
Vaginal Discharge: Types, Causes Diagnosis and Treatment
The human body has unique ways of staying healthy, and vaginal discharge is one of them. In women, it helps keep the vaginal area clean by removing bacteria and dead cells. Normally, it’s a natural and healthy process. However, if the amount, texture, or color of the discharge changes, it might be a sign of abnormality.
This article will help you to know the various forms of discharge, their causes, and diagnostic and management methods. Knowing about Vaginal will help you with the identification of abnormal vaginal discharge.
What Is Vaginal Discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a secretion which originates from cells in the cervical canal and in the vaginal wall. It has the function of clearing the vagina, as well as contributing to the control of its acidity and alkalinity levels. Secretions of the vagina are somewhat erratic mostly because of hormonal changes, menstrual cycle, and other health complications.
While some forms of discharge are absolutely fine and perfectly natural, they could also be an indication of an infection or other complications. The major thing one learns is how to develop awareness and distinguish between one type and the other.
Types of Discharge
Majorly, there are 3 types of Vaginal discharge which are given below –
Normal Discharge
- Usually transparent or white in nature.
- Odorless or has a mild smell.
- It should be noted that the consistency may vary from watery to rather thick but not sticky, concerning the menstrual cycle.
- Aim at suggesting normal functioning of the vagina.
Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
- Leukorrhea is also caused by raised hormonal levels during pregnancy, leading to a more profuse and darkened vaginal discharge.
- It is generally either white or has a milky appearance and usually does not have any smell.
- Fluctuations in the frequency of discharge should ideally be watched, as frequent changes may indicate an infection or complication during pregnancy.
Vaginal Discharge Before Period
- As the menstrual cycle approaches, discharge can turn thick and white as it is triggered by the hormonal change.
- A slight yellow discharge may be usual, but it is best to avoid foul smell and inflammation.
Vaginal Discharge Causes
There are again several reasons that may contribute to the formation of vaginal discharge. Some of the common causes include:
- Hormonal changes: These include those during puberty, pregnancy, ovulation, and menopause, among others.
- Infections: Changes in the discharge can be a result of bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Allergic reactions: It can range from something as little as soaps, tampons, laundry detergents, and even some other products that could cause some women to react.
- Medications: Prolonged use of antibiotics may upset the balance of the vaginal flora; hormonal therapy also has the same effect.
- Stress or fatigue: The requirements that are sometimes associated with changes in discharge are lifestyle factors.
But as long as there is no itching, pain, or foul smell accompanied by the vaginal discharge, then it is okay. Abnormal discharge has the following symptoms:
- Yeast infection: Slimy, white, or curd-like, smellless discharge with little tenderness or soreness, tenderness, or swelling around the vagina.
- Bacterial vaginosis: Thick, white-grey, foul-smelling discharge from the vagina, pain in or around the vagina, and painful intercourse.
- Trichomoniasis: Thick, yellow, or green, bad odor, accompanied by reddened skin or inflammation of the genitals.
- Herpes: Indeed, some blisters or vesicles are associated with ulcers and will cause pain or discomfort, while in syphilis the blisters do not cause pain.
Other common signs and symptoms of vaginal discharge:
- Pain in lower abdomen
- A change in discharge
- Bad odor for more than a day
- Bleeding between periods
- Urinary Incontinence
- Vaginal discharge with blood stains
- Painful urination
- Vaginal dryness
- Urinary tract infections
Warning signs of vaginal discharge:
- Increased temperature
- Pelvic pain
- Stool in the vaginal discharge
- This is continued by postmenopausal bleeding, which is characterized by blood-stained discharge from the vagina.
Vaginal Discharge Color
The color of vaginal discharge can provide clues about underlying conditions. Here’s a quick reference table:
Type of Discharge | What it Might Mean | Other Symptoms |
White or clear color | Healthy and normal discharge. | No symptoms. |
Milky white color | Pregnancy-related discharge. | Might increase in quantity during pregnancy time. |
Green or yellow color | Result into possible infections, like trichomoniasis. | Irritation, itching, and foul smell. |
Bloody or Brown Discharge | Irregular bleeding or end of menstruation time. | Results in possible injury and abnormal spotting. |
Gray color | Bacterial vaginosis. | Irritation and itching, fishy odor. |
White color and thick | Yeast infection. | Burning and itching sensation, cottage cheese-like texture. |
Pink color | Spotting after sexual intercourse or during ovulation time. | Light bleeding along with no significant discomfort. |
Vaginal Discharge Diagnosis
To diagnose the cause of unusually colored discharge, one has to undergo some tests. A healthcare provider may use the following methods:
- Medical History – Description of the patient’s complaints, sexual practices, periods, and cleanliness practices.
- Physical Examination – A breast and pelvic exam to determine if there are any indications of infection or any abnormality.
- Sample Collection – Taking samples at the time of discharge for culture and sensitivity to find out whether an infection is present or an imbalance in any respect.
- pH Testing – Therefore, the chemistry tests that follow include checking for the product’s pH, as changes in pH may be attributed to bacterial infections or other complications.
- Additional Tests – Sometimes blood, ultrasound, or biopsy may be required in order to eliminate other causes of the situation.
Vaginal Discharge Treatment
This intervention depends on the cause of the discharge. Here are common treatment approaches:
For Bacterial Vaginosis
- Metronidazole and clindamycin are examples of antibiotics used to treat the condition.
- Reducing stress levels as a means of adhering to vaginal health.
For Yeast Infections
- Antifungal drops or antifungal tablets if the problem is severe or fails to respond to local treatment.
- Covering with cotton clothing to minimize sweating and wearing breathable cotton underwear.
For STDs
- Antibiotics or antivirals, depending on the particular pathogen involved, are determined by a laboratory test.
- HIV-positive partners may also need treatment in order to avoid getting reinfected again.
For Allergic Reactions
- Stops using any irritating substances at home, at the workplace, and while driving.
- Washing product information, such as using hypoallergenic or non-fragrance products.
Natural Treatments for Mild Pain
- Maintaining personal hygiene, as touching the genital area frequently may cause an infection.
- Should not douche, as it clears off all the natural flora from the vagina.
Preventive Measures
- Using condoms and protecting oneself from getting sexually transmitted illnesses.
- Consider the health behaviors of keeping the body adequately supplied with fluids and practicing hygiene to be important.
- Consult with the best Gynecologist in Jaipur for health check-ups with a particular focus on possible problems.
Prevention of Vaginal Discharge
The vaginal discharge cannot be prevented or avoided. The vagina should therefore be clean, dry, and healthy at all times. Hence, there is no need to clean inside the vagina with vaginal douches because the reproductive system in women will clean the vagina on its own. Avoid use of washing inside the vagina.
- Avoid douching: Employing a lot of vaginal wash, which may in the process, compromise the natural pH of the genital area and result into more vaginal discharge, making such persons more vulnerable to such diseases.
- Do not use hard soaps or perfumed sprays to eliminate the odor since they lead to skin irritation, dryness, or soreness. It is recommended to wash the skin around the vagina by use of plain water instead of hard soaps.
- Panty liners could be useful when there is too much thick or thin discharge from the genitourinary tract.
- Do not wear tight clothes because they avoid air circulation. Use loose underwear-colored cotton linings as they help in absorbing sweat.
- The sexually transmitted infections are best avoided by avoiding multiple sexual partners.
- Consuming buttermilk curd, which contains a probiotic, and increasing one’s intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, most importantly increasing one’s water intake.
- Get a regular screening.
- A partner has to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases in order not to be infected.
Conclusion
Vaginal discharge is a natural process in a woman’s life cycle and sometimes may indicate other health issues that need to be treated. Knowledge of the nature, origin, and management of vaginal discharge makes women mainly responsible for addressing such issues.
Diarrhea may be watery or even bloody; if there are any radical shifts in color, smell, or texture, then the patient must see a doctor. Just remember that timely care and attentiveness are the two most important aspects of vaginal protection.
Being armed with knowledge of the human body and consulting the expert on time helps you live a healthy life.
Also Read –
Understanding of Brown Discharge During Periods & Pregnancy