Women probably do not give vaginal discharge much thought. However, the fluid which is present in the vagina of most women is crucial to gynaecological health.
Discharge not only keeps our vaginas moist and clean, but it also serves as a barrier against infection.
Vaginal discharge is a normal byproduct of fluid discharges and cell shedding from the cervix and vaginal canal, which lubricates and cleans the genital tract.
The actual discharge itself varies in quantity, consistency, and scent from person to person and is entirely normal.
However, due to the influence of hormones and germs, changes in its appearance or odour may signify health problems.
These include sexually transmitted infections (STIs), pH-affecting disorders, and in rare cases, cancer (though this usually affects the elderly), so it is critical to be aware of your normal discharge and watch for any unusual signs.
In this regard, you can visit your GP or gynaecologist to get to the bottom of things if your discharge looks different than usual.
Most of the time, there is nothing to be alarmed about; some changes indicate that you are pregnant or ovulating, while others indicate that you may be using cleansing products that are out of balance with your natural life forms.
These may be readily rectified by stopping use. However, it does not hurt to get to know your body better so you can detect when something is wrong.
The most typical alterations in vaginal discharge to watch out for are listed below, along with their meanings.
A Clear Discharge That Resembles Gel Consistency
While each person’s definition of “normal” discharge is unique, it often has a fluid or mucous consistency, is translucent or somewhat pale in colour, and has no overpowering odour.
Your hormone levels will determine how much discharge you have, but it should always be clear or white, runny or slightly thicker, and comparatively odourless.
More Than Typical Discharge
Although there is no right or incorrect amount of discharge, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ovulation, or sexual stimulation may be the cause if you notice more than usual.
Additionally, some polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS patients) discharge more frequently.
The appearance of your discharge can be affected by external hormonal influences, such as hormonal contraceptive pills.
To lessen the flow of discharge, try switching from the combined oral contraceptive pill to the progesterone-only tablet if you are experiencing an increase of it.
It is rarely alarming to have more discharge for a brief period in the absence of other symptoms, but if it persists or if you also have blisters, sores, itching, pain, or other changes, it is recommended to consult your doctor.
Odorous, Grey Discharge
Signs of an infection include a stronger, fishy smell, which is a possible symptom of bacterial voyeurism (BV).
This is caused by an unbalanced bacterial population in the vagina and is often treated with antibiotics.
If you suspect BV, it’s especially important to see your GP or gynaecologist as it can increase the risk of contracting a STI and cause complications for pregnant women.
A mixture of bacteria, white blood cells, and cellular waste particles can also give your discharge a greyish tint if you have BV.
Additionally, stinging and burning frequently accompany it. Cloudy grey discharge has been linked to gonorrhoea, chlamydia, albeit these STIs don’t always induce symptoms. When in doubt, have a look at it.
Watery And Slimy Discharge
You could notice that your discharge is stretchier and wetter at certain times of the month, and that it has the consistency of raw egg white.
The reason for this is that oestrogen is produced by the body prior to ovulation, when a person is most fertile, and its thinner consistency facilitates sperm’s entry into the uterus.
The discharge may become slippery and stretchy around the time of ovulation, which is the middle of the cycle.
This is because the body is biologically preparing to help the sperm reach the egg. The ovaries then produce progesterone after ovulation, which results in less discharge and thicker discharge when it does occur.
White, Puffy, And Thick Discharge
Dr Bheena states that thrush is indicated by a thicker, lumpier, white discharge that is frequently compared to ‘cottage cheese’ and itching.
Other symptoms include soreness or discomfort, especially when urinating or having sex, however unlike BV, a yeast infection usually does not modify the way discharge smells.
A yeast infection known as thrush is brought on by candida, which is also brought on by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina.
Typically, antifungal creams, vaginal pessaries, or tablets are used as forms of treatment.
Frothy, Green, Or Yellow Discharge That Smells Unpleasant
Dr. Bheena states that trichomoniasis may be the cause if your discharge becomes frothier and turns green or yellow and smellier.
Trichomoniasis is a STI that can sometimes cause early labour and problems during pregnancy.
Antibiotics are the medication, and it may take up to three months to completely clear the infection.
Trichomonas symptoms, which can take weeks or months to appear, include pain during urination and sexual activity as well as vaginal tenderness, swelling, and itching.
Discharge In Brown Colour
Old, dried blood gives your discharge a brownish tint. It can occur when your body is trying to get rid of any leftover blood at the end of your period, during ovulation, after a pelvic check, or after beginning a new contraceptive method.
Some women experience brown “spotting” when they first become pregnant, when the fertilised egg nestles into the uterus.
This is not a sure sign, though. If you miss your next period, it is worth getting a pregnancy test; nonetheless, this is good advice regardless of discharge variations.
Your discharge should go away on its own if it is brown and odourless. However, if there is a stench or it persists, get medical advice from a specialist to rule out possible growth at your cervix.
Discharge In Red Colour
The most common cause of red discharge, which can range in colour from bright crimson to deep burgundy, is a period.
If your period is not coming on normally, you should be concerned as it could be an indication of a miscarriage or cervical infection.
In addition to “breakthrough bleeding”, a side effect of some hormonal contraceptives, people taking the pill may also experience “withdrawal bleeding” after stopping the pill or in between packets.
Discharge In Pink Colour
Blood can also give your cervical fluid a pink tint, but in lower quantities.
It is typical during ovulation, around the time of your period particularly if you have a mild flow or your period lasts for less than two days, and after implantation or when using certain forms of contraception.
If you get pink discharge at different periods during your cycle, it may indicate insufficient oestrogen.
It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as mood fluctuations, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, and weight gain.
See your doctor if you experience pelvic pain or bloating in addition to pink discharge, as these symptoms may be signs of ovarian cysts such as cystadenomas and dermoid cysts.
Diagnosis of a change in discharge isn’t always obvious. Although there are over-the-counter testing kits available, their accuracy may be in doubt.
A proper diagnosis must be performed to provide the appropriate treatment, especially if you are pregnant.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet are key to maintaining the healthiest possible vagina.
When cleaning your genital area, refrain from using fragrant products, as this can upset the sensitive pH balance, and refrain from douching.
Dr Bheena Vyshali is a consultant gynaecologist at Beacon Hospital.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Ova.
