Vaginal discharge

Definition

Vaginal discharge is the vaginal secretion. It is to clean and protect vagina.

It can be thick, thin or paste like, clear, cloudy, odorless, having bad odor or normal.

Alternative names

Discharge from vagina

Causes, incidence and risk factors

Cervical glands produce mucus which is clear. After to exposure to air it may turn white or yellow. Vaginal linings also secrete some secretions. The amount of vaginal discharge varies throughout the menstrual cycle and the amount depends on the amount of estrogen present in the body. The variation in amount of vaginal discharge is normal.

Symptoms

If there is change in color, consistency or odor of the vaginal discharge then it is an indication of infection. Emotional stress, sexual excitement, ovulation and pregnancy may increase the amount of vaginal discharge.

The abnormal vaginal discharge may be due to bacterial or yeast infection; Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas and other sexually transmitted infections; cervical cancer or vaginal cancer.

Signs and tests

Pap smear, microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge and culture are the tests to find out infection or abnormalities (pathology) of the vaginal discharge.

Treatment

Treatment of changes in vaginal discharge depends on the cause of the change. It can be antibacterial drugsl, antifungal drugs or hormonal therapy.

Expectations (Prognosis)

Prognosis of change in vaginal discharge depends on the cause. If it is due to infection, it can be cured. If it is due to some cancer then the prognosis depends upon the type and stage of the cancer.

Complications

If changes in vaginal discharge are ignored then there may be severe underlying disease.

Calling your health care provide

If the changes in vaginal discharge are associated with fever; discharge is greenish, yellowish, thick or cheesy; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; exposure to sexually transmitted disease; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; increased appetite and thirst or frequent urination then it is better to take advice from a health acre provider.

If there is suspected infection of the genitalia, vaginal discharge in non puberty age, lesion or blister on vagina or vulva or changes in vaginal discharge are for more than a week then also it is better to call the health care provider.

Prevention

Keeping the vaginal area clean, use of over the counter creams or suppositories in case of yeast infections, avoiding douching, more intake of yogurt or lactobacillus supplements, use of condoms, control over blood sugar in case of diabetes and reducing stress can infection of the  vaginal discharge.

Reference

Nih.gov, wikipedia.com, mayoclinic.com