Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is a common complaint among women. Vaginal secretions flow out of the vagina every day helping to keep your vagina healthy and clean. Normal vaginal discharge is a fluid that is produced by the glands in the lining of the vagina and the cervix.
It is usually clear or milky white with no odor. Normal vaginal discharge is thicker at different points in the menstrual cycle (e.g, during ovulation and/or sexual arousal).
An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge, abnormal odor, irregular consistency of the fluid, and/or pain, itching, or burning can all be signs of an infection or other, more serious, disorders. Abnormal vaginal discharge is very common and can often be identified by these main symptoms: excessive vaginal discharge, changes in discharge color and odor, itching, irritation, soreness or burning sensation of vagina and vulva.
An abnormal discharge is often characterized by an increase in the amount and/or thickness of discharge (e.g., white and clumpy like cottage cheese), discharge color (e.g., grayish, greenish, yellowish, or blood-tinged). Mucus and pus may be present in the discharge or smell (e.g, frothy, fishy).
Abnormal discharge that causes inflammation of the vagina is referred to as vaginitis and often results from an infection or irritation by a chemical. Bacterial vaginosis, however, can cause a change in appearance and odor.
With this bacterium, normal vaginal discharge may turn into a white, gray, or yellowish cloudy discharge with a fishy odor. In contrast, a thick, white, and clumpy discharge that is accompanied by itching is generally caused by candidiasis, a yeast infection.
Trichomoniasis (a sexuallt transmitted disease) changes vaginal discharge to a heavy, greenish yellow, frothy discharge that may have a bad odor. Other sexually transmitted diseases including gonorrhea, chlamydia can change the color of vaginal discharge to a greenish or yellowish color.
It’s also important to note that cancer of the vagina, cervix, or lining of the uterus may cause a blood-tinged, watery vaginal discharge.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment4 Comments
If you get a lot of vaginal discharge and presciptions give you temporary relief it's a good idea to see your GYN and ask for giving you chlorophll which helps to cure yeast infection.
Melissa
February 10, 2012 - 10:17pmThis Comment
I am 42 and I suffered from yeast infection for many months!
It was only when I discovered this remedy: http://sevenreview.com/health-beauty/yeast-infection-newest-2012-cure/
From that point onward my infection started to disappear.
February 15, 2012 - 5:17amI'll try your remedy and see how it works for me to.
Thanks,
February 15, 2012 - 8:44amMelissa
@Melissa6666
February 15, 2012 - 9:00amNice to hear that! The product/remedy was a real life saver for me!
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