What is vaginal discharge? What causes vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a normal and regular condition usually seen in every woman. However, there are some types of discharge that can lead to infection. The color of the abnormal current may be yellow or green. The discharge may be dark or smelly in some infections. Yeast-borne or bacterial infections often cause abnormal discharge. The best thing to do is to apply to a healthcare facility if you notice any unusual or bad smelling discharge.
What causes vaginal discharge?
Normal vaginal discharge is a healthy body function. It is the body's method of cleaning and protecting the vagina. In cases such as sexual arousal and ovulation, it is normal to increase the discharge. Exercise, use of birth control pills and emotional stress may also lead to increased discharge. Abnormal vaginal discharge is usually caused by an infection. Any change in the normal bacterial balance of the vagina may affect the odor, color or consistency of the discharge. Some of the factors that may disturb the balance in normal vaginal flora are;
Antibiotic or steroid use
Bacterial vaginosis: A more common bacterial infection in pregnant women or women with multiple sexual partners
Birth control pills
Cervical cancer
Chlamydia or gonorrhea
Diabetes
Use of bath foam, scented soap and lotion or vaginal shower
Postoperative pelvic infection
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Trichomonas infection
Vaginal atrophy: thinning and drying of vaginal walls during menopause
Vaginitis: Irritation in or around the vagina
Yeast infections
Bacterial vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is a common bacterial vaginal infection. Although it does not show any symptoms in some cases, it causes a sharp, smelly and sometimes vaginal discharge similar to the smell of fish. Women with multiple sexual partners have an increased risk of developing this type of infection.
Trichomonas vaginitis
Trichomonas vaginitis is another type of infection. The infection is caused by trichomonas, a single-cell protozoa group organism. It is usually sexually transmitted, but can also spread by the use of common towels or swimwear. Causes a smelly yellow or green discharge. Some people do not have any symptoms. However, vagina and vulva pain, redness, heat and pruritus are common symptoms.
Yeast infections
Yeast infection is a fungal infection that causes white, milk-like discharge in addition to burning and itching. The presence of yeast in the vagina is normal, but signs of infection occur with abnormal increase in yeasts of normal flora. The following may increase the likelihood of infection due to yeasts:
Stress
Diabetes
Use of birth control pills
Pregnancy
Antibiotics: Yeast infections may be seen by disrupting the balance in the vaginal flora, especially when used for more than 10 days.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia
Chlamydia and chlamydia are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and may cause abnormal vaginal discharge. There is usually a yellow, greenish or blurred discharge.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection usually spread by sexual contact. PID may occur if bacteria cause a common infection in the vagina or other reproductive organs. Causes a heavy, smelly discharge.
Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection or cervical cancer
HPV infection is a viral infection transmitted by sexual contact and can lead to cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can produce a bloody, brown or watery discharge with an unpleasant odor. Cervical cancer can be easily screened with an annual Pap smear and HPV test.
What are the types of vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge is often categorized by color and intensity of the discharge. Some types of discharge are normal. Others may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment. The different types of currents are explained in detail below.
WHITE COLOR CURRENT
Some white discharge is normal, especially at the beginning or end of the menstrual cycle. However, if it is accompanied by itching and has a dense, milk-like consistency or appearance, it is not normal and requires treatment. This type of discharge can often be a symptom of a yeast infection.
CLEAR AND FLUID
A clear and fluid vaginal discharge is completely normal. It can be seen at any time of the month and can be particularly intense after exercise.
CLEAR AND MUSIC SIMILAR
If the discharge is clear, but not fluid, and has a tense and mucus-like consistency, this is often indicative of a woman's ovulation. It is a normal type of vaginal discharge and occurs at certain periods of the month.
BROWN OR BLOODY
Brown or bloody discharge is usually normal, especially when it occurs during or immediately after menstruation. When there is a late ejaculation at the end of the menstrual period, brown may appear instead of red. There may also be a small amount of bloody discharge between periods and this is called spotting.
This may be a sign of pregnancy if spotting occurs outside of menstrual periods and has recently experienced unprotected intercourse. Spotting in the early stages of pregnancy may also be a sign of miscarriage. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist and obstetrician.
In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge may be a sign of endometrial or cervical cancer. It may also be caused by other problems such as fibroids or other abnormal growths. Therefore, it is important to have an annual pelvic examination and Pap smear test. The doctor also checks for cervical abnormalities during these procedures.
YELLOW OR GREEN
A yellow or green discharge, especially accompanied by a thick, dense consistency or unpleasant odor, is not normal. This type of discharge may be a sign of an infection called trichomonas. This infection, usually spread through sexual intercourse, has symptoms such as itching and burning and frequent urination during urination.
What are the symptoms of vaginal discharge?
If there are some other symptoms besides abnormal vaginal discharge, it is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms to be considered include:
Fire
Abdominal pain
Unexplained weight loss
Tiredness
Frequent urination
If you are concerned about whether a discharge is normal, it is useful to contact a health care provider.
How is vaginal discharge diagnosed?
When a doctor is consulted for abnormal vaginal discharge, the patient is asked a few questions about his medical history, complaints, menstrual cycle and sexual life. Questions may include the following;
When did the abnormal discharge start?
What color is the current?
Is there any smell?
Is itching, pain or burning in or around the vagina?
Do you have more than one sexual partner?
How are you protected?
Do you have a vaginal shower?
A detailed physical examination is then performed, including a gynecological examination. In the meantime, swabs are also taken from the cervix to control HPV or cervical cancer. In most cases, the presence of infection can be detected by physical and gynecological examination. If it cannot diagnose the problem immediately, some additional tests may be performed. For this purpose, the sample taken from the stream can be examined under the microscope to detect the causative microorganism.
How to treat vaginal discharge?
Treatment varies according to the factors that cause vaginal discharge. For example, if the discharge is due to yeast infections, it is usually treated with antifungal drugs that are applied to the vagina in the form of cream or gel. In the treatment of bacterial vaginosis, oral antibiotics are given or used with antibiotic creams. Trichomoniasis is usually treated by oral ingestion of metronidazole (Flagil) or tinidazole (Tindamax). Some tips for the prevention of vaginal infections that can lead to abnormal discharge:
The vagina should be washed regularly with a mild soap and warm water.
Never use scented soaps, perfumes.
Vaginal showers or foam baths should be avoided.
Post-toilet cleaning should always be front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina and causing an infection.
100% cotton underwear should be preferred and excessive tight clothing should be avoided.
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