Vaginal discharge is a clear, white, or off-white fluid that comes out of the vagina. Your uterus, cervix, and vagina, which primarily contain cells and bacteria, produce this discharge. It aids in lubricating and cleaning your vagina and preventing infections and harmful bacteria. It is a natural and regular process in your body, vaginal discharge causes for many reasons, both normal and abnormal.

Changes in discharge, however, might indicate a disease or infection. While some women experience very little vaginal discharge, others produce more vaginal secretions than others. Your vaginal discharge's colour, texture, odour, or amount may change if something is wrong. The majority of abnormal vaginal discharge can be treated with medications.1

What are the Vaginal Discharge Causes?

Vaginal discharge is a normal biological process brought on by changes in estrogen levels that occur naturally. Pregnancy, birth control pills, sexual arousal, and ovulation can all cause an increase in vaginal fluid production.

Alteration in the vaginal bacterial balance can have an adverse effect on the colour, smell, and texture of female vaginal fluid discharge. It is because vaginal infections become more common as the number of harmful bacteria increases.

Some of the infections that may cause vaginal discharge include:

Bacterial Vaginosis  

Bacterial vaginosis is a common bacterial infection that causes increased vaginal discharge with a strong, foul, and sometimes fishy odour. Moreover, the vaginal discharge may seem watery, thin, and grey. This illness may occasionally go unnoticed for days or weeks.

Although bacterial vaginosis cannot be spread from one person to another through sexual contact, it is more likely to affect someone who is sexually active or recently got a new sexual partner. Moreover, this infection may increase your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is another parasitic infection. While sexual contact is the primary method of transmission, sharing towels or bathing suits can also result in this infection.

Trichomoniasis infection might cause up to 50% of patients with no symptoms. Those who do frequently experience a discharge which can be yellow, green, foul-smelling or frothy. Pain, inflammation, and itching around the vagina and when urinating or having sex are common symptoms.

Yeast Infection

A yeast infection occurs when yeast growth in the vagina becomes excessive. It produces a cottage cheese-looking, thick, white discharge that is often odourless.

Additional symptoms include pain during sex or urination, burning, itching, and irritation around the vagina. The following factors can increase your risk of yeast infections - stress, diabetes, using birth control pills, pregnancy and using antibiotics for more than ten days.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia  

STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can infect the cervix and result in an abnormal discharge. It typically has a yellow, cloudy, or greenish. Other signs and symptoms include - pain while urinating, stomach pain, bleeding after penetrative sex and bleeding between periods. Yet, some people could also show no symptoms.

Genital Herpes  

This STI can result in thick vaginal discharge with a strong odour, particularly after sex. Sores and blisters around the genitals, bleeding between periods and a burning sensation when peeing can all occur.

However, it is more typical to have no or minor symptoms. Yet, if you do experience symptoms, you can experience repeated outbreaks throughout your life.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease  

The pelvic inflammatory disease may cause heavy, foul-smelling discharge, stomach ache after sex or during periods, and frequent urination.

It can result from untreated STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea when bacteria enter the vagina and spread to other reproductive organs.

Human Papillomavirus or Cervical Cancer

Human papillomavirus infection is transmitted through sexual contact and can result in cervical cancer. Even though it could not show any signs, this kind of cancer might lead to:

• Bloody, brown or watery discharge with an unpleasant odour

• Bleeding occurs between periods or after sex

• Pain while peeing or an increased urge to pee

Brown or bloody discharge may, in rare cases, maybe a sign of endometrial cancer, fibroids, or other growths.2

What are the five types of discharge?

• If your discharge is yellow, green, or grey in colour, you may have a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

• A brown or red discharge is generally linked to irregular periods or pregnancy (implantation bleeding). If your vagina discharge has a brown or red tinge and you are not on your period, this may be cause for concern.

• Vaginal discharge is frequently clear, white, or off-white in colour. You can have a yeast infection if your vaginal discharge is white but thicker than usual or itchiness.

How can I stop so much discharge?

You can't get vaginal discharge only due to an infection. So what causes vaginal discharge in women? The regular balance of healthy bacteria in your vagina might shift, causing vaginal leaking, and sexual arousal can also cause vaginal discharge.

What medicine can cure discharge?

Depending on the reason for your vaginal discharge, various medications are available. You can use antibiotics to cure conditions including trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis. Using anti-fungal medications is a treatment option for yeast infections. Thus, please visit a doctor for vaginal discharge treatment if you find that you are experiencing an unusual vaginal discharge.3

How can I fix my discharge naturally?

A vaginal discharge does not have a natural treatment. Vaginal discharge is natural and cannot be stopped. But, you can take some steps to reduce the risk of infection. Keep your vagina clean by gently cleaning it with water, and stay away from scented products and douches that could irritate your skin. Wearing breathable cotton underwear and carefully drying the area might also be beneficial. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your chance of getting an STI by using a condom or another type of barrier during sexual activity and by keeping your sex toys clean. Try to replace your pads and tampons regularly if you have a period.4

Takeaway

So now you know that vaginal discharge is normal. That is how your vagina maintains its health and hygiene. You can tell if your normal vaginal discharge is irregular if it changes in colour, volume, consistency, or smell. Your menstrual cycle may alter your vaginal discharge. You should always consult a doctor if you notice more changes in your vaginal discharge. Also, when the discharge is associated with other symptoms like pain, itching, or burning. You should not use sprays, perfumes, or douches to make your vagina smell better.5

References

1,3,5- Vaginal discharge; From Cleveland Clinic

(https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge). Retrieved on 04.04.2023

2,4 - Everything You Need to Know About Vaginal Discharge; From Healthline

(https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-discharge). Retrieved on 04.04.2023