
Vaginal Discharge: When to see a doctor?
Women of all age group face vaginal discharge which can be normal in many cases. It is the discharge of fluid released by glands in the vagina and cervix and it carries dead cells and bacteria out of the body helping to keep the vagina clean and prevent infection. Most of the time the discharge is perfectly normal though it may raise concerns among women.
Normal vaginal discharge varies in amount and ranges in color from clear to milky white with slight odor as well though foul or fishy odor could be a sign of infection.
Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Changes in the vagina’s balance of normal bacteria can affect the smell, color, or discharge texture. The bacterial balance can be affected by many things such as antibiotic use, infections, having multiple sexual partners, cervical cancer, diabetes, Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), Yeast infections, thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during menopause, steroid use etc
Color of vaginal discharge and meaning
Thick and White
Thick white discharge along with other symptoms like itching, burning and irritation is probably due to a yeast infection. Otherwise it is normal discharge. There may be an increase in thick, white discharge before and after the period.
Yellow
Yellow discharge is abnormal one, as it is a sign of a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infection. There also may be an odor associated with it.
Brown
Brown discharge may be caused by irregular period cycles. If brown discharge keeps appearing better to consult a doctor for further examination. This could be a sign of uterine or cervical cancer. Additionally, during menopause, a woman should not have any type of vaginal bleeding, which is also a sign of uterine cancer.
Green
Green discharge is abnormal. This is a sign of bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection, such as trichomoniasis. Better to consult the doctor immediately
Yeast Infection Discharge
Yeast infection discharge is caused by an overgrowth of fungus in the vagina. Symptoms of yeast infection discharge include a thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge, along with itching, redness, irritation and burning. If symptoms persist it talk to the doctor
Discharge during pregnancy
Leukorrhea is a type of early pregnancy discharge. This sign of pregnancy is often milky white, thin, and generally harmless. But a strong smelling, yellowish or green discharge which is also accompanied by itching or redness, it could be a sign of vaginal infection. These infections can take place during any stage of pregnancy. Candidiasis( yeast infection) is one of the most common infections pregnant women get.
Vaginal discharge after menopause
Although the vagina has less moisture after menopause, there might still have some discharge. This is perfectly normal. A thinner vaginal lining is more easily irritated and more vulnerable to infection. The discharge may be lighter in color also have yellow or white discharge due to infection.