All women have vaginal discharge, which appears as a white or clear fluid on their underwear. Some women have discharge daily, while others experience it only once in a while.
The volume, colour, and consistency of your discharge may change depending on the stage of your menstrual cycle. Also, vaginal discharge is not the same as menstrual blood.
There are several different types of discharge fluids, including:
- Cervical Mucus: The cervix produces a transparent liquid or gel-like mucus that changes throughout your menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
- Arousal Fluid: When sexual excitement occurs, glands produce this hormone in and around the vagina. The fluid lubricates the vagina and normally dissipates one hour after stimulation.
- Seminal fluid: It is a type of fluid consisting of sperm and other bodily secretions. If you had intercourse within the last day, it might look like vaginal discharge since seminal fluid can linger in the vagina for hours after intercourse.
Vaginal discharge is often clear or milky, with no bad odour. The colour and thickness of your discharge are influenced by your monthly cycle. The discharge thickens when you ovulate (when one of your ovaries produces an egg), nurse, or are sexually excited. Consult your lady doctor if you find anything amiss regarding your discharge. Read on to understand how to identify a problem if it arises.
What Changes Might Point To A Problem?
You can tell something is wrong by an increase in the volume of discharge, a change in the colour or smell of the discharge, and discomfort, itching, or burning in or around your vagina. The medical word for this ailment is vaginitis. A discharge stained with blood when you don’t have your period could be a sign of a problem. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical advice.
Causes and Risk Factors for Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is required to keep the vaginal tissues healthy, moisturise them, and free them from infection and discomfort. Regular menstrual cycle variations could cause increased vaginal discharge.
Pregnancy and birth control pills can influence the amount and appearance of discharge.
Itching, irritation, burning, or pain in your vaginal discharge could indicate inflammation, infection, or a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as:
- Pelvic inflammatory illness (cervicitis) (PID)
- Trichomoniasis
- Vaginitis
- Infection with yeast
- Gonorrhoea
- Vaginal atrophy
- Cervical cancer
- Cancer of the uterus
Is Vaginal Discharge Preventable Or Avoidable?
It is not necessary to avoid normal vaginal discharge. Abnormal vaginal discharge can be avoided by following these instructions.
- Help keep bacteria from entering your vaginal area through your rectal area by wiping from front to back after using the restroom
- Wear cotton underpants during the day. The ability to “breathe” in your genital area is provided by cotton. Avoid wearing underpants at night.
- Avoid wearing tight pants, pantyhose, bathing suits, bicycle shorts, or leotards for long periods.
- Change your laundry detergent or fabric softener if your genital area is bothering you.
- Condom latex, as well as sperm-killing creams used for birth control, can irritate certain women.
Vaginal discharge is how your vagina maintains its hygiene, and it is normal and a natural process. If you find something is off about your discharge patterns, you should consult with an online lady doctor as soon as possible!
