Vaginal discharge are normal but is it healthy, how much of it is Healthy and when should we consult a doctor. These questions keep occurring during periods whenever we go through, abnormal discharges.
Understand: What is Vaginal Discharge?
A fluid which is usually secreted from the tiny glands of female reproductive system such as: vaginal and cervix is known as Vaginal Discharge. Vaginal discharge occurs in a form of fluid so as to remove old dead cells and debris, which helps in keeping the vagina clean, healthy and productive.
Vaginal discharge are normal and the amount of discharge can vary from women to women. To check when your vaginal discharge goes beyond normal keep a look on its color and consistency and itching and burning. If you see the change in color and feel itching and burning from inside it may be an Indication that you’re having Infection.
Types of Vaginal Discharge:
Vaginal Discharge is a natural process which helps in keeping the vagina healthy and clean. But due to the changes in the women menstrual cycle vaginal discharge can be both normal or abnormal depending upon its color. Here’s a list of common discharges, there color, symptom and prevention methodology-
White :
White Discharge is normal and usually occurs during ovulation or at the beginning – end of the menstrual cycle. However, if with discharge a women experience itching or burning with thick stringy cottage cheese-like consistency then it needs to through healthcare and required ttreatment. This type of discharge which is stingy is due to an overgrowth of fungus which is often referred as yeast Infection. With White fishy odour women probably may posses Bacterial Vaginosis which also creates Itching and burning while passing urine.
Causes:
- White thin and stretchy discharge happens for smooth reproduction usually at the beginning or end of menstruation cycle. But, when it’s accompanied with Itching this usually become infectious.
- Birth control pills effects hormones which often creates more discharges. The heavy discharge is not a concern till it shows other symptoms.
- Yeast Infection/Candidiasis resembles thick, white & lumpy discharges. Such discharge creates Itching and burning around the vagina.
- Bacterial Vaginosis is an infection often caused due to imbalance in vagina. This discharge causes grayish-white and fishy odor.
Symptoms
- Itching or burning
- Redness or swelling
Prevention
- Consume Fenugreek seeds. These seeds when dissolved in boil water of upto 500ml can help overcome white discharge.
- Tulsi has many Medical Benefits. Grinding Tulsi in water with honey and drinking it twice a day can help you overcome white discharge.
- Fenugreek Seeds when boiled in 500 ml water helps in reducing white discharge.
Clear and Watery
A Clear and Watery discharge is normal and usually occur any time between the cycle. The most probable reason of Clear and watery discharge is due to heavy exercise.
Causes:
Watery vaginal discharge is normal and typically happens due to hormonal fluctuations in women’s body like ovulation,pregnancy or menopause.
Clear and stretchy
A clear and stretchy discharge, which contains mucus is also normal. It just indicates you are ovulating.
Causes:
- Stress
- Exercise
- Dietary changes
- Recent surgery of cervix or other organs
- Hormonal birth control peels
- Dietary changes
Yellow or green
If Yellow discharge is odorless or contains light Yellow hue it’s normal and requires no Health consult. When Dark Yellow hue is thick and chunky with unpleasant smell it may be a sign of Infection called Trichomoniasis. This Infection usually transmits through sexual intercourse. It requires you to have proper Consultation with your Health specialist.
Causes:
- Vaginal Trichomonas
Vaginal Trichomonas also called as trichomoniasis is the most common cause of green discharge. Some symptoms of it includes: vaginal odor, vaginal itching and burning.
Yeast Infection is often caused due to overgrowth of fungus. Other most common causes include: Vaginal itching and discomfort, Cottage cheese-like discharge, Yellow or green-tinged discharge, Swelling of the external genitals.
- Pelvic Inflammatory disease
Pelvic Inflammatory disease is caused due to bacterial infection in women’s reproductive organs. Symptoms of it includes: Fever, Nausea or vomiting, Abdominal pain, Pelvic pain during sexual intercourse.
Symptoms
- Fever, Nausea or vomiting, Abdominal pain.
- Vaginal itching and discomfort
- Swelling of the external genitals
Prevention
- Practise Oral medications, like antibiotics
- Avoide hot tubs
- Bath every day and patte your dry genital area
- Donot use colored or perfumed toilet paper
- Donot use deodorized pads or tampons
Dries Brown or Bloody Red
Brown to Red color discharge are normal during a menstruation cycle. Colors at such stage vary from cherry red to rusty brown. These all discharges are normal but if you see this consistency throughout the month. Then, this may be a reflection of some Infection or poor health conditions.
Causes-
- Before pregnancy:
Brown discharge may happen due to old blood leaving the uterus, ovulation spotting often seen pinkish brown,vigorous sex, or when the menstrual cycle is about to begin or end.
- During pregnancy:
Pink or Brown discharges are rarely seen during pregnancy within few females. This type of discharge occurs for 1-2 weeks often due to implantation bleeding when fertilized egg borrows uterus lining. This type of discharge needs Health Consultation apart when it happens during pregnancy it may be due to ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
- Approached menopause:
Menopause may create brown discharge s a sign of perimenopause during female’s 40s or 50s.It’s called as a transition period before menopause when periods stop. Other symptoms involved includes:
mood swings,night sweats, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome: (PCOS):
PCOS happens due to hormonal imbalance. It causes brown discharge which is usually irregular & light contains bleeding. Symptoms further found here include- irregular periods, Heavy periods, excess hair on body or face, acne or oily skin, pelvic pain,
dark patches, discolored skin.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), about 8 to 20 percent of reproductive-age women worldwide suffers PCOS.
Symptom
- Foul-smell discharge
- Abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain
- Depression and stress
- Swell vagina can
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Breakthrough pain
- Abnormal bleeding during menstrual cycle.
Prevention
- Consume adequate intake of water. 8 to 10 glass in a day.
- Eat whole grains to improve your system and reduce Infection.
- Use clean undergarments
- Eat fresh fruits as a healthy diet.
- Have good Hygiene
- Avoid Alchol or other drinks.
- Eat healthy fruits and vegetables.
- Eliminate sugar and sweets intake.
Also read: Home remedies for Vaginal Discharge!