VAGINAL DISCHARGE & YOUR HEALTH

Vaginal discharge serves as an important housekeeping function in the female reproductive system. Most often, it is perfectly normal and can vary from color and odour.

Hence Vaginal discharge can be seen as a fluid or mucus that comes out from a woman’s’ vagina.  It can also be seen as fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina moist, clean and protects it from infection. Fluid made by glands inside the vagina and cervix carries away dead cells and bacteria, this keeps the vagina clean and helps prevent infection.

Vaginal discharge is most often a normal and regular occurrence. However, there are certain discharges that can indicate an infection; there will be more discharge if you are ovulating, breastfeeding, or sexually aroused. The smell may be different if you are pregnant or you haven't been diligent about your personal hygiene.

None of those changes is a cause for alarm. However, if the color, smell, or consistency seems significantly unusual, especially if it is accompanied by vaginal itching or burning, it could be a sign of an infection or other condition. Abnormal discharge may be yellow or green, chunky in consistency, or have a foul odor.

CAUSES OF ABNORMAL DISCHARGE

Any change in the vagina's balance of normal bacteria/ normal flora, (Normal flora i.e. are microorganisms that colonize the vagina naturally) can affect the smell, color, or discharge texture. These are a few of the things that can upset that balance:

• Antibiotic or steroid use
• Bacterial vaginosis ( a bacterial infection more common in pregnant women or women who have multiple sexual partners)
• Birth control pills
• Cervical cancer
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STD’S)
• Diabetes
• Douches , scented soaps or lotions, bubble bath
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Trichomoniasis ( a parasitic infection typically contracted and caused by having unprotected sex)
• Vaginal atrophy ( the thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during menopause)
• Vaginitis, irritation in or around the vagina
• Yeast infections

TYPES OF VAGINAL DISCHARGE

There are several different types of vaginal discharge. Some types of discharge are normal while others may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment. The amount of vaginal discharge varies among women and with the woman’s menstrual cycle. These types are categorized based on their color and consistency.

WHITE:

A bit of white discharge, especially at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle, is normal. However, if the discharge is accompanied by itching and has a thick, cottage cheese-like consistency or appearance, it’s not normal and needs treatment. This type of discharge may be a sign of a yeast infection.

CLEAR AND WATERY:

A clear and watery discharge is perfectly normal. It can occur at any time of the month. It may be especially heavy after exercise.

CLEAR AND STRETCHY:

When discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery, it indicates that you are likely ovulating. This is a normal type of discharge.

BROWN AND BLOODY:

Brown or bloody discharge is usually normal, especially when it occurs during or right after your menstrual cycle. A late discharge at the end of your period can look brown instead of red. You may also experience a small amount of bloody discharge between periods. This is called spotting.

If spotting occurs during the normal time of your period and you’ve recently had sex without protection, this could be a sign of pregnancy. Spotting during an early phase of pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage, so it should be discussed with your Obstetrician.

In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge can be a sign of advanced cervical cancer. This is why it’s important to get a yearly pelvic exam and Pap Smear. Your gynecologist will check for cervical abnormalities during these procedures.

YELLOW OR GREEN:

A yellow or green discharge, especially when it’s thick, chunky, or accompanied by an unpleasant smell is not normal. This type of discharge may be a sign of the bacterial infection. It’s commonly spread through sexual intercourse

DIAGNOSIS

Taking a health history and asking about symptoms. Questions may include:

• When did the abnormal discharge begin?
• What color is the discharge?
• Is there any smell?
• Do you have any itching, pain, or burning in or around the vagina?
• Do you have more than one sexual partner?
• Do you douche?

Sample of the discharge is taken or a Pap test to collect cells from your cervix for further examination.

TREATMENT

Treatment depends on the cause of the discharge. For example, yeast infections are usually treated with anti-fungal medications inserted into the vagina in cream or gel form.

 Bacterial Vaginosis is treated with antibiotic pills or creams.

PREVENTION

Here are some tips for preventing vaginal infections that can lead to abnormal discharge:

• Never use scented soaps and feminine products for your vagina.
• After using the convenience, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina and causing an infection.
• Wear 100% cotton underpants, and avoid overly tight undies.
• Do not wear a tampon. Tampons can introduce new germs to the vagina.
• Douching can lead to vagina infections
• Practice safe sex and use protection to avoid STIs.
• Try wearing a pad or panty liner that can help soak the excess moisture.
• Keep your outer genital area (vulva) clean and dry. It can help prevent some of the unpleasant odours that can possibly go along with vaginal discharge during pregnancy.

To decrease the likelihood of yeast infections when taking antibiotics, eat yogurt that contains live and active cultures. If you know you have a yeast infection, you can also treat it with an over-the-counter yeast infection cream or suppository.