Abnormal vaginal discharges

Every woman knows that the vagina produces discharge. What most women do not understand is why. For many women, vaginal discharge is a nuisance. It not only makes your inner wear wet and dirty, but may also at times lead to bad odours — a woman’s worst nightmare.

The vagina has an acidic pH which prevents infections. Natural, good bacteria produced by your body causes the acidic nature of your vagina. When your vagina is healthy, it keeps itself clean by producing normal vaginal discharge.

Glands in your vagina and cervix produce small amounts of fluid that flow out of your vagina everyday taking with it old cells lining the vagina.

The “normal vaginal discharge” helps to clean the vagina as well as keep it lubricated and free from infection and other germs. A normal vaginal discharge does not have a foul odour.

Normal vaginal discharge often appears clear or milky when it dries on your clothing; occasionally you may notice white spots or a discharge that is thin and stringy looking.

There are certain conditions that may cause changes in the appearance or consistency of your vaginal discharge.

These include:

  • Your menstrual cycle
  • Emotional stress
  • Pregnancy
  • Any prescribed or over-the-counter medication with hormones, such as contraception pills. The hormones in such pills may change the color of your discharge
  • Sexual excitement
  • Breastfeeding
  • Ovulation
  • Other causes of an upset in the natural pH balance of your vagina and which may lead to vaginal infections include vaginal douches, feminine hygiene products, perfumed or deodorant soaps, antibiotics, diabetes, or the presence of a vaginal or sexually transmitted infection.
Normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy

Most women notice an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This discharge is called leucorrhoea and is thin, white, milky, and has a mild smell. It is a mucus-like fluid that moistens the vaginal surface tissue and is noticeable during sexual excitement. It is non-irritable and inoffensive.

During ovulation, before a menstrual period and during pregnancy this fluid increases in quantity due to hormonal changes. This is quite normal and is caused by a combination of factors, such as:

  • Increased blood supply
  • Increased shedding of the vaginal cells

Sometimes your vaginal discharge may be so heavy that you feel as though you have accidentally passed urine. This may happen when your baby’s head is low in the pelvis hence pressing on the glands in the cervix, and when you have been walking around a lot.

Abnormal vaginal discharge during pregnancy

A vaginal discharge is medically considered abnormal if:

  • It is in large amounts
  • When It has an offensive odour
  • It is accompanied by vaginal itching
  • There is soreness or pain
  • It is thicker than a normal discharge
  • It exhibits a different colour, for example, yellow, greyish, curd like, greenish or is blood-stained.

You need to observe your vaginal discharge. If any of the above symptoms are present in addition to having unusually high amount of discharge, seek medical advice immediately so that you can get treatment.

Before being examined, make sure that you can describe the discharge and its properties such as the color, smell and amount, so that the diagnosis is made accurately and faster. The examining doctor will also carry out a vaginal examination before making a conclusive diagnosis.

Abnormal discharge may be caused by the following infections
Bacterial infection

Bacteria are one-celled organisms visible only under a microscope. They cause diseases by producing toxins or inducing a hypersensitive reaction. Bacterial infections of the vagina occur when healthy vaginal organisms are replaced by harmful bacteria and the natural balance of organisms in the vagina change.

The result is a white-grey, yellowish, or cloudy discharge with a foul or fishy odour. Notably, the odour becomes stronger after sexual intercourse or after bathing with scented soap. Both of these reduce vaginal acidity hence encourage bacterial growth. There may be a mild itch or irritation.


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Fungal infections

A fungus is a single-celled organism that is slightly larger than bacteria. Mould, yeast and mushrooms are types of fungi. In a fungal attack, for instance a Candida infection, itching may be moderate or severe with a burning sensation of the vulva or vagina. The skin appears red and raw.

The symptoms tend to worsen during the week preceding menstrual periods. The infection tends to recur in women who have diabetes that is not well controlled, and in women who are on antibiotics to treat other conditions.

Protozoan infection

Protozoa are single-celled organisms that behave like tiny animals hunting and gathering other microbes for food. They may live within the human body as parasites.

Trichomonas vaginalis is a protozoan infection that produces a white-greyish, green or yellow discharge. The discharge often appears shortly after a menstrual period and has an unpleasant odour. Itching is very severe in this case.

Cancer

A watery discharge, especially if it contains blood, and a painless sore might be due to cancer of the vagina, cervix or lining of the uterus (endometrium). Polyps — small protruding growths usually not cancerous — on the cervix may produce vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections cause discharges. They have adverse effects on pregnancy and on the fetus before and after it is born. A painful sore on the vulva may be a sign of herpes infection or an abscess. A painless sore on the genitals may be a symptom of a syphilis infection.

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience spotting or bleeding accompanied by cramping or pain. Practice normal hygiene, avoid vaginal douches and scented hygiene wipes; both may cause irritation and may upset the delicate acid—alkali balance of the vagina.

Never try to self-medicate; if you are in doubt about anything consult your doctor.

END: ED 2/30-31

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