What is vaginal discharge?
A typical vaginal discharge is common in many women. It is usually transparent or pale in colour and has a little odour. Changes in the colour, odour, or texture of the discharge may suggest the presence of an infection, while some variation is normal throughout the menstrual cycle. Other symptoms of an infection may include itching, burning, pain, or spotting. In this article Dr. Chetna Jain who is the renowned gynecologist in Gurgaon explains about the vaginal discharge.
Infections transmitted through sexual contact are a major cause of abnormal vaginal discharge. Trichomoniasis frequently causes a yellow-green, frothy discharge with a foul odour. A yellowish or hazy discharge may be caused by gonorrhoea or, less usually, Chlamydia. Bacterial vaginosis is characterised by a whitish-gray or yellowish discharge with a fishy odour.
Yeast infections can also cause vaginal discharge. It has a thick and white consistency and is sometimes described as having a cottage cheese-like texture. Foreign bodies in the vagina, such as an old tampon, abnormal bleeding or irregular monthly bleeding, and cervical or vaginal cancer are all causes of vaginal discharge.
The cause of abnormal vaginal discharge determines the treatment. Antibiotics can treat trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, and bacterial vaginosis, and antifungal medicines can treat yeast infections. If a foreign body is present, your doctor will remove it and may give medications to treat any infection. The therapy of abnormal bleeding or irregular periods is determined by the reason, whereas cancer treatments are determined by the kind and stage of the cancer.
If you have heavy vaginal bleeding, a high temperature (above 101 degrees Fahrenheit), severe stomach or pelvic discomfort, a change in mental status, disorientation, severe nausea and vomiting, or a weak pulse, get emergency medical attention. If you experience vaginal bleeding while pregnant, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Seek immediate medical attention if you have a vaginal discharge that appears strange to you or is accompanied by other symptoms that give you concern.
What other symptoms could be associated with vaginal discharge?
Other symptoms may accompany vaginal discharge, depending on the underlying disease, ailment, or condition. Conditions that produce vaginal discharge can also cause other genital symptoms and may have an impact on other bodily systems.
What is the cause of vaginal discharge?
Many women have a typical, clear or whitish vaginal discharge with little odour. Changes in the colour, odour, or texture of the discharge may suggest the presence of an infection, however some change over the menstrual cycle is normal. Sexually transmitted infections, as well as yeast infections, are typical causes of irregular vaginal discharge. Other causes include vaginal foreign bodies, abnormal or irregular menstrual bleeding, and cervical or vaginal cancer.
Vaginal discharge caused by infectious agents
Infections that can produce vaginal discharge include:
- Bacterial vaginosis is a kind of bacterial vaginosis (imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, often involving overgrowth of the bacterium Gardnerella vaginalis)
- Chlamydia trachomatis (sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis)
- Gonorrhea is a kind of gonorrhoea (sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae)
- Trichomoniasis is a type of parasitic infection (sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis)
- Infections with yeast (overgrowth of yeast, commonly Candida albicans, in the vagina)
Other possible causes of vaginal discharge
- Other diseases, ailments, or circumstances that might induce vaginal discharge include:
- Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the
- The presence of a foreign body in the vagina
- Menstrual cycles that are irregular
- Cancer of the cervix
What is the treatment for abnormal discharge?
What is causing the condition will determine how you are treated. Yeast infections, for example, are typically treated with antifungal drugs put into the vagina in the form of a cream or gel. Antibiotic tablets or lotions are used to treat bacterial vaginosis. Metronidazole (Flagyl) or tinidazole are commonly used to treat trichomoniasis (Tindamax).
Here are some prevention methods for vaginal infections that might cause abnormal discharge:
- Wash the outside of the vagina with a gentle, mild soap and warm water to keep it clean. It is not necessary to use soap directly in the vagina.
- Never use scented soaps, feminine hygiene products, or douche. Avoid feminine sprays and bubble baths as well.
- Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina and developing an illness.
What are the risks associated with vaginal discharge?
Failure to seek treatment for vaginal discharge might result in major consequences and irreversible harm because it can be caused by serious diseases. Once the underlying reason has been identified, it is critical that you adhere to the treatment plan that you and your health care provider devised specifically for you in order to limit the risk of potential problems such as:
- Ectopic pregnancy is a term used to describe a pregnancy (life-threatening pregnancy growing outside the uterus)
- Infertility
- PID (infection of a woman’s reproductive organs) is a type of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
- Cancer spread
- Disease transmission to close contacts or sexual partners
Toxic shock syndrome is a disorder that occurs when a person is exposed (life-threatening condition involving a rapid progression to shock that results from release of bacterial toxins).Schedule your appointment with a top gynaecologist in Gurgaon.
