Women Health
Vaginal Discharge: When and Which Doctor to Consult
Being a woman, we experience discharge daily. A quite common phenomenon, isn’t it? But why is there discharge? And what does it mean if the colour differs suddenly? What is causing this discharge… oh my, is something terrible happening to me??? A lot of why’s and how’s looming overhead! So, here’s the guide that will help you in knowing all the basics about vaginal discharge, signs to recognise between normal and abnormal discharges and the ways to keep your body healthy.
What is vaginal discharge?
The glands present inside vagina and cervix secrete tiny amounts of fluids, which is known as vaginal secretions. This fluid cleanses the old cells that lines the vagina and is passed out of the vagina every day. This entire process is completely natural, in a way keeps the vagina clean and healthy.
The colour and consistency of this discharge varies from woman to woman. Some experience frequent but minimal discharge and some may not have a discharge for days and the discharge can also be more copious on certain days (ovulation), owing to sexual stimulation and during breast feeding. The colour may range from milky white to clear usually without unpleasant or foul smell that may be either thick or runny in consistency.
This is ought to change during the course of a menstrual cycle and is attributed to ovulation, which is quite normal. But, apart from the changes that takes place due to ovulation, any other change that occurs is considered abnormal. These abnormal discharges are signs that all is not well and are indicative of imbalance in the vagina.
So, how should one distinguish exactly between normal and abnormal discharges?? The below given table summarizes the distinct types of discharges that are perceived to be abnormal, along with their causative factor.
Taking a deeper look at the causes of these abnormal vaginal discharge:
Trichomoniasis: Caused by a protozoan organism named Trichomonas vaginalis, typically transmitted via unprotected sex, exchange of swimsuits and even towels.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease(PID): Causes a significant amount of vaginal discharge, PID can cause infection in the women’s reproductive system which includes ovaries, uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes, which is caused by an STI (usually chlamydia or gonorrhoea).
Cervical cancer or Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): This kind of malignancy usually does not show any major symptom, but produces a watery, earthy and grey discharge with an unpleasant odour.
Yeast infection or Candida: The infection is called as candidiasis, caused by a type of yeast known as candida.
Bacterial Vaginosis: A common bacterial infection, wherein half of the times women experience no symptoms at all. However, the following symptoms are commonly observed: itching, fish smell after sex and burning sensation while peeing.
Other common causative factors include birth pills, antibiotics or steroids usage, post-surgery pelvic infections and vaginal atrophy.
When to consult a doctor?
Every woman is different, and so is their bodies and health conditions. It is advised to pay attention to vagina discharge. One will definitely learn to distinguish between what is normal and abnormal as the body will start to send out signals indicating that something is wrong. Only you know your body, and if you start to experience any of the above-mentioned symptom companied with high fever, feeling fatigued, sudden and unexplainable weight loss, frequent urination than usual and abdominal pain, then seek immediate medical care. Click here to take a consultation.
How to prevent abnormal vaginal discharges?
- Practice cleanliness to prevent infection by unwanted microbes. Wash with warm water. Use delicate and gentle cleansers. DO NOT engage cleaning agents inside the vagina as they will alter pH balance of the vagina.
- Wear breathable, loose and cotton undergarments.
- Stay away from scented products, chemical laden lightening products.
- Indulge in safe sex and use protection always, to prevent STIs.
- Avoid douching, as they clean out the helpful microorganisms out of the vagina.
Vaginal discharges are quite prevalent among women, which is treatable. The odour, consistency and colour of the discharge plays a vital role in diagnosing the type of infection. Maintaining basic hygiene and annual visit to the gynaecologist will help in keeping infections at bay.
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Yes, it is. Vaginal discharge aids in moisturising and cleaning the vagina, in sperm’s movement during a women’s movement during her fertile days. It is also quite normal for the colour and consistency of the discharge to change near menstrual cycle
Treatment regimen varies for each discharge and is dependent on their causative factors.
No, not always. Certain type of discharges also occurs due to several reasons. But it is best advised to practice safer sex always.
No, vaginal discharges are curable. Instead of panicking, one must immediately seek a doctor’s help if they notice something unusual in their discharge, as this will help in curbing the infection at the earliest possible.