What is Vaginal Discharge and How Does it Reflect My Health?
Changes in the appearance or consistency of vaginal discharge can signal underlying medical conditions.
Vaginal discharge is produced by the glands present on the walls of the vagina and the cervix. It is usually normal for vaginal discharge to occur in females. The physiological function of vaginal discharge is to keep the vagina moist and to prevent vaginal infections. Under normal conditions the vaginal discharge is a thick, sticky, clear, wet fluid without any unpleasant odour. Vaginal discharge occurs more often if you are sexually active and if you are pregnant. Moreover, it increases at the time of ovulation in most women. If you notice any changes in the appearance or consistency of your vaginal discharge it is a sign of an underlying health condition such as an infection.
What are the health issues that cause vaginal discharge?
Bacterial vaginosis
In the vagina numerous good and bad bacteria coexist in a balanced condition. When the balance is disturbed and there is increased growth of the bad bacteria it leads to a condition called bacterial vaginosis. It often occurs in women with more than one sexual partners and if they smoke and douche their vagina. It can also occur in women who are not sexually active.
The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include fishy smelling vaginal discharge that is yellow or brown in colour. It is treated by administering antibiotics.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is caused due to infection by a protozoan parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. The symptoms of trichomoniasis infection appear 5-28 days after you are infected. Some people may not show any symptoms.
The symptoms of trichomoniasis include smelly and frothy vaginal discharge which is yellow in colour, itching of the vagina and pain during urination. You doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the condition.
Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease that is acquired when you have sex with a person who is already infected. It is caused by bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoea. It can be transmitted if someone touches the infected area such as anus, mouth, vagina etc. However, it does not spread by touching inanimate objects such as toilet seats or clothes used by an infected person.
The symptoms of gonorrhoea are cloudy and yellow vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence and bleeding in between menstrual cycles. Gonorrhoea can be prevented by having safe sex and regular medical checkups. If you already have symptoms consult your doctor who may prescribe medications.
Chlamydia infections
Chlamydia infections are caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is a sexually transmitted infection that can infect a women’s cervix, rectum or throat. It can be prevented by having safe sex.
The symptoms of Chlamydia include smelly vaginal discharge, pain while urinating and having sex, abdominal pain and bleeding in between menstrual cycles. Consult your doctor if you have any of the symptoms and they may prescribe antibiotics after confirming the diagnosis.
Yeast infection
Yeast infection, also called candidiasis, is caused when yeast overgrows bacteria in the vagina. It is sexually transmitted. It can occur due to use of antibiotics, presence of uncontrolled diabetes, stress and lack of sleep.
The symptoms of yeast infection include thick, white and clumpy vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse and itching in the vagina. If you have any of the symptoms consult your doctor for medications.
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