Vaginal Discharge

Normal secretions from the vagina that can change in consistency and color throughout the menstrual cycle.

Vaginal Discharge: What It Is and How It Changes

Vaginal discharge is a fluid that comes out of the vagina. It is produced by the glands in the cervix and the vagina, and it helps to keep the vagina clean and moist. Vaginal discharge is normal and healthy, and it can vary in colour, texture, amount, and smell, depending on different factors. In this article, we will explain what vaginal discharge is, what causes it to change, and when it may indicate a problem.

What is normal vaginal discharge?

Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear, white, or slightly yellow, and it has a mild or no odour. It can be thin and watery, or thick and sticky, depending on the stage of your menstrual cycle, your hormonal levels, and your sexual arousal. Normal vaginal discharge can also change during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause.

Normal vaginal discharge helps to:

  • Clean and protect the vagina from infections and irritations.
  • Lubricate the vagina and make sex more comfortable.
  • Indicate your fertility and ovulation.

What causes abnormal vaginal discharge?

Abnormal vaginal discharge is any discharge that is different from your usual discharge in colour, texture, amount, or smell. Abnormal vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection or a disease, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching, burning, pain, bleeding, or fever.

Some of the common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge are:

  • Yeast infection: A fungal infection that causes white, thick, and cottage cheese-like discharge, along with itching, burning, and redness of the vulva and vagina. Yeast infections are more likely to occur when the balance of the vaginal flora is disturbed by antibiotics, diabetes, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system.

  • Bacterial vaginosis: A bacterial infection that causes grey, thin, and fishy-smelling discharge, along with itching, burning, and inflammation of the vulva and vagina. Bacterial vaginosis is more likely to occur when the balance of the vaginal flora is disturbed by douching, multiple sexual partners, or a new sexual partner.

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Infections that are spread through sexual contact, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes. STIs can cause yellow, green, or frothy discharge, along with pain, bleeding, sores, or warts in the genital area. STIs can also increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), a serious infection that can damage the reproductive organs and cause infertility.

  • Cervical or endometrial cancer: Cancers that affect the cervix or the lining of the uterus. Cancers can cause brown, pink, or bloody discharge, along with abnormal bleeding, pain, or weight loss. Cancers can be detected by a Pap smear, a test that checks for abnormal cells in the cervix.

How is abnormal vaginal discharge diagnosed and treated?

If you notice any changes in your vaginal discharge that are unusual or bothersome, you should see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment. Your provider may ask you about your medical history, sexual history, symptoms, and menstrual cycle. They may also perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, to look for any signs of infection or disease. They may also take a sample of your discharge and send it to a laboratory for testing.

The treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge will depend on the cause and the severity of your condition. Some of the possible treatments are:

  • Antifungal medications: Creams, suppositories, or pills that are used to treat yeast infections. You can get some of these medications over-the-counter, but you may need a prescription for others. You should follow the instructions and complete the course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve.

  • Antibiotics: Pills or injections that are used to treat bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, or PID. You may need a prescription for these medications, and you should take them as directed and finish the course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve. You should also avoid sexual contact until you and your partner are cured, and get tested again after treatment to make sure the infection is gone.

  • Antiviral medications: Pills or creams that are used to treat genital herpes. These medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, but they cannot cure the infection. You should take them as prescribed and avoid sexual contact during an outbreak.

  • Surgery: A procedure that is used to remove or treat cervical or endometrial cancer. The type and extent of surgery will depend on the stage and location of the cancer and your personal preferences. Surgery may involve removing part or all of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes, and may affect your fertility and hormone levels.

How can you prevent abnormal vaginal discharge?

You can prevent abnormal vaginal discharge by taking care of your vaginal health and hygiene and avoiding or treating any infections or diseases that may cause it. Some of the tips to prevent abnormal vaginal discharge are:

  • Keep your vagina clean and dry. Wash your vulva with warm water and mild soap, and dry it gently with a clean towel. Avoid douching, as it can disturb the balance of the vaginal flora and increase the risk of infection. Change your underwear, pads, or tampons regularly, and wear cotton or breathable fabrics that allow air circulation.

  • Practise safe sex. Use condoms or dental dams every time you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex, unless you are in a monogamous relationship with a tested and trusted partner. Limit your number of sexual partners, and get tested for STIs regularly. If you have any symptoms of an STI, seek treatment as soon as possible, and inform your partner(s) so they can get tested and treated too.|

  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced and nutritious diet, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs, as they can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infections. Manage your stress levels, as stress can affect your hormone levels and your vaginal health.

  • Monitor your vaginal discharge. Pay attention to the colour, texture, amount, and smell of your vaginal discharge, and how it changes throughout your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. If you notice any abnormal or unusual changes, see your healthcare provider for a check-up and treatment.

Conclusion

Vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy part of your reproductive system, and it can vary in colour, texture, amount, and smell, depending on different factors. However, abnormal vaginal discharge can be a sign of an infection or a disease, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as itching, burning, pain, bleeding, or fever. 

You should see your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your vaginal discharge, and follow their advice on diagnosis and treatment. You can also prevent abnormal vaginal discharge by taking care of your vaginal health and hygiene and avoiding or treating any infections or diseases that may cause it.

Sources