Vaginal discharge is normal, but changes in color or smell can indicate a health problem. Menstrual cycle, stress, and age can affect discharge. Yeast and bacterial infections, as well as STIs, can cause abnormal discharge. Women should see a doctor if they notice a change.
Vaginal discharge is fluid that leaks from the vagina. Some discharge is very normal and healthy, but changes in the character of the discharge can indicate that a woman is experiencing a health problem. Learning to tell the difference between normal and abnormal discharge is important, as the sooner women receive treatment for a medical problem, the better the prognosis will be.
The glands lining the vagina regularly produce a fluid designed to wash away dead skin cells, lubricate the vagina, and prevent infection. This fluid tends to be clear to milky in color and can range from very thin and watery to a thicker and more elastic consistency. The menstrual cycle has a major effect on vaginal discharge, with women producing more of this fluid during ovulation, and the amount can also vary in response to stress, age and other factors.
If the discharge takes on a strange color or smells bad, it is a sign that the normal balance of the vaginal fauna has been disrupted. Green, yellow, and brownish discharge is generally a sign of ill health, as are discharge with a strong smell or discharge that clumps with a classic cottage cheese-like appearance. If a strange discharge is accompanied by itching or burning around the vaginal area, it usually means that a woman has an infection.
One of the most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge is a yeast infection, caused by colonization with candida yeast. Women can also develop bacterial vaginosis, an infection associated with bacterial colonization in the vagina. Both of these conditions can occur to women of all ages, including women who aren’t sexually active, and some women seem to be more prone than others.
Sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis can also cause abnormal vaginal discharge. In these cases, the woman will need to inform her sexual partners of the diagnosis so they can be tested and treated if needed. Women who feel uncomfortable discussing such issues can take advantage of the anonymous notification services offered by many public health departments to notify their partners without revealing their identity.
Many women get used to their normal vaginal discharge over time. If you notice a change, you should make an appointment with a doctor to have the problem addressed. This will prevent the infection from spreading if an STI is causing the abnormal discharge and will also ensure that a woman gets treatment quickly so that she doesn’t have to endure the discomfort any longer than necessary.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
