Understanding Vaginal Discharge: Why They Happen, How You Know, and What Helps

Vaginal discharge is a normal process of a woman and is very important because it plays the role of preventing infections of the female reproductive system. It is useful in to prevent build up of bacteria, dead skins cells and other debris within the vagina. While the color, texture, and volume of the vaginal discharge can be very different in different women, any changes in its characteristics can sometimes be a sign of a health problem.

What is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is secretions from the glands found within and around the vagina and cervix. Therefore, it consists of water, mucus, cells and bacteria. This differs by the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and sexual activity and may vary in amount and colour.

It is also important to know the relationship between female discharge and vaginal health. It has cleaning properties, helps to regulate pH levels in the vagina and protect the reproductive system from infections. Nonetheless, a change in color, texture or smell may alert infections, hormonal fluctuations or other gynecological disorders.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge

There are therefore potentials causes of vaginal discharge which can be sub divided into physiological causes and pathological causes. Here's a breakdown of the most common causes:

Normal Causes of Vaginal Discharge:

Menstrual Cycle:

• Menstrual cycle can also trigger different types of discharge in the female body depending with the phase it is in. For example:
• Before ovulation: Discharge is generally colourless, and slippery like raw egg white, to enhance the mobility of sperms.
• After ovulation: Discharge may get thicker and it turns into creamy due to increased secretion of progesterone.
• Menstruation: In some cases, there may be brownish rust colored, bleeding that occurs at the beginning or towards the end of ones menstrual cycle.

Pregnancy:

Pregnancy is a period during which levels of estrogen hormone are raised, and the extent of vaginal discharge as well. This discharge is in most cases sleaky, colorless, or slightly cloudy and should not have any foul smell.

Sexual Activity:

When a woman feels sexually aroused, the amount of discharge thickens to form lubrication for sexual intercourse.

Hormonal Changes:

Discharge varies depending on hormonal changes that include puberty, menopause and while using contraceptives including birth control pills. This is because hormonal changes can cause an increase or decrease of the quantity of the discharge.

Ovulation:

Vaginal discharge may also vary, thickening and becoming more clear and stretchy in nature in preparation for the sperm at mid cycle influenced by hormones.

Abnormal Causes of Vaginal Discharge:

Although occasional fluctuations in discharge are possible, others are indicative of a problem. Some common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge include:

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV):

Bacterial vaginosis is an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. The possible symptoms are a thin, gray, or white, cheesy-like discharge having a fishy smell. There may also be itching and irritation with BV.

Yeast Infections:

Common in women, yeast infections are characterized by thick, white and clumpy discharge akin to cottage cheese resulting from an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. In some instances, it is coupled with itching, burning and soreness around the vagina.

Trichomoniasis:

This is an STI, the result of the infection of Trichomonas vaginalis parasites. For trichomoniasis, possible discharge is slimy, foamy, cloudy, or thick and has green, yellow or foul smell. It is normally associated with itching, burning sensation and pain during urination.

Chlamydia or Gonorrhea:

Each of these STIs can cause more discharge than normal, and the discharge may have a yellowish or green color, or even have a foul smell. Some of these infections at times may not manifest symptoms, and as such, periodic tests are recommended.

Cervicitis:

Inflammation of the cervix causes abnormal discharge, especially if an infection or STI is the cause; the discharge may be yellow, green or even foul smelling.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID):

A PID, an infection of the reproductive organs, causes heavy discharge which may be yellow or green in colour. It is then characterised by pain which may be severe, fever as well as discomfort in both intercourse and urination.

Foreign Objects:

Rarely, foreign bodies such as tampons left inside the body can cause an uncommon discharge from bacterial growth or even infection.

Hormonal Imbalances:

Problems with estrogen/progesterone are common and cause changes of the vaginal discharge; this is more so one can get problems like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid related issues.
 

Symptoms to Watch For

Even though fluid production is a usual and physiological process within women’s reproductive system, it is crucial to know when certain signs are alarming. If you experience any of the following in conjunction with changes in your discharge, it’s important to seek medical attention:

• Unpleasant Odor: Fishes or a bad smell is an indicator of a bacterial infection such as BV or any other sexually transmitted infection.
• Color Change: It is as such important to note that green, yellow, or gray discharge may be associated with an infection. Leucorrhoea can be an infection by yeast and that blood discharge other than periods imply other complications.
• Abnormal Consistency:  Pelvic, abdominal or vulvar pain and thick, clumpy, or frothy discharge often suggest infection.
• Pain or Discomfort: Burning sensation during urine passes, pelvis pain or dyspareunia together with abnormal discharge may be indicative of an infection or a condition such as PID.
• Itching or Burning: This could be due to a yeast infection or an STI if coupled with the following; abdominal pain, painful sexual intercourse, or canker sore.

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Management of abnormal vaginal discharge therefore will depend on the cause. Some common treatments include:

• Antibiotics: In case of bacterial infections such as BV, the doctor will recommend antibiotics to cure the infection despite being surprised.
• Antifungals: Yeast infections are managed through the use of topical creams or suppositories or oral tablets.
• Antiprotozoal Medications: For trichomoniasis, the recommended medication is metronidazole that works as an antibiotic.
• STI Treatment: If the discharge is due to an STI such as chlamydia, or gonorrhea, you will be prescribed antibiotics to clear the bacterial infection.
• Probiotics: For chronic yeast and bacterial vaginosis, probiotics may be prescribed to replace the regular beneficial bacteria.
   

How Dr. Ruchi Bhardwaj at ActiveAyulife Clinic Can Help

Dr Ruchi Bhardwaj specializing in Active Ayu life Clinic and expert in providing the treatment women’s genital disorders such as abnormal discharge. In this interview, Dr. Bhardwaj evident stresses integrative medical care, that is, an individualized treatment of vaginal disorders with equal consideration of both mainstream and complementary treatment modalities. Some ways Dr. Bhardwaj can help include:

Comprehensive Diagnosis:

Abnormal discharge is, therefore, investigated based on physical examination, laboratory tests and in some circumstances pelvic ultrasound as conducted by Dr. Bhardwaj.

Personalized Treatment Plans:

Depending on your specific situation, Dr. Bhardwaj will prescribe medications, changes to your lifestyle, diets or other approaches to correct the issue that is affecting vaginal health.

Holistic Approaches:

Dr Bhardwaj uses Ayurvedic therapies and herbal cures which may possibly be useful to deal with repeat infections, regular the hormones, and enhance prospects of well-being.

Preventive Care and Education:

Information concerning vaginal health and how to avoid the other infections is also part of care imparted to enable women to fight this disease on their own.

Through ensuring quick solving and constant prevention, Dr. Ruchi Bhardwaj provides her patients with the best vaginal conditions they will ever want.