Abnormal Discharge from the Vagina

What is the difference between abnormal discharge from the vagina and normal vaginal discharge?

Abnormal discharge differs in color, quantity, smell and consistency when compared to your normal white discharge.

Vaginal white discharge is the fluid that is produced by the glands in the lining of the vagina and cervix. The discharge or white fluids from the vagina functions to carry dead cells and bacteria out of the vagina. It is nature’s way of keeping the vagina clean and healthy and free from infection.

It is normal to have one or two teaspoon of milky white, clear and odorless vagina discharge daily. The amount of discharge varies between individuals, though.

Some women may have less discharge whereas some have excessive discharge that interferes with their sex lives. If you are having too much vaginal discharge, a vagina wand can help to reduce the excessive discharge and improves your sex live.

This same type of discharge would seem to be abnormal when it increases in quantity. The increase of this whitish or milky discharge could be due to :-

  • Hormonal imbalance cause by mood swings
  • Menstruation (mid cycle of menses)
  • Stressful lifestyle
  • Sexual excitement
  • Medication -Birth Control Pills and antibiotic medicines
  • Pregnancy - the increase in discharge helps prevent an infection from getting int your uterus.
  • Breastfeeding

You should not worry too much if you are certain that the increase in vaginal fluid is due to the above reasons.

It is a temporary problem. The discharge will return to its normal level when you are no longer affected by the above mentioned conditions. 

But, you might be having a vaginal infection if there is:-

  • thick, white heavy vaginal discharge
  • green or cottage cheese vaginal discharge
  • smelly discharge
  • burning discharge - itching and burning sensation in the vulva. 

Vaginal Infections

Vaginal infection occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast and bad bacteria in the vagina. The proportion of good and bad bacteria the vaginal flora is disturbed.

The most common form of infections are bacterial vaginal infection, vagina thrush aka vagina yeast infection and trichomoniasis.

Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginal Infection

Bacterial vaginal infection (BV) or bacterial vaginosis is most common among women in the 15-44 age group. You may have higher risk of getting BV if you:-

  • Are not using a condom
  • Have new or multiple partners
  • Use intra-uterine device (IUD)
  • Use douches

Symptoms to look out for in a bacterial vaginal infection are:- 

  • Watery, greyish and cloudy discharge with a "fishy smell". This fishy smell is more prominent after sex and during menstruation.
  • Itching when urinating. 
  • Burning around the outside of the vagina which is known as the vulva.

 Vaginal Yeast Infection Symptoms

Vaginal yeast infection or candidiasis is a common condition. It occurs when the harmonious balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina is disturbed - the population of bacteria is overtaken by the growth of the yeast microorganism.

Characteristics of vaginal yeast infection:-

  • Whitish, foamy and clumpy (cottage-cheese like) consistency discharge.
  •  The abnormal discharge from the vagina is odorless. 
  • There is an intense itching sensation and slight swelling around the vagina.

Trichomoniasis (Trish) Symptoms

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by a protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis.  The signs of trichomoniasis are:_

  1.  Heavy, frothy and smelly.
  2.  The discharge has a clear, yellowish or greenish color.
  3. There is also Itching and pain during urination.

Other Causes of Abnormal Discharge from the Vagina

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

STDs such as gonorrhea and chlamydia also cause abnormal discharge from the vagina. It is sticky with a yellowish to greenish color.

Other symptoms of gonorrhea and chlamydia include:-

  • bleeding between periods
  • painful urination
  • pain/bleeding during sex
  • bleeding after sex

Vagina Cancer

Vagina cancer is when abnormal cells in the vagina start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way.  It is a rare cancer of the female reproductive system and is more common in older women.

The main symptom of vaginal cancer is blood tinged, watery vaginal discharge in between your period or after menopause. For more information about vagina cancer, please go to cancer research.

When To Get Medical Attention

Home remedies do help with cases of bacterial vaginal infection and vaginal yeast infections.

If symptoms persist, do not be shy to see an obstetrician to determine the cause.

Prompt medical attention can mean a matter of life or death if the abnormal discharge is STD or cancer related.

Is it alright to have sex while being treated for abnormal discharge from the vagina?

It is not advisable to have sex if you are being treated for:-

STDs - the chance of the infection recurring increases especially if your partner has not been treated.

Yeast infection - Having sex can interfere with the effectiveness of the anti-fungal vagina cream. You run the risk of not being completely cured.

Discharge with pain - Be sure that you are completely treated and pain free before resuming sex. The chaffing from intercourse can worsen the pain.

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