Vaginal Discharge

Overview

Vaginal discharge plays a crucial housekeeping role in the female reproductive system. 

Fluid produced by the glands and cervix flushes out dead cells and bacteria, keeping the vagina healthy. As such, vagina discharge is perfectly normal. Normal vaginal discharge is thin and mucus-like. The colour can range from clear to milky white-ish to slightly yellow depending on the time of your menstrual cycle, breastfeeding, or sexually aroused. It may also smell different if you are pregnant or have been unhygienic.

Some birth control pills or methods may change the colour or increase the amount of discharge. 

None of these changes is cause for alarm, but if they are accompanied by foul-smelling discharge, itching, or burning and last for more than a day, you should see your healthcare provider.

Key facts 

• A certain amount of vaginal discharge (a fluid that flows out the vaginal opening) is expected. 
• The vaginal walls and cervix contain glands that produce a small fluid that cleans out the vagina.
• Normal fluid is thin and white-ish and does not smell unpleasant
• Discharge is thicker during sex, breastfeeding, and ovulation.  
• Abnormal discharge may be green or yellow, thicker, or foul-smelling.
• Yeast or a bacterial infection usually causes abnormal discharge. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment if you notice any unusual discharge or foul smells.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms 

Symptoms or signs of vaginal infection include;

• Increase in the amount of vaginal discharge,
• Pain, burning, or itching with vaginal discharge.
• Unusual odour or consistency of the fluid, or
• Painful intercourse
• Pain or tenderness in your lower abdomen
• Thick, white vaginal discharge
• Blisters, bumps, or sores in your genital area
• Painful urination
• Change in the type of vaginal discharge you usually have

Diagnosis

To properly diagnose a case of abnormal vagina discharge, your doctor will ask a series of questions about your medical history. They may include;

• When did the abnormal discharge begin?
• What colour is the discharge?
• Is there any foul odour?
• Do you have any itching, pain, or burning in or around the vagina?
• Are you sexually involved with more than one person?

Your healthcare provider may also take a sample of the discharge or conduct a pap smear to determine the cause further.

Causes

Common causes of vaginal discharge include the following:

• Antibiotic or steroid use
• Contraceptive pills
• Cervical cancer
• Chlamydia or gonorrhoea (STDs), sexually transmitted infections
• Diabetes
• Pelvic infection after surgery
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Atrophic Vaginitis
• Cervical Polyps
• Cervicitis
• Foreign Body (Forgotten Tampon or tissue)
• Hormonal Changes
• Overgrowth of normal bacteria in the vagina
• Chemicals found in detergents, softeners, ointments, creams, and contraceptive foams, may irritate the skin around the vagina.

Prevention

Ways to prevent abnormal vaginal discharge include;

• Take baths with mild soaps. Avoid bubble baths with scented soaps and hot tubs.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene products such as vaginal sprays, scented pads, tampons, or panty liners.
• Do not douche unless instructed by your healthcare provider
• Use plain white toilet tissue.
• Always wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
• Only touch your vaginal area with washed and dried hands.
• Urinate after sexual intercourse to help prevent a urinary tract infection.
• Using condoms during intercourse to protect yourself from infections

Treatment

Vaginal infections that cause unusual discharge vary, so they need different treatments. Some vaginal infections require specific antibiotics, which can be identified through lab testing. Other types may not be STIs but need to be treated with particular medications. You must consult your doctor if you notice any difference in your discharge to narrow down the cause and ascertain the type of treatment needed.

Conclusion

Vaginal discharge is normal as it cleanses dead cells and bacteria in the female reproductive system. Abnormalities in the discharge can be treated after proper diagnosis. Speak to your doctor if you notice any changes in your discharge that last more than one day.