Vaginal Discharge

What is vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is the fluid that helps to keep the vagina clean and free from infection, vaginal discharge is completely natural. But its colour, texture and quantity may differ depending on the age and timing of periods. However, some variations may indicate a particular condition. These may include a change in color or odor as well as a difference in consistency. Click here to talk to a health care specialist

What is a considered normal vaginal discharge?

Normal vaginal discharge should be clear or white. It should not smell bad, and its thickness may change during periods. Its other features include:

Texture: It is normal to have a vaginal discharge that ranges from watery and sticky, to thick and pasty. Your body's hormones cause this change, but factors such as infection can also change the consistency of vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge that is slightly solid, frothy, or accompanied by itching and a change in color may mean you have an infection.

Color: If it is clear, milky white or off-white, then the vaginal discharge is healthy. Dark yellow, brown, green, or gray discharge may be a sign of infection or other problem.

Smell: Vaginal discharge may have an odor, but it should not be strong and should not be unpleasant. If the discharge has a foul odor and is accompanied by a change in texture or color, then there may be a vaginal infection.

Amount: Some women have a lot of vaginal discharge, while some women have very little vaginal discharge. Certain factors such as pregnancy, use of birth control pills, or ovulation can affect vaginal discharge. A sudden change in the amount of vaginal discharge may mean that something is wrong.

Contact our doctor immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

Increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.
Change in color of discharge.
a foul smell.
Change in texture or consistency of the discharge.
Burning, itching or pain in or around the vagina.

Symptoms of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge may be a sign of infection if:

Itching started in the vaginal part.
Have swelling
Vaginal discharge starts to smell bad or fishy.
The discharge is green, yellow or brown or looks like cottage cheese or pus.
Experience pain while urinating or pelvic pain.

Causes of vaginal discharge

There are many infections that cause vaginal discharge to change or smell unpleasant. Many of these infections can be caused by having sex or having sex with someone who already has the infection. There are different reasons for vaginal discharge.

Yeast infection:-

A vaginal yeast infection occurs when a fungus (Candida) grows out of control in the vagina. In this, it produces a thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. The vagina may become swollen and itchy, and this can make sex painful. Antifungal drugs treat yeast infections.

Trichomoniasis or trich:-

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is spread by having sex with someone who is already infected. It is caused by a parasite trichomoniasis. It makes vaginal discharge green, yellow or brown and bubbly or frothy. It is treated with antibiotics.

Bacterial vaginosis or BV:-

Bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an overabundance of certain bacteria in the vagina. It is transmitted through sexual contact but not always. Women with bacterial vaginosis have a white or brownish discharge that can be foul-smelling and feel like something fishy. It is treated with antibiotics.

Gonorrhea (gonorrhea) and chlamydia:-

Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two common sexually transmitted infections that can be spread by having sex with an already infected person. Both infections are treated with antibiotics. Women suffering from this have cloudy, yellow or green colored vaginal discharge. If it is not treated, the infection can spread, which can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease with pelvic pain.

Are there any non-infectious causes of vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is not always due to infection. Changes in the normal balance of healthy bacteria in the vagina and sex.

Types of vaginal discharge

There are several types of vaginal discharge – classified by color and consistency.

White:-

White discharge is common, especially at the beginning or end of periods. Usually this discharge is thick and sticky, with no strong odor.

Clear and watery:-

This type of discharge occurs around ovulation and is often clear and wet. This type of discharge can occur when one is sexually aroused or pregnant.

Clean and stretchy:-

When the discharge is clear but stretchy and mucus-like instead of watery, it is a sign that you are ovulating.

Brown or bloody:-

Brown or bloody discharge may occur during or just after periods. There may also be a small amount of bloody discharge between periods. This is called spotting. Spotting is common between periods and spotting after recent unprotected sex can be a sign of pregnancy. And spotting during early pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage.

Yellow or green:-

Yellow discharge may not indicate a health condition as it can naturally change color when exposed to air. But dark yellow or greenish discharge, especially when it is thick, or has an unpleasant odor, calls for a doctor's visit.

Myths about vaginal discharge

Many women think that vaginal discharge is always unhealthy. This is not true, vaginal discharge comes from glands inside the vagina and cervix. This gland makes a small amount of fluid, which is also called vaginal discharge. Fluid is released from the vagina every day, which cleans the old cells that line the vagina. This is a completely natural process; This is the body's own way of keeping the vagina healthy and clean. If you find something wrong with vaginal discharge, then definitely contact the doctor.

Investigations related to abnormal vaginal discharge

The doctor will ask questions about the health history and symptoms, the doctor may ask the following questions below:

When did the abnormal vaginal discharge start?
What color is the discharge?
Is there any smell?
Is there any itching, pain or burning in or around the vagina?
Have more than one sexual partner?
Do you douching to clean your vagina?

The doctor may take a sample of the discharge or do a Pap test to collect cells from the cervix for further testing.

Prevention of vaginal discharge

There is no need to stop normal vaginal discharge. However, following these tips can prevent abnormal vaginal discharge. Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This can help prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina from the rectum area.

Wear cotton underwear during the day. The skin is able to breathe because of cotton. Do not wear underwear at night. Avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, swimsuits, biking shorts, or leotards for long periods of time.

Change laundry detergent or fabric softener if you find it bothers the genital area. Latex condoms and diaphragms and sperm-killing gels used for birth control can cause problems for some women. If you think any of these are causing problems for you, talk to our doctor about another form of birth control.

Avoid using hot tub.

Shower daily and pat your genital area dry.

Do not do douching (cleaning by putting something inside the vagina).

Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, colored or scented toilet paper, deodorant pads or tampons, and bubble baths.

Treating Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Doctors check whether vaginal discharge is normal or abnormal. If there is abnormal vaginal discharge, then whatever reason comes out after investigation, doctors treat it according to that reason.

Yeast infections, for example, are usually treated with antifungal medications that are inserted into the vagina in the form of creams or gels. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic pills or creams. Trichomoniasis is usually treated with the medications metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax).

You can follow some tips to prevent vaginal infection:

After going to the bathroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina and causing an infection.
Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing.
Keep the vagina clean by washing the outside with a mild, mild soap and warm water. There is no need to apply soap directly to the vagina.
Never use perfumed soaps and feminine products for douching in the vagina. Also avoid feminine sprays and bubble baths.

Diet

Although no special diet has to be taken care of in abnormal vaginal discharge, but if you are confused then consult a doctor. It is necessary to talk to the doctor on this subject. Diet plays a big role in hormonal changes. If you want, you can contact our dietician for information related to diet.

Best treatment for you

The best treatment for abnormal vaginal discharge depends on its cause. In most cases, abnormal vaginal discharge is treated with antibiotics.

Why choose Cicle?

Cicle is a health friendly application where you can anonymously chat with a health care provider and get your questions answered. Joining Cicle will save you both time and money. Normally you have to travel to consult a doctor, there is a separate cost for this, but by downloading Cicle, you can discuss your health by taking an appointment with the doctor according to your convenience at home.

frequently asked questions

Is it normal to have black/brown discharge?

Black or brown colored discharge will appear only during periods. Keep in mind that normal discharge is clear, transparent and odorless without any redness or itching. In such a situation, without ignoring any symptoms, definitely tell the doctor. If you wish, you can book an appointment with our doctor and take advice from the comfort of your home. The vagina has a natural musky odor and cannot be completely odorless. But when foul smell comes, one should talk to the doctor.

Research related to vaginal discharge

Abnormal vaginal discharge is usually due to infection. 70% of all these causes are associated with bacterial vaginosis (BV), vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) or trichomoniasis (TV). Bacterial vaginosis is the most common and accounts for up to 50% of all infections.

Abnormal vaginal discharge occurs in 1-14% of all women of reproductive age and 5-10 million women worldwide see a doctor for this problem throughout the year. The prevalence of abnormal vaginal discharge problem in India is estimated to be 30%. Abnormal vaginal discharge is the second most common problem after menstrual disorders. In such a situation, without ignoring any symptoms, definitely tell the doctor. If you wish, you can book an appointment with our doctor and take advice from the comfort of your home.

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After going to the bathroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina and causing an infection.
Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing.
Keep the vagina clean by washing the outside with a mild, mild soap and warm water. There is no need to apply soap directly to the vagina.
Never use perfumed soaps and feminine products for douching in the vagina. Also avoid feminine sprays and bubble baths.