What do different types of vaginal discharge mean?

 

What is vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a combination of fluid and cells that is constantly discharged or shed from the vagina.

Normal vaginal discharge aids in the health of vaginal tissues provides lubrication and protects against infection and irritation. The volume, color, and consistency of typical vaginal discharge vary depending on the stage of your reproductive (menstrual) cycle, from white and sticky to clear and watery.

Abnormal vaginal discharge, such as a fluid with an unusual odor or look, or discharge that occurs in conjunction with itching or discomfort, may indicate consultation and treatment. If you are facing the same issue, then feel free to contact Dr. Kausha Shah as she is one of the best Gynecologist in Dahisar.

What are the causes of vaginal discharge?

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a rather frequent kind of bacterial infection. It causes increased vaginal discharge with a strong, unpleasant, and occasionally fishy odor, yet in other cases there are no symptoms. 

Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia may cause abnormal discharge. It is often yellow, greenish, or cloudy in appearance.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an illness that is often transmitted via sexual intercourse. It happens when germs travel up the vaginal wall and into the reproductive organs. It may emit a strong, foul-smelling discharge.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) or cervical cancer

Sexual interaction spreads the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. It has the potential to cause cervical cancer. While no symptoms are present, this form of malignancy may cause a red, brown, or watery discharge with an unpleasant odor. Cervical cancer may be readily detected with Pap smears and HPV testing every year.

Trichomoniasis

Another form of infection is trichomoniasis. The virus is often transmitted via sexual contact, but it may also be obtained through the sharing of towels or bathing suits. It produces a foul-smelling yellow or green discharge. Pain, inflammation, and itching are other frequent symptoms, while some patients may not have any symptoms.

Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes white, cottage cheese-like discharge as well as burning and itching. The presence of yeast in the vagina is normal, but its development may become uncontrollable under certain circumstances. The following factors may raise your risk of yeast infections:

• stress
• diabetes
• use of birth control pills
• Antibiotics during pregnancy, particularly if used for more than 10 days.
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea

Types of vaginal discharge

• Watery, white discharge with itching: A cottage cheese-like discharge with a faint odor implies a fungal infection or thrush. The vaginal area may be painful.
• Abnormal discharge with pain or blood: Chlamydia or gonorrhea infections may cause abnormal discharge with pain or bleeding during urination or intercourse (STIs). If not treated, they may spread higher and produce PID.
• Abnormal discharge with blisters around the genitals: This is a symptom of genital herpes, which is treated with antivirals that prevent the virus from replicating.
• Green, yellow, frothy discharge: A parasite causes this type of discharge especially trichomoniasis, a frequent STI in which the discharge is yellow or green in large amounts, foamy, and has an unpleasant fishy odor. Antibiotics may be used to treat the infection.
• Grey or white fish-smelling discharge: A strong fish odour, particularly after sex, coupled by grey-colored discharge is an indication of bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is frequent as a consequence of an imbalance in the typical vaginal bacterial population and is not transferred sexually. It may resolve on its own or may need the use of antibiotics.

What is the treatment for abnormal Vaginal discharge?

What causes the condition will determine how you are treated. Yeast infections, for example, are often treated with antifungal drugs administered into the vagina in the form of a cream or gel. Antibiotic tablets or lotions are used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole or tinidazole are often used to treat trichomoniasis.

• Keep the vagina clean by cleaning it with gentle, mild soap and warm water on the outside. It is not necessary to use soap directly in the vagina.
• Never use scented soaps, hygiene products, or douche. Avoid bubble baths as well.
• Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom to avoid germs from entering the vagina and developing an infection.

If you have a further query on Vaginal discharge, consult Dr. Kausha as she is the best lady Gynecologist in Dahisar.

Thanks for reading!