Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal Discharge: Normal & Abnormal (When to worry)

When it comes to personal hygiene, we do a lot many things to maintain our body cleanliness. Some examples are like applying a face mask, following CTM routine, following a proper diet, and many more.

vaginal hygiene

I know what else you are trying-“vaginal hygiene”…

Vaginal health is as important as our overall health. Girls leave no stone unturned in trying various options for the proper care of their vaginal well-being. A healthy vagina doesn’t require douching or wipes; because the discharge secreted from the vagina naturally cleans the vagina. Therefore, there is no need to do anything extra to clean this body part. Proper diet and workout play a vital role in keeping up with vaginal hygiene, however, Vaginal discharge says a lot about our health. The normal pH value of the vagina is 3.8 to 4.5.

All the girls might have experienced some white or clear liquid discharge from their vagina regularly which is considered to be normal but there are some situations when this is found unhealthy.

It is very important to know about normal and abnormal vaginal discharge since your health and vaginal hygiene can be predicted from this.

There might be several reasons for the change in the color of vaginal discharge such as hormonal changes, intercourse, menstrual cycle, breastfeeding, etc. If anytime you experience a change in vaginal discharge or odor, this might be the sign of bad bacteria. Without any second thought, visit your doctor.

In the following points, I’ll shed light on all kinds of vaginal discharge and will share with you all whether they are considered healthy or unhealthy.

White discharge:-

I think many of you have experienced this vaginal discharge, it is quite common.

It is often asked that is white discharge a sign of period coming?

Then, relax girls…this is the sign of periods coming. It is discharged either at the beginning or at the end of the menstrual cycle.

But girls, you need to watch out that whether this secretion is accompanied by itching and appears as thick cottage cheese-like consistency. If this is the case, then it is not normal and it could be the sign of yeast infection ( also known as Candida)- a kind of fungi which is the part of the normal aura of the human body and can cause infections. You must go for the treatment right then.

Below are some of the reasons which may trigger the levels of yeast infections:

  • stress
  • diabetes
  • pregnancy
  • use of birth control pills
  • antibiotics

Milky white discharge:-

milky white discharge

This milky white discharge is often released while having or after intercourse to lubricate the vagina and penis. This is also termed as cervical mucus. These fluids are considered normal.

Clear watery discharge:-

clear watery discharge

A clear watery discharge is also found perfectly normal. It can occur at any time of the month but especially heavy after performing exercise or workout.

Thick white clumpy discharge:-

This type of discharge is also the result of yeast infection. You might experience one or all of the below symptoms with a yeast infection.

  • thick discharge with a cottage cheese consistency
  • white discharge that may turn yellow or green
  • a foul odor coming from the vagina
  • itching on the vulva or vagina
  • swelling or redness around the vulva
  • a burning sensation or pain during urination
  • pain during intercourse

How this could be treatment

For the white discharge treatmentwith itching, you may opt for antifungal creams with/without a prescription. And, with time if you do not notice any improvements, see your doctor for any further treatment or pelvic exam to confirm the diagnosis and the treatment.

Are you aware of the pelvic exam?

pelvic exam

A device called a speculum is used to look at the cervix directly. While pelvic exam, a sample of the discharge is collected. Then, under a microscope, the sample is tested for any yeast infection. If bacterial vaginosis or trichomonas infection is found, treatment is started right away to balance vaginal pH.

Moreover, based on the appearance of the vaginal walls, your doctor may make a diagnosis of atrophic vaginitis

Your doctor may even place his/her fingers inside the vagina to check the tenderness of your cervix, uterus or ovaries. Tenderness depicts that you have a sexually transmitted disease or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Yellow discharge:-

yellow discharge

This color of discharge could be a sign of infection. Your diet is responsible for this yellow discharge. So, be very careful with your diet.

Apart from this, the intake of various supplements like vitamins may also be held responsible for this.

This was all about types of discharge. I think you all might be cleared that when to visit a doctor and when do not.

Some home care remedies for vaginal discharge:

  • To keep infections away, always wear breathable cotton underwear.
  • Never use douches because they can worsen the symptoms by removing good and useful bacteria.
  • Go safe while sex and use protection to avoid any infection during intercourse.
  • Add yogurt in your daily diet as it helps in decreasing yeast infection.

On the last note…

If you worried about the bad odor of the vaginal discharge, then I have some tips on how to get rid of smelly discharge.

smelly discharge
  1. Never opt for scented soaps or body washes
  2. Change the underwear daily
  3. Think for essential oils like tea tree oil to remove the vaginal odor
  4. Try apple cider vinegar into a warm bath as it is a good alternative way to reduce bacteria
  5. Try baking soda into a warm bath
  6. Use garlic clove by inserting it into the vagina for the whole night and remove it in the morning

On the brighter side, avoid sugar or sweet foods as these cause vaginal odor. Include kale, celery, fruits, or other green leafy vegetables to smell good down right there.

Moreover, sanitary pads or panty liners if used for a long time may also result in yeast production which subsequently increases vaginal odor. Stay natural as much as you can.

However, if you find that the above of the remedies are not working for you, then I would advise you to see the doctor.

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