Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge: Many patients go to a doctor with complaints of vaginal discharge. They think that it is always abnormal to have vaginal discharge and most of the times it is the result of certain infection.

Vaginal discharge may be normal or abnormal. Vaginal discharge is actually the result of secretions occurring in vaginal glands all the time. These secretions help to clear out the old dead cells from the vagina and keeps it clean. So vaginal discharge actually keeps the vagina healthy and it is the defence mechanism of our body. The color, consistency and the quantity of vaginal discharge may vary depending upon the phase of menstrual cycle, whether it is early, mid or late phase of the cycle. The vaginal discharge may be more in certain normal conditions also- pregnancy, during sexual intercourse or if the woman is taking oral contraceptive pills.

Vaginal discharge may be abnormal if it is associated with itching, burning sensation, burning during urination or if it is foul smelling. So if a woman is experiencing vaginal discharge, one must ensure that there is no irritation, itching, discomfort or foul smell, then the discharge is normal.

Common types of abnormal vaginal discharge:

Curdy white discharge: It is the most common type of abnormal vaginal discharge. It is due to a fungal infection-candidiasis. It is associated with itching and burning sensation. It is commonly seen in certain conditions- diabetic patients, conditions of decreased immunity, pregnancy, patients on antibiotic for long term. I t has tendency to reoccur. One must maintain good personal hygiene. It is treated by vaginal pessaries which can be inserted locally or some oral medicines.

Yellowish green discharge: It is usually frothy. It is the result of certain infections – Gonorrhoeic, Chlamydia, Trichomonas. It is a sexually transmitted infection. It is usually associated with pain abdomen. Fever may or may not be there. Treatment is by oral medication.

Grayish discharge: It has fishy odor. It is usually due to bacterial vaginosis which happens due to change in vaginal Ph

Reddish brown discharge: It may be normal or abnormal .It is normal if it happens 1 or 2 days prior to the periods or 1 or 2 days after the periods. If it happens without any relation to the periods, intermenstrual spotting; then it is an abnormal discharge which can be due to some local growth, cervical polyp, cervical erosion, cervical cancer, uterine cancer. In such situation, one must visit a gyn ecologist. She’ll do a per speculum examination to know about the cause and if required, certain investigations will be done.

Precautions to avoid abnormal vaginal discharge:

1. Wear cotton undergarments. It should always be dry. If moisture is there, it allows fungus to grow in it.
2. After going to washroom, the local area should always be cleaned from front to back and never from back to front, otherwise it will allow all the bacteria to go from anal region to vagina and it may result in infection.
3. Increased intake of green vegetables and fruits to boost your immunity.
4. Include probiotics-curd, yoghurt. They maintain a good vaginal Ph and help in preventing vaginal infection.
5. Use barrier contraceptive methods to ensure safe sexual practices. This will prevent any local infection from getting transmitted.
6. Stop use of deodorants in vaginal area