Vaginal Discharge: Types, Causes, Symptoms, & When to See a Doctor

What Is Normal Vaginal Discharge?

Normal vaginal discharge is clear and white. It should not have a bad smell, and its thickness varies throughout the menstrual cycle. The most important characteristics of a normal vaginal discharge are:

• The colour of a normal vaginal discharge should be clear and milky white. Any other colour, such as yellow, green, or brown, indicates infection or other problems.
• A normal vaginal discharge ranges from watery and sticky to thick and pasty. This change occurs throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations, but any infection can alter the discharge's consistency. If vaginal discharge becomes foamy, accompanied by burning or itching, and shows colour changes, it indicates an infection.
• The odour of a normal vaginal discharge is not strong and unpleasant. If you notice any foul or fishy smell from the vaginal discharge, you may have a vaginal infection.
• The amount of vaginal discharge varies from woman to woman. Some women have more vaginal discharge, whereas others produce less. Factors such as ovulation, pregnancy, and using birth control pills may affect the amount of vaginal discharge. If there is a sudden change in the amount of vaginal discharge, it means there is a problem.

Causes Of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge may become abnormal due to numerous infections. It mainly occurs due to sexually transmitted infections from one partner to another. The common causes are:

• Vaginal yeast infections are the most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. Candida infection produces a thick, white, and cheese-like vagina discharge. The vagina becomes itchy, smelly, and painful.
• Trichomoniasis is another sexually transmitted infection that may cause abnormal vaginal discharge. It occurs after having sex with an infected person. The discharge becomes green, grey, yellow, and frothy.
• Bacterial vaginosis is another cause of abnormal vaginal discharge, which occurs due to the presence of certain bacteria in the vagina. It can be transmitted through sexual contact. The discharge becomes white or grey, fishy, and foul-smelling.
• Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are other sexually transmitted infections that may cause infection of the vagina and produce cloudy, green, or yellow vaginal discharge.
• Other causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include soaps, detergents, sexual lubricants or condoms used during sex, a tampon left inside the vagina, and hormonal changes.

Diagnosis Of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

A doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination to understand your symptoms.

• A vaginal swab test is done to identify the bacteria, yeast, or sexually transmitted infections.
• A pap smear is recommended to diagnose and rule out cervical abnormalities.
• A pH test may be performed because the normal vaginal pH is 3.8-4.5, and a higher pH may indicate infection.

Treatment For Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

The treatment depends upon the cause of abnormal vaginal discharge.

• Antibiotics are prescribed if a woman suffers from bacterial vaginosis.
• Antifungal creams and tablets are recommended for the treatment of yeast infections.
• Sexually transmitted infections are treated by using antibiotics or antifungal medicines, depending on the type of infection.
• If the infection is caused by foreign bodies, such as a forgotten tampon, the doctor will remove them carefully.

Prevention Tips to Maintain Healthy Vaginal Discharge

A few guidelines women might want to consider when it comes to maintaining a healthy vaginal discharge and lowering the chances of developing a vaginal infection include:

• Do not douche! Douching is the primary cause of a vaginal infection since douching eliminates the natural bacteria and increases the risk of infection.
• Cleaning the vaginal region with water only. Don’t rub or scrub excessively.
• Do not wear tight pants or synthetic materials; instead, choose cotton underwear.
• Change sanitary pads every 4-6 hours during periods to maintain proper hygiene.

When To Visit A Doctor?

Consult your doctor if there are several symptoms such as:

• Sudden changes in the colour and/or smell of your vaginal discharge
• Fever and/or pelvic pain regularly
• A lot of thick, yellow vaginal discharge.
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse

Conclusion

Vaginal discharge is a normal reproductive fluid that serves several functions and normally has a varying amount of discharge at different times during the menstrual cycle. If you have experienced any sudden changes in colour, smell, or consistency of the vaginal discharge, it would be wise to contact your healthcare provider to discuss the possibility of an infection. A prompt visit to the doctor can prevent complications from untreated infections.