Women have a vaginal discharge which is called cervical fluid. They should be aware of whether they have normal discharge or any infection. When you consider normal vaginal discharge, it helps with lubrication and maintaining pH balance.
However, this discharge’s color, texture, or odor changes due to some infections. Let us discuss such vaginal infections in this article briefly.
How To Identify Normal Vaginal Discharge?
See changes in appearance over the month – It is normal for you to notice changes in the discharge over the menstrual cycle. Discharge appearance also changes over time, as the vagina is the reason for different functions. Some of them include
- Staying moist
- Cleaning itself
- Fighting against infections
Inspect midway through the menstrual cycle – When you notice a clear and sticky discharge, it is normal during ovulation. Around this period, you have a high chance of getting pregnant too.
After drying, you can see it yellowish in your innerwear. Also, you will get a thick, white-colored, and creamy discharge, which is also normal. Such a clear discharge is also due to hormonal changes during the periods.
Check the brown discharge near the period’s end – As a result of shedding the old blood and tissues, some women may experience brown spotting. It should return to a normal white after some days.
Don’t worry if it is odorless or nearly odorless – It is odorless when you consider the normal discharge. Also, you don’t have to worry if it is slightly getting odor due to even sweating.
Consider the amount of discharge – While staining, you need to check the diameter of the stain. Based on the menstrual cycle and hormonal changes, you will experience discharging different amounts. You can see a width of a quarter of 2 pence on your underwear which is normal.
Women also enjoy ejaculation – When a woman is stimulated rightly, even she will ejaculate during sex. It will be a release of a small amount of milky white discharge. It is normal and indicates the release due to pleasure enjoyed by the women.
Symptoms Of Abnormal Discharge:
Get medical help if you notice changes – Sometimes, you will get a discharge which is a foul or fishy odor. Also, there will be sudden changes in the quantity of the same, which is a sign of BV or infection. The first thing you need to do is consult the doctor soon after you notice the changes. You can check the BV discharge pics online to learn about this infection.
Getting Cloudy, Yellow Discharge – When you see some yellow and cloudy discharge, it may indicate gonorrhea. Due to this, you will also experience a burning sensation while urinating. Sometimes, you may not be sexually active, indicating bacterial vaginosis (BV). This condition is usually accompanied by burning and itching.
Getting Bloody Or Brown Discharge – Sometimes, you may get a bloody or brown discharge without having a menstrual period. Such a brown discharge is accompanied by pelvic pain due to endometriosis. Other issues include menopause, cervical cancer, etc.
Sometimes, pregnancy could be the reason for being brown. But some women may face pelvic pain along with brown discharge, which can be an ectopic pregnancy.
Identify green-tinged discharge – This is due to the sexually transmitted infection known as Trichomoniasis. You will get a foul smelling and pain when you urinate.
Getting white & thick discharge – This is due to the bacterial yeast infection. This discharge is accompanied by swelling, itching, and pain.
Identify gray-colored discharge – When you get a grey discharge, it is a sign of BV. Other symptoms include a fishy odor that you get during your period or after having sex.
Take Action When You Notice Abnormal Vaginal Discharge:
Consult your Doctor – As soon as you notice any of the above abnormal discharges, you must consult the doctor. The doctor will conduct the pelvic exam and go for checking your vagina. Even the doctor will collect the sample for further testing. Consult your doctor and explain your condition to her.
Take the medicine – After examining your problem, the doctor may prescribe some medicines. You need to complete the course of taking pills without stopping in between. When you are normal after taking pills, never forget to take them but complete the course.
How To Avoid Future Infections?
- To avoid abnormal discharge, cleanliness is the first step you need to take. It will prevent harmful bacteria from entering the vagina. You always need to keep the area around the vagina to be clean and wash them using soap and water.
- When using pads during periods, you need to change them every 2 hours. It is better to avoid using flavor or scented pads. They will disrupt the natural pH level and cause yeast infections.
- Avoid douching, as it will increase the pH and help bacterial growth.
- Never use female deodorants like powders or sprays near the vaginal area. It will result in yeast infections.
- Always use a clean cloth to wipe from front to back to avoid an infection. Since bacteria from your anus can easily enter and cause infection, you must stay clean after urinating.
- Another crucial method to avoid future infection is to use cotton underwear. Avoid using polyester or nylon clothes that are not breathable.
- During abnormal discharge, you can avoid wearing skinny jeans.
- Since bathing suits are made out of polyester, you need to change them soon after bathing. Also, they are tight and skinny and, thus, change to wet bathing suits as soon as possible.
The Bottom Line:
This is all about the normal and abnormal vaginal discharges that women face in their life. Always get help from the doctor when you notice any abnormal vaginal infection.
Also read: What Does FSH Blood Test Tell You About Menopause?
