Are you tired and grossed out of the yellowish fluid constantly oozing out of your vagina? Do you blame your lack of hygiene for it? Well, don’t! Vaginal discharge is as common as having a vagina.
Vaginal discharge is notorious for being an indicator of poor hygiene or a symptom of an underlying medical condition. But it is not an indicator of either. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that vaginal discharge is the reason you exist. Yes, you read it right, vaginal discharge is essential to keep a healthy reproductive function. It has the magical ability to change into whatever is needed by the body. From acting as a lubricant during intercourse to as a cleanser after your delivery, the vaginal discharge has been your savior from the very beginning, even if you are a man.
As normal and healthy vaginal discharge is, a change in color, frequency, volume and smell can be an indicator of something you might not want. So let’s create a guide for you to judge your fluids and predict your health.
It is important to know that discharge varies from woman to woman. This discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle and each stage is characterized by a different kind of discharge.
Normal Discharge Through Menstrual Cycle
Here is how your discharge should look and feel like if you are perfectly healthy
- Immediately after your periods, your discharge will be less in volume. This is because of the low levels of estrogen and progesterone. This lack of vaginal discharge can result in dryness and itching.
- The hormone levels eventually rise and the normal flow of discharge returns. The discharge now becomes thicker, creamier, and yellowish-white in color.
- 2 weeks after your period, the ovulation period sets in. During this time your discharge will become thin and watery. This can be most disturbing but is completely normal. You are unlikely to experience this if you are on oral contraception. This is the time where you are most likely to get pregnant.
- Following ovulation there comes a time when your discharge will be very thick and sticky. This period is marked by the least chances of getting impregnated.
- After this, the period starts and your menstrual flow won’t allow you to worry about the harmless white discharge. The cycle will then repeat itself.
Abnormal Discharge
As normal as the vaginal discharge is, it sometimes can indicate a medical issue
1. Vaginal Yeast Infection
If your vaginal discharge is thick and white and often resembles cottage cheese, you might have a vaginal yeast infection. The common signs are vaginal burning, itching, and pain. You might feel some pain when urinating or having intercourse. The reason for this pain is usually redness, swelling, and a rash around the vulva. It is important to seek medical attention if you see any of these symptoms.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis
This is marked by grey, yellow or white discharge and a fishy odor. You might also feel itching and swelling. This condition might also ask for medical attention.
3. Trichomoniasis
If your discharge has a foul odor and appears yellow or green and chunky, you might have trichomoniasis. If you notice this, you should consult a doctor.
4. Gonorrhea
If you are suffering from extreme pelvic pains and your vaginal discharge is cloudy and yellow, you should worry about having gonorrhea. This is the time you should immediately consult a doctor.
5. Something More Serious
Although normal vaginal discharge is normal, it sometimes can be an indication of a serious health implication. If your discharge is brown or bloody in appearance and you suffer from extreme pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding, you should seek help immediately.
General Treatment Of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Severe cases of abnormal discharge usually need medical attention but mild cases can be treated by following simple tips and techniques. An infection like yeast and bacterial infections require anti-fungal and anti-bacterial medicines, respectively. Trichomoniasis is usually treated by me tronidaole and tinidazole, commonly known as flagyl and tindamax, respectively.
Some general tips that may help in preventing and treating vaginal discharge are
Use gentle soap to clean your vagina. You should not put any soap inside your vagina. So mild washing and cleaning with a clean towel is enough.
- Always wipe any water, from front to back. Wet skin is more prone to infections.
- Avoid overly tight clothes at all costs, these can cause a rash which can be a site of some serious infection.
- Avoid using any scented and special feminine products. Your vagina has an efficient self-cleaning mechanism, additional products only interfere with the natural mechanism.
The Bottom Line
Now that we have developed that your vaginal discharge should not worry you. Your body has an instinct of knowing if something is going wrong. This instinct is sharpened further when you know all the possible situations. So it is always important to gain knowledge to make an educated decision. But all this knowledge can not replace the need to consult the best gynecologist in Lahore and this is the most educated decision you can make. So, book an appointment now through Marham.
