Vaginal Discharge

• There are many possible causes of abnormal vaginal discharge, and the most common cause is an infection.
• Vaginal discharge is normal in women. Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear, or milk-white without any odor from the discharge.
• The discharge can turn thick and opaque during emotional stress, sexual arousal, and ovulation.
• When the discharge starts to smell, change in colour, change in the amount & consistency and accompanied by other symptoms. You may experience abnormal vaginal discharge caused by inflammation or infections.

 

What Are the Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?

There are many possible causes of abnormal vaginal discharge, and the most common cause is an infection.

An abnormal vaginal discharge could be due to a vaginal infection caused by Sexually Transmitted Infection (STis) or non Sexually Transmitted infections include:

• Vaginal yeast infection
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Recent antibiotic use
• Allergic reaction or irritants
• Gonorrhoea
• Trichomoniasis
• Chlamydia
• Herpes Simplex Virus
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Ureaplasma
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

These medical conditions are associated with infections of miro organisms, the result of douches, or the use of scented soup. In addition, the imbalance in PH in the vagina also causes abnormal vaginal discharge. Candida is a normal flora in the vagina but may multiply and grow rapidly under certain conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy, steroid therapy, oral contraception.

Not all sexually transmitted infections (STls) will cause symptoms. Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, and Chlamydia are some of the STis that are asymtopmatic. If left untreated in some cases it may cause complications like infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

 

What Are Some of the Characteristics of Common Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?

Some of the characteristics of common unusual vaginal discharge are:

• White, thick, strong-smelling discharge that looks like cottage cheese with an odor smell
• Yellow, yellowish-green, or green discharge that is thick and clump with a foul smell.
• Greyish discharge that has a strong "fishy smell" odor

 

What are Some of the Common Symptoms Associated with Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?

You may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Pain during intercourse
• Burning sensation during urinating
• The unpleasant smell from the vagina
• Sore
• Fever
• Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen

You may experience one or more symptoms mentioned above.

An abnormal vaginal discharge is usually due to an underlying vaginal infection. However, on some occasions, multiple conditions may coexist at times. Please see a doctor to determine the cause.

 

What Should I Do When I Have an Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?

• Avoid overly tight clothing.
• Avoid sexual activity
• Avoid douching
• Avoid prolonged use of a tampon.
• Avoid self-medication