Health & wellness

What Do Various Vaginal Discharge Types Mean?

Vaginal Discharge

What Do Various Vaginal Discharge Types Mean?

Vaginal discharge is a fluid containing a mixture of cervical and vaginal secretions. The amount of it produced varies but is often normal and healthy from woman to woman.

The consistency and amount of it may also be affected by a pregnancy, changing hormones or the presence of infection.

Usually, after a girl gets her first menstrual period, it begins and has several functions. It keeps the vagina naturally clean, provides lubrication during intercourse, and can help prevent infection.

What is Normal Vaginal Discharge?

Discharge from the vagina may be abnormal or normal. This doesn’t mean an issue in many instances. Normal, thick or thin, a vaginal release is evident and is generally odorless. At different times in the monthly menstrual cycle of a woman, the amount produced and the consistency may change.

For example, when a female ovulates, discharge can become more heavy, thicker, and visible. At this moment, it might also be white. Also owing to sex and the use of birth control, the quantity of release can alter.

Types of Vaginal Discharge

Consistency and color are the basis for various kinds of vaginal discharge. Changes in vaginal discharge color, quantity or smell may show an issue.

A diagnosis based on it alone is hard in some cases. Other symptoms such as burning, itching, or irritation often indicate an issue more effectively.

Various vaginal release types and possible triggers are described below.

1. White

Different shades of white discharge may be normal, particularly if it happens during ovulation or just before the period of a woman. Probably there is no fundamental problem as long as there is no vaginal itching, burning, or abnormal smell that accompanies the discharge.

But white vaginal discharge may be a sign of an infection in other cases. It may be due to yeast infection if the discharge is clumpy and looks comparable to cottage cheese.

Infection with yeast can also trigger the itching and burning of the vagina. It happens because of an overgrowth of the Candida type of fungus.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) may be indicated by thin, white vaginal discharge with a powerful fishy odor. In females between 15 and 44, BV is the most prevalent vaginal infection. Other symptoms may include urination burning and itching of the vagina.

2.Yellow

Infection may or may not be reported by yellow release. If the discharge is pale yellow, odorless and is not accompanied by other symptoms, it may not be a problem. A yellow discharge may also be a sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STI) or a bacterial infection in other cases.

Causes of yellow discharge include:

  • Trichomoniasis, which can also trigger itching, urinary pain, and an unpleasant smell.
  • Chlamydia that often has no symptoms.

3.Clear:

Typically, clear discharge is normal. However, the quantity may differ between people and during the monthly menstrual cycle of a woman. Clear discharge, for example, can be stretchy and have an egg white consistency around ovulation moment.

Prevention Of Vaginal Discharge

It is not necessary to prevent normal vaginal discharge. However, it can sometimes prevent abnormal discharge by taking the following precautions:

  • Avoid douching that can destroy the good bacteria that can assist avoid vaginal infections.
  • Wear underwear made of cotton that absorbs moisture and can stop infection with yeast.
  • Use a condom to practice safe sex, limit the number of sexual partners, and get frequently tested for STIs.
  • Use soaps, tampons, and pads that are unscented. Scented or powerful products may interfere with the vagina’s natural equilibrium of bacteria, which may boost the likelihood of infection.

When To See A Physician

Vaginal discharge is usually not an issue, but sometimes changes in discharge may suggest an issue. Similar symptoms may exist for different kinds of diseases, but they will receive different treatments. If any of the following develops, it is important to see a physician:

  • green, yellow, or gray discharge
  • vaginal itching or burning
  • discharge that is frothy, foamy, or looks like cottage cheese
  • a fishy or unpleasant odor
  • pelvic pain

The doctor may ask about any extra symptoms, the overall health and the history of the person to determine the cause of the abnormal discharge. The underlying cause of the abnormal vaginal discharge is different in treatment and can include antimicrobial medicines or antibiotics.

Vaginal Discharge is usually normal, but there are cases when there can be problems with color, quantity or consistency of  discharge

Yeast, STI and BV infections can alter the vaginal discharge. In most instances, it is possible to deal effectively with the causes of abnormal vaginal discharge.

Also Read: PMS Symptoms Vs. Pregnancy Symptoms

 

 

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