Women Discharge

Women discharge or Vaginal discharge is most often a normal and regular occurrence. However, there are certain types of discharge that can indicate an infection. Abnormal discharge may be yellow or green, chunky in consistency, or have a foul odor. Abnormal discharge is usually caused by yeast or bacterial infection. If you notice any discharge that looks unusual or is foul smelling, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Vaginal Discharge

There are several different types of vaginal discharge. These types are categorized based on their color and consistency. Some types of discharge are normal, but others may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.
 

White

A bit of white discharge, especially at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle, is normal. However, if the discharge is accompanied by itching and has a thick, cottage cheese-like consistency or appearance, it's not normal and needs treatment. This type of discharge may be a sign of a yeast (Candida) infection.

Clear and Watery

A clear and watery discharge is perfectly normal and can occur at any time of the month. It may be especially heavy after exercise.

Clear and Stretchy

When discharge is clear but stretchy and mucous-like, rather than watery, it indicates that you are likely ovulating. This is a normal type of discharge.

Brown or Bloody

Brown or bloody discharge is usually normal, especially when it occurs during or right after your menstrual cycle. A late discharge at the end of your period can look brown instead of red. You may also experience a small amount of bloody discharge in between periods, which is called spotting. If spotting occurs during the normal time of your period and you have recently had sex without protection, this could be a sign of pregnancy. Spotting during an early phase of pregnancy can be a sign of miscarriage, so it should be discussed with your OB-GYN.

In rare cases, brown or bloody discharge can be a sign of advanced cervical cancer. This is why it's important to get a yearly pelvic exam and Pap smear, during which your gynecologist will check for cervical abnormalities.
 

Yellow or Green

A yellow or green discharge, especially when it's thick, chunky, or accompanied by a bad smell, is not normal. This type of discharge may be a sign of the infection trichomoniasis, which is commonly spread through sexual intercourse.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge

Normal vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function, and it's your body's way of cleaning and protecting the vagina. It's normal for discharge to increase with exercise, sexual arousal, ovulation, birth control pill use, and emotional stress.

Abnormal vaginal discharge, however, is usually caused by an infection.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection and is quite common. This infection causes increased vaginal discharge that has a strong, foul, and sometimes fishy odor, although it produces no symptoms in some cases. Women who receive oral sex or who have multiple sexual partners have an increased risk of acquiring this infection.
 

Trichomoniasis

This is another type of infection, but a protozoan (a single-celled organism) causes it. The infection is usually spread by sexual contact, but it can also be contracted by sharing towels or bathing suits. This infection results in a yellow or green discharge that has a foul odor. Pain, inflammation, and itching are also common symptoms, although some people don't experience any symptoms.

Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is a fungal infection that produces white, cottage cheese-like discharge in addition to burning and itching sensations. The presence of yeast in the vagina is normal, but its growth can multiply out of control in certain situations. The following may increase your likelihood of yeast infections:

• stress
• diabetes
• birth control pill use
• pregnancy
• antibiotics (especially prolonged use over 10 days)
• Gonorrhea and Chlamydia

These two sexually transmitted infections can produce an abnormal discharge, which is often yellow, greenish, or cloudy.
 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

This type of infection is often spread by sexual contact and occurs when bacteria spreads up the vagina and into other reproductive organs. It may produce a heavy, foul-smelling discharge.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) or Cervical Cancer

The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is spread by sexual contact, can lead to cervical cancer. While there may be no symptoms, this type of cancer can produce a bloody, brown, and/or watery discharge with a bad odor. Cervical cancer can easily be prevented or found with yearly Pap smears and HPV testing.
 

Difference between normal discharge and infections

The Healthy Vagina - The vagina serves as a passageway between the outside of the body and the inner reproductive organs. The pH balance of the vagina is acidic, which discourages infections from occurring. This acidic environment is created by normally-occurring bacteria. A healthy vagina produces secretions to cleanse and regulate itself, similar to how saliva cleanses and regulates the environment of the mouth. These vaginal secretions are normal vaginal discharge. Any interference with the delicate balance of vaginal secretions sets up an environment conducive to infection.

Normal Vaginal Discharge - All women have some vaginal discharge. Normal discharge may appear clear, cloudy white, and/or yellowish when dry on clothing. It may also contain white flecks and at times may be thin and stringy. Changes in normal discharge can occur for many reasons, including menstrual cycle, emotional stressors, nutritional status, pregnancy, usage of medications - including birth control pills, and sexual arousal.

Effects of the Menstrual Cycle - The menstrual cycle affects the vaginal environment. You may notice increased wetness and clear discharge around mid-cycle. The pH balance of the vagina fluctuates during the cycle and is the least acidic on the days just prior to and during menstruation. Infections, therefore, are most common at this time.
 

Signs of Abnormal Discharge - Any changes in color or amount of discharge may be a sign of a vaginal infection. Vaginal infections are very common; most women will experience some form of a vaginal infection in their lifetime. If you experience any of the symptoms below, this may be a sign of vaginal infection:

• Discharge accompanied by itching, rash or soreness
• Persistent, increased discharge
• Burning on skin during urination
• White, clumpy discharge (somewhat like cottage cheese)
• Grey/white or yellow/green discharge with a foul odor
• Outlined below is basic information on three common vaginal infections

Bacterial Vaginosis - The exact cause of bacterial vaginosis is unknown. Similar to a yeast infection, there is an overgrowth of bacteria, and the delicate balance of the vaginal environment is upset when these bacteria occur in increased amounts. Recurrence of bacterial vaginosis is common and bacterial vaginosis can coexist with other vaginal infections. Women that have multiple partners or receive oral intercourse are at an increased risk of acquiring bacterial vaginosis.

Signs and Symptoms

• Increased amount of discharge
• Grey/white, thin, watery discharge
• Foul/fishy odor with discharge
• Increased odor to discharge immediately after intercourse
• Nearly half of the women with bacterial vaginosis don't display any symptoms.

Treatment

There is no over-the-counter treatment available. There are two treatment options with metronidazole (Flagyl) - an oral antibiotic or a topical antibiotic cream. Metronidazole can cause nausea and darkening of urine. Alcohol consumption should be avoided while on this medication, and for 48 hours after treatment, due to possible alcohol intolerance, which can result in nausea and vomiting. If you are using the vaginal antibiotic preparation, it must be used daily.

Trichomoniasis - This infection is caused by a one-celled protozoan organism. Trichomoniasis is almost always spread through sexual contact. However, the protozoan organism can survive for up to twenty-four hours in a moist environment, making wet towels or bathing suits possible instruments of transmission from someone with the infection.

Signs and Symptoms

Some women don't display any symptoms, which may include:

• Yellow/green, frothy, discharge
• Foul odor with discharge
• Increased amount of discharge
• Inflammation of vulva/vagina
• Increased frequency of urination
• Itching

Treatment

The treatment used is the oral antibiotic, metronidazole. Remember - no alcohol consumption when taking the medication and for 48 hours after treatment! It is recommended that both partners be treated at the same time to avoid recurrent infections. Partners should be treated even if they aren't displaying any symptoms. Avoid intercourse until treatment is completed.
 

Monilia (Yeast) Infection

There is normally a small amount of yeast (Candida albicans) present in the vagina. A yeast infection occurs when there is an overabundance of yeast, often caused by a change in the pH balance of the vagina. Yeast infections are not usually sexually transmitted.

Some factors that may increase susceptibility to yeast infections

• Increased stress
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Use of antibiotics (protective bacteria are destroyed by antibiotics, allowing yeast overgrowth)
• Signs and symptoms
• Increased amount of discharge
• White, clumpy (cottage cheese-like), discharge
• Redness, itching, burning in vaginal/vulvar area

Treatment

Since yeast is normally present in the vagina, it is unrealistic to try to eliminate all yeast. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to reduce the overgrowth of yeast organisms and return the vagina to a healthy balance. Treatment consists of antifungal agents in the form of tablets, vaginal creams or suppositories. Over-the-counter treatments are available. However, if you are pregnant, always be sure to have any medications approved by a health care provider. Partners are not usually treated unless they are displaying symptoms such as itching or irritation in the genital area. Treatment for male partners consists of the use of fungicidal cream on the penis.
 

Prevention and treatment guidelines for vaginal infections
 

• Have new partners wear condoms during sexual intercourse.
• Stay healthy; eat well, get enough sleep, drink enough fluids.
• Keep vaginal area clean and dry.
• Wear cotton underwear.
• Wipe from front to back after urination or bowel movement.
• Avoid using deodorant pads or tampons.
• Don't use petroleum jelly or other oils for lubricants.
• Don't douche.
• Use medication as long as directed.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment is completed and you are symptom free.
• Don't scratch infected or inflamed areas; it can cause further irritation.
• If using medication inside the vagina, use it during the menstrual period.
• During an infection, use pads rather than tampons if menstruation occurs.
• Avoid vulvo/vaginal irritants, including perfumed or deodorant soaps/body washes.

If symptoms persist after completing the treatment, an exam is indicated. Call for an appointment, and please use nothing in the vagina for 48 hours prior to your exam.

Women Fitness suggests that this resource is an informational source, it is advisable to contact your doctor and seek correct medical advice.