Vaginal discharge is a mixture of fluid and cells in the vagina that ranges from whitish and sticky to clear and watery, possibly associated with an odor. Vaginal discharge can have causes that are not due to an underlying disease. Examples include menstruation, intercourse, or certain hygienic methods such as douches and bidets.
Vaginal discharge is a combination of fluid, cells, and microorganisms that lubricate and guard the vagina. This combination is constantly produced through cells inside the vagina and cervix and leaves your body via the vaginal opening. Although vaginal discharge is a constant process in menstruating women. It may start a few months before your teen period starts. It generally decreases after menopause. However, candidiasis or bacterial infection usually causes the abnormal discharge. If you notice any discharge that looks unusual or smells bad, visit the doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Regular Discharge
The glands of the vagina and cervix produce small amounts of fluid that leave the body every day and carry away old cells.
Things that can upset your vagina's natural pH balance and lead to vaginal infections include:
Changes in color, consistency (sometimes similar to cottage cheese)
Itching, discomfort, or rash
Vaginal burning when urinating
The presence of blood when it is not the time for your period
A foul odor accompanied by yellowish, greenish, or grayish-white vaginal discharge
Types of vaginal discharge
Red
start or end a period
cervical infection
cervical polyp
endometrial or cervical cancer
Pink
cervical bleeding
irritation in the vagina
implantation bleeding
White
healthy discharge
fungal infection
Yellow-green
sexually transmitted infection, such as trichomoniasis
Clear
healthy discharge
pregnancy
ovulation
hormonal imbalances
Gray
healthy discharge
For most people, infections or hormonal imbalances are liable for unusual changes in vaginal discharge. Medication may be necessary.
A person should see a doctor if they notice irregular changes in vaginal discharge or other symptoms that could indicate a reproductive health problem.
Causes
Any changes inside the balance of ordinary microorganisms inside the vagina can affect the smell, color, or texture of the discharge. Here are some things that can upset that balance:
Use of antibiotics or steroids
Bacterial vaginosis, a more common bacterial infection in pregnant women or women who have multiple sexual partners
Trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection that is usually contracted and is caused by unprotected sex
Vaginal atrophy, the thinning and drying of the vaginal walls during menopause
Vaginitis, irritation in or around the vagina
Yeast infections
Diagnosis
The doctor will start by asking about your medical history and asking about your symptoms. Questions can include:
When did the abnormal discharge start?
What color is the discharge?
Is there an odor?
Do you have itching, pain, or burning in or around your vagina?
Do you have more than one sexual partner?
Do you take a shower?
The doctor may take a sample of the discharge or do a Pap test to collect cells from your cervix for a more detailed exam.
Treatment
The treatment you receive will depend on the cause of the problem. For example, yeast infections are usually treated with antifungal medications that are inserted into the vagina as a cream or gel. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotic drugs or creams. Trichomoniasis is normally treated with the drug metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole (Tindamax).
Here are some tips to prevent vaginal infections that can lead to abnormal discharge:
Keep the vagina clean by washing it with mild soap and warm water on the outside. It is not necessary to use soap directly in the vagina.
Don’t use scented soaps and feminine products or douches. Also, avoid feminine sprays and bubble baths.
After using the bathroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina and causing an infection.
Wear 100% cotton underwear and avoid clothing that is too tight.
When to see a Doctor?
See a physician in case your vaginal discharge has an uncommon scent or appearance. A person should also seek medical attention if they experience vaginal symptoms such as:
Itching
Pain or discomfort
Frothy or cottage cheese-like discharge
Bleeding between periods or after menopause
Spotting after sex regularly
Gray, green, or yellow discharge
Strong smell from vaginal
Burning sensation when urinating
Feeling weak, fatigued, or unwell
Fever
Any sore or blister in the vaginal area
The doctor will perform a pelvic exam. They may also need to collect a discharge sample for testing.
Home Remedies
Abnormal vaginal discharge can be treated with the help of simple home remedies:
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal properties. A review of the research on this essential oil confirmed its ability to kill a variety of yeasts and fungi. Tea tree is an essential oil and must be mixed with a carrier oil.
Natural yogurt
Yogurt is a natural probiotic, which means it contains a lot of healthy bacteria. Eating yogurt can help bring healthy bacteria back into the body. This helps establish a balanced vaginal environment and could help fight bad bacteria. To get the full benefits, eat one serving of yogurt every day.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has antifungal properties to fight fungal yeast. And raw organic coconut oil can be applied internally or externally to relieve symptoms. Heated coconut oil can also be used as a carrier oil for more powerful antifungal essential oils, including tea tree oil or oregano oil.
Clean from front to back
After using the bathroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading from the anus to the vagina.
Fenugreek seeds
Taking fenugreek seeds boiled in water can solve the problem of white discharge. You can boil the fenugreek seeds in 500ml of water until the water is reduced by half. Then drink this water when it cools.
Coriander seeds
Soak some fenugreek seeds in water overnight, strain, and drink it in the morning on an empty stomach. This is one of the simplest and most secure home treatments to deal with white discharge.
Tulsi
Tulsi is one of the common things used in Indian homes. People have been using it for years for its medicinal benefits. You can grind some tulsi with water and add a little honey to it. Take this drink twice a day to eradicate the problem. It can be consumed with milk too.
Vaginal discharge is the clear white or off-white fluid that comes out of the vagina. It is mainly made up of cells and bacteria which help clean and lubricate the vagina. Discharge is a normal process but changes in the amount, consistency, color, or smell can indicate an infection.
2. What is considered normal vaginal discharge?
Normal discharge should be clear or white. It shouldn’t smell bad and its thickness may change throughout your menstrual cycle. Some people produce less vaginal discharge while others produce more.
3. When to consult a doctor?
The volume of vaginal discharge increases.
The discharge has changed color.
A foul-smelling odor.
A change in texture or consistency of discharge.
If you are experiencing discomfort, itching, or pain in or around your vaginal area, it may be a cause for concern.
Pain In the lower abdomen.
4. Can you explain the significance of the color of vaginal discharge?
Yellow, grey, or green- bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.
Brown or red- usually related to irregular menstruation or pregnancy(implantation bleeding).
Clear or white- normal.
If thick white, curdy is associated with itching- yeast infection.
5. Can vaginal discharge be caused by non-infectious factors?
Not all cases of vaginal discharge are due to an infection.
An object in or near the vagina that shouldn’t be there- like a left tampon.
An irritation or rash from an object or chemical that causes an allergic reaction like detergent, sops, sex toys, condoms
Atrophic vaginitis- occurs after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen.
Pregnancy- to avoid infection.
Ovulation- to help the sperm swim up to reach the egg.
6. Why do I have vaginal discharge every day?
It is normal to have a vaginal discharge every day. It is the body’s way of keeping the vagina clean and healthy and lubricating the vagina.
7. Why do I get vaginal infections?
You might have a higher risk of getting an infection if you
Have sex without protection and multiple partners.
Have untreated or under-treated diabetes.
Take birth control pills.
Have HIV infection or decreased immunity.
Use certain soaps, sprays, or detergents.
Douche
8. Should I douche to get rid of vaginal discharge?
No, you should not douche to get rid of vaginal discharge. Douching can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in the body, thereby leading to infection.
9. How to keep the vagina clean?
It's advisable to clean with gentle soap and water for a gentle cleaning of your vulvar area.(outside the vagina) once daily should be good enough to keep the vagina clean. The vagina naturally keeps itself clean with the help of certain bacteria.
Other methods to keep the vagina clean include:
Avoid using perfumed soaps, and gel.
Don’t douche or wash inside your vagina.
Avoid wearing tight underwear or sweaty clothes for long periods of time.
Wipe the vagina from front to back. Thus, it prevents bacteria from rectum to getting into the vagina.
