09/02/2023
What you need to know. ..
VAGINAL DISCHARGE
Even at the mere mention of the two words, fear and trepidation ensue! Truth is, va**nal discharge most times are harmless, normal and physiological process of keeping the va**na in good health.
The va**na is a very conservative, self-cleaning and regulating female reproductive part. Vaginal discharge serves a kinda housekeeping function, normally there are fluids made by some glands inside the va**na and the womb, these fluids carries away dead cells and bacteria. So, the natural role of the discharge is to keep the va**na clean, healthy and free of infections.
It is very important to note, that the color, amount, odor and consistency of va**nal discharge vary depending on the stage of your normal reproductive/menstrual cycle. Vaginal discharge can vary from whitish, milky and sticky to clear and watery between your menstrual. Normally, there will be more discharge if you are ovulating, breastfeeding, sexually aroused or pregnant. The odor too can vary from odorless to foul smelling.
Like I mentioned earlier, most of the time, va**nal discharge is perfectly and physiologically normal. However, if your va**nal discharge has an unusual odor and appearance, or occurs along with itching or pain, it may be a sign that something's wrong. It could be an infection, an abnormality or even a sign of disease condition.
Let’s delve into the abnormal va**nal discharge!
What causes abnormal discharge?
Generally anything that alters the normal va**nal environment can lead to discharge. There are harmless bacteria that live in the va**na, so any change in the balance can lead to foul smelling, colorful discharge. However, it is important to note that most causes of abnormal va**nal discharge, such as yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis or menopause symptoms are relatively harmless, but can be quite very uncomfortable.
Most times, abnormal va**nal discharge preludes a sexually transmitted infection. Since these infections can be passed on to other sexual partners or can spread to the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes detection and treatment is very important.
Vaginal discharge can also be a signal of cervical cancer, in this case this discharge will be brownish or blood-tinged.
Some important likely causes of abnormal Vaginal discharge.
1. Unrestricted antibiotic or steroid use
2. Bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection common in pregnant women, or in women with multiple sexual partners.
3. Birth control pills
4. Cervical cancer
5. Cervical polyps, noncancerous (benign) growths on your cervix
6. Sexual transmitted diseases, (Chlamydia , Ge***al warts , Gonorrhea HPV infection Trichomoniasis
7. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
8. Vaginal atrophy
9. Vaginal cancer
10. Vaginitis
11. Yeast infection (va**nal)
Types of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge and likely causes:
1. Bloody or Brown discharge: Might be because of irregular menstrual cycle or in some rare situations, cervical cancer.
2. Cloudy or Yellow discharge: Might be gonorrhea.
3. Frothy, yellow or greenish with bad smell: Trichomonas infection
4. Pink: shedding of uterine lining after childbirth
5. Thick White Cheesy: Yeast infection
6. White, gray or yellow with fish odor: Bacterial Vaginosis.
So how does your doctor diagnose abnormal Vaginal Discharge?
History taking, examination and some tests (Like Pap smear, to rule out cervical cancer) will aid in diagnosis.
There are key questions your doctor will ask, including:
1. The onset
2. Color
3. Smell
4. Duration
5. Any associated itching, burning
6. History of previous Sexually transmitted infections
7. Sexual partners
8. History of diabetes
9. History of douching
Treatment and Management of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Treatment is purely based on the cause.
• Specifically, Vaginal discharge due to yeast, will be treated with anti-fungal medication, most time inserted into the va**na in cream of jelly form.
• Bacterial Vaginosis is treated with specified antibiotics
• Trichomonas infections, treated specifically with Flagyl
What are the tips for keeping the va**na clean and preventing abnormal va**nal discharge?
• Keep the va**na clean, wash regularly with gentle , mild soap and warm water
• Avoid using scented soaps
• Avoid using feminine do**he
• Avoid feminine spray and bubble baths
• Maintain a strict healthy hygiene, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the va**na.
• Avoid tight fitting clothing
• Wear 100% cotton underpants