Vaginal discharge is an abnormally large discharge of whitish, milky and opaque vaginal discharge. It can be of infectious cause or non-infectious (excessive washing, IUD, etc.). The typical symptom of discharge is a large amount of discharge that often causes pain and smells.
Definition
Vaginal discharge is a non-bloody discharge from the vagina. Remember that the vagina is part of the lower genital tract of the woman that lies between the vulva and the uterus.
Causes
There are physiological, milky and scarce discharges, which is normal for all women. They result from desquamation of vaginal cells that grow just before menstruation.
In addition, the cells of the cervix secrete a translucent fluid called cervical mucus. Production increases significantly at the time of ovulation.
You should also know that microorganisms normally live in the vagina called saprophytic bacteria, and are part of the vaginal flora. These microorganisms do not cause vaginal discharge unless they are quantitatively unbalanced. Pathological vaginal discharge may be of infectious or non-infectious origin.
Bacterial microorganisms are among the most responsible for vaginal infections. Other germs such as group B streptococci also infect the female genital tract.
These infectious agents are transmitted through unprotected sex in oral, genital or anal sex. Contamination is also obtained as a result of manipulations of products for pregnant women, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), induced abortions, and gynecological examinations.
This condition is also present in the case of saprophytic bacteria, to multiply excessively. This anomaly is related to the habits that unbalance the vaginal flora. The female population generally tends to wash their genitals with showers and use of irritants.
In addition, non-infectious causes such as scaly inflammation, vaginal atrophy, allergies or an intra-vaginal foreign body also cause vaginal discharge.
The risk of vaginal discharge increases with the number of partners, certain medications (antibiotics, corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, chemotherapy) and intolerance to condoms. Pregnancy, untreated diabetes properly, cancer, menopause and immune-suppression are also contributing factors.
Finally, high frequency of intimate lavage, smoking and lack of estrogen are sources of recurrence.
Symptoms
There happens discharge of certain colors:
What does green discharge mean: Bacterial vaginosis is characterized by light green discharge with a strong fishy scent. White or gray are also other types of vaginal discharges. Vaginal discharge related to tingling and pain during intercourse, characterizes candidiasis. The patient may complain of dysuria or pain in urination.
What does yellow discharge mean:As for trichomoniasis, the vaginal discharge becomes brown or yellow and frothy. The patient suffers from tingling or vaginal burning and dysuria. Vaginal pruritus, frequent lower abdominal pain and burning, as well as menstrual disorders and irregular urination reveal gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Diagnosis The doctor usually recognizes the cause of vaginal discharge. To do this, he questions and examines the patient. He then prescribes laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. Tests include vaginal secretion, determination of the pH of the medium, detection of abnormal cells and identification of causative organisms.
Treatments
The doctor usually prescribes antibiotics in the form of oral or vaginal tablets, cream or gel.
The duration of treatment depends on the causative agent and the progression of the disease. For simple infection, it will be a day. In more difficult cases, treatment can take up to six months. Health professionals may prescribe drugs to rebalance the vaginal flora.
One should also check and remove the possible presence of foreign body inserted into the vagina as a forgotten cap. This can be an important source of infection.
Phytotherapy – The oak has therapeutic value against vaginal discharge. To do this, just boil for 10 minutes, a handful of leaves in a quart of water. Drink three cups a day of the decoction obtained.
Anna Leake is a health blogger that focuses on topics related to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. She was born in New York City but at age 6 moved to the Midwest where she spent her childhood exploring nature with friends and family. Anna graduated from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with degrees in psychology & human development.
