As a woman, you have probably had a thousand questions running through your mind about vaginal discharge. Ranging from “ what is the difference between yeast infection discharge and normal discharge?” or “ Why is my discharge the colour it is today?”
In response to such questions, in this article, we will be breaking down what yeast infection discharge is and the difference between yeast infection discharge and normal discharge.
What is yeast infection discharge?
A healthy balance of bacteria and yeast typically exists in the vagina, and oestrogen promotes the growth of the lactobacilli bacteria. These bacteria keep you healthy by eliminating harmful vaginal organisms. But when something occurs to upset that equilibrium, a fungus known as candida can grow out of control and result in a yeast infection.
Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted diseases. They are not contagious and cannot be transmitted to another person during sex. However, sexual contact can result in yeast infections because your body chemistry reacts negatively to another person’s natural genital yeast and bacteria, allowing the yeast to grow.
What are yeast infection symptoms?
Yeast infection symptoms vary and can range from mild to moderate.
Vaginal discharge from yeast infections is frequently thick, white, and clumpy, and usually does not smell (or only smells slightly different than it used to). You may also notice a creamy, whitish coating in and around your vagina.
Most yeast infections cause itching, burning, and redness in or around the vagina. Vaginal itching usually worsens as the infection progresses, and sex can be uncomfortable or painful. In severe cases, you may develop fissures or sores in your vagina. If you have a lot of irritation, peeing may sting.
Yeast infection can be treated with an antifungal medicine which, of course, has to be prescribed by a doctor. Even after using such medication, if your symptoms persist and you still show signs of the infection, make sure you talk to a doctor immediately to find out what the problem is.
What is a normal discharge?
It is crucial to understand that all vaginas secrete fluids. Every day, tiny amounts of fluid produced by your cervix and vaginal glands leave your body, lubricating the vagina.
By removing old cells, the normal discharge also aids in cleaning the vagina. Typically, these fluids have no odour at all. They appear milky or clear, and you might occasionally notice a thin, stringy fluid.
Difference between yeast infection discharge and normal infection discharge
Differentiating a normal discharge from a yeast infection discharge is simple because;
The normal vaginal discharge is usually clear and watery, but if it gets clear and stretchy, it may signify ovulation. Take note that if you notice a brown or bloody discharge at a certain time in your cycle, it is because you are probably towards the end of your period. In comparison, the yeast infection discharge is usually white and thick.
The volume of your normal vaginal discharge increases before ovulation and declines around the first or second day after ovulation. More vaginal fluid is typically produced when aroused than the cottage cheese-like discharge from a yeast infection. Normal vaginal discharge is odourless or has a mild smell; however, when combined with urine or period blood, the smell can change without harming you. Since the discharge from a yeast infection doesn’t smell, it is difficult to detect.
Along with a change in discharge, you might also experience other symptoms like itchiness, burning, or irritability in or around your vagina. Then you know that there is something wrong with your vaginal discharge.
Make sure you see a doctor once you figure out such changes.
