Unusual Vaginal Discharge

Pelvis | Gynecology | Unusual Vaginal Discharge (Symptom)


Description

A vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) is normal in certain amounts in healthy women, which is how the vagina cleans itself and maintain a steady state.

Vaginal secretions are normal, if it falls within certain limits and is likely to face at least once in life with this type of infection. The most common is known as bacterial vaginosis (common vaginal disorder caused by excessive growth of saprophytic bacteria from the vagina). Other vaginal infections are quite common: candidiasis and trichomoniasis. Menstruation has a significant effect on the type of vaginal discharge a woman experience throughout the month.

This fluid secretion is a slight smell (bad way), a milky consistency, a white-turbid or transparent, and when dry on underwear gets a yellowish hue. Amount secreted varies with the menstrual cycle and from woman to woman.

Causes

Causes of abnormal vaginal discharge are: vaginitis; bacterial vaginosis; cervical cancer; infection with Chlamydia; genital warts; gonorrhea; menopause; pregnancy; menstruation; fungic infections.

Factors that may change the consistency and appearance of secretions: menstrual cycle; emotional stress; pregnancy; OTC products (very popular drugs, non-prescription not - analgesics / sedatives, drugs for stomach pain, heartburn) or hormonal drugs; sexual arousal; breastfeeding; ovulation; diet.

Other factors that may adversely affect the PH of the vagina and cause infections are intimate hygiene gels, soaps, antibiotics, pregnancy, diabetes or existence of other infections. If there is noticed heavy vaginal odour accompanied with unusual consistency (coarse, cheese or watery) and gray-whitish or greenish white must as soon as you present a professional check-up. All these are signs of an infection or a more serious condition. Other symptoms that accompany this type of discharge are: itching or burning; burning, painful urination; presence of blood outside the menstrual period.

...