Introduction

Vaginal Discharge is a fluid that is usually translucent and secreted from the vaginal glands. It is acidic in nature and contains shed cells of vaginal epithelium with lactobacillus bacteria. This bacteria keeps vaginal PH acidic and prevent growth of harmful bacteria in vagina, which may cause infection and hence abnormal vaginal discharge. It performs an important function of keeping the vagina lubricated and moist so no harmful bacteria can grow in it. In most of the cases, the vaginal discharge is perfectly normal. The amount can vary depending upon your phase of menstrual cycle. Dr. Shraddha Goel, a renowned Cosmetic Gynecologist emphasizes the early detection of abnormal vaginal discharge and comprehensive treatment of it, otherwise it may lead to cervical erosion or pelvic inflammatory disease, which may further bring more complications like infertility, ectopic pregnancy etc. This article covers the various types of abnormal vaginal discharge and how to treat them with changing lifestyle patterns as well as the latest treatments available.

What is Vaginal Discharge 

Vaginal Discharge is the translucent fluid that comes from the vagina. The glands inside the vagina produce it. It helps to carry away dead cells and bacteria by keeping the vagina clean and also prevents infection. The type color, and odor might vary throughout the menstrual cycle and changes can indicate different conditions.

Types of Vaginal Discharges

White Discharge

·       Normal

White Discharge is normal and common at the start and end of the menstrual cycle. It is usually thick and sticky. It is normal among girls.

·       Abnormal

It is abnormal when persists for a long time and is accompanied by itching, bad odour or a thick cottage cheese-like consistency, including yeast infection.

Clear and Watery Discharge

• Normal

Clear and watery discharge occurs during the menstrual cycle and is often huge after exercise.

·       Ovulation

During ovulation, the discharge becomes slippery, thick and stretchy similar to an egg.

Yellow or Green Discharge

• Abnormal

Yellow or Green Discharge is thick and chunky with a foul smell that is an indication of a bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infection such as Trichomoniasis.

Brown and Bloody Discharge

·       Normal

It occurs after the menstrual cycle as the body cleans out old blood. Spotting between periods and also due to the ovulation.

·       Abnormal

If the discharge occurs at an unexpected time like post intercourse, or is accompanied by some symptoms that may indicate infection or other medical conditions like cervical erosion, uterine polyp

Grey Discharge

Grey Discharge is a clear indication of bacterial vaginosis (BV) especially if it is of fishy smell.

Pink Discharge

·       Normal

Pink Discharge occurs due to the light bleeding of ovulation or the beginning of the menstrual cycle.

·       Abnormal

It is seen after sexual intercourse, if there is vaginal discomfort.

When to See a Doctor

• A sudden change in color or fishy odor.
• If in the case of itching, burning, or swelling of the vagina.
• Pain during urination or sexual intercourse.
• Any discharge that occurs with a fever.

Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

Any change in your vaginal bacterial flora or Vaginal PH can affect the odor, texture of discharge. So, improper hygiene practices during menses, intercourse and daily hygiene can make you prone for abnormal vaginal discharge. Vagina has acidic PH while semen and blood has alkaline pH, so intercourse during menses or immediately pre or post menses can make you further prone to infection. As during menses your vagina has alkaline PH which is good for harmful bacterial growth. Here are a few things that can affect your vaginal discharge:

• Antibiotic or Steroid use
• Bacterial Vaginosis, is a bacterial infection commonly seen in pregnant women, or women with multiple partners.
• Birth control pills
• Diabetes
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Vaginal atrophy, the thinning of walls and dryness of the vagina during menopause.
• Vaginitis, an irritation in or around the vagina.

Trichomoniasis, an infection that occurs from unprotected sex.

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by taking a health history and by asking some questions like

• When did the discharge begin?
• Define the color of discharge.
• Do you have itching or pain during urination?
• Do you have more than one partner for sexual intercourse?
• Is there any smelly discharge?

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge Treatment

Yeast Infection

Vaginal Discharge is commonly caused by a yeast infection and is treated with antifungal medications. These come in the form of tablets, creams, or gel.

Bacterial Vaginosis

If vaginal discharges caused by bacterial vaginosis it can be treated by giving antibiotic pills or from gels and creams.

Latest Treatments

Mesotherapy

Prolonged Vaginal discharge may cause PID , Cervical erosion ( wound on tip of uterus). Such patients are treated effectively by Platelet Rich Plasma and Fibrin Therapy and get miraculous results.

Laser/ Radiofrequency

Repeated Vaginal infection is also treated effectively with Radiofrequency.

Useful Tips for Prevention of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge

• Keep your vagina clean by washing gently with vaginal wash and normal water. There is no need to put soap directly in the vagina, that can alter your PH and kill lactobacillus, good Vaginal bacteria .
• Never use scented soaps and feminine products for the vagina. Also, avoid feminine sprays and bubble bars.
• After going to the bathroom, always wipe it with a cotton cloth to prevent bacterial infection.
• Use 100% cotton underwear and prevent the use of tight clothes.
• While using public toilets, keep spray to clean the seat.
• Practice safe menstrual and sex hygiene.

Takeaways

Vaginal Discharge is common in females. It is normal in color, texture, and odor throughout the month. On days, when you feel the discharge is more you can use a panty liner to manage but it irritates when used for a long time. Scented products are designed to make your vagina smell better but it also irritates and increases the chance of bacterial infection. Always consult a doctor if you have abnormal vaginal discharge.

Conclusion

Vaginal Discharge is a common and essential part of female reproductive health which vary by the amount, color, and texture during the menstrual cycle. While many discharges are normal some are abnormal discharges that cause bacterial infections so there is a need for consultation with a doctor. With proper medical guidance from experts like Dr. Shraddha Goel and adherence to medical advice, the risks associated with abnormal vaginal discharge can be significantly minimized.

Dr.Shraddha Goel, MS DNB FICOG is the Head and Director of PCOSmetic Gyne Clinic, Jaipur. She has more than 16 years of vast experience in  Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is among very few gynecologists in Jaipur who are very well-versed in antenatal and intranatal care of high-risk pregnancy cases and care of Recurrent pregnancy loss.