptoms, however, some people have none.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a sexually transmitted infection that affects the female reproductive system. Bacteria spreads up the vaginal canal and into other reproductive organs, causing this condition. It may emit a foul-smelling, thick discharge.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause an abnormal discharge. It has a yellow, greenish, or hazy appearance.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

Sexual interaction spreads the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and can lead to cervical cancer. This form of malignancy can generate a red, dark, or watery discharge with an unpleasant odor, even if there are no symptoms.

How to Diagnose Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge, cervical mucus, and arousal fluid are not routinely investigated because they are considered normal and not symptomatic of disease. However, if your discharge has changed or you’re having symptoms like burning, irritation, itching, or discomfort, your doctor may examine your cervical mucus for anomalies that could indicate an infection or STD. Your doctor may carry out any of these tests:

• Pelvic Exam: This involves your doctor pressing on the uterus and ovaries to check for abnormalities in the tissue and organs of the vagina and cervix.
• pH Test: Because infections can induce variations in the pH of the vaginal discharge, a pH test is used to detect how acidic the discharge is.
• Wet Mount: A sample of discharge is examined using a wet mount to see if there is a yeast, bacterial, or trichomonas infection.
• STD Testing: This entails sending a sample of the discharge to a lab to be tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, and other organisms that could be the source of the discharge.

How to Treat Vaginal Discharge

Yeast infections, for example, are commonly treated with antifungal creams or gels put into the vaginal canal. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic pills or creams and metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole are commonly used to treat trichomoniasis (Tindamax). Normal vaginal discharge does not need to be avoided. However, by following these guidelines, one can prevent abnormal vaginal discharge.

• Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom. This may help prevent bacteria from entering your vaginal area from your rectal area.
• During the day, wear cotton underpants. Cotton gives your genital area the ability to “breathe.” And at night, avoid wearing underpants.
• If you suspect your genital area is being irritated, switch your laundry detergent or fabric softener.
• Some women are sensitive to latex found in condoms and diaphragms, as well as sperm-killing gels used for birth control. If you believe one of these factors is an issue for you, talk to your doctor about alternate birth control options.
• Hot tubs aren’t recommended.
• Take a bath or shower and pat your genital area dry daily.
• Don’t douche.
• Deodorant pads or tampons, colorful or fragrant toilet paper, and bubble bath are all things to avoid.
• For long periods of time, avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, swimming suits, bicycle shorts, or leotards.

Now that you Know…

Vaginal discharge is amazing, even if you don’t always think of it that way. Healthy discharge keeps the vaginal area clean, protects against infections, and lubricates the vaginal area. It varies, depending on what your body requires. For example, discharge thickens before ovulation to aid sperm in their travel to the egg and rises during intercourse to prevent discomfort and irritation. Your vaginal discharge, on the other hand, is also a sign of your overall health. Keep an eye out for any discharge that comes on suddenly, as this could indicate an infection or sickness. If the color, consistency, volume, or smell of your discharge changes dramatically, make an appointment with your gynecologist. It’s also time to consult your doctor if your discharge is accompanied by an itch or pelvic pain.