Vaginal Discharge: Everything You Need To Know

 Hello guys and welcome back. Today we are going to ask ourselves, when should we be worried about vaginal discharge? What are the myths and the truths concerning vaginal discharge? Today’s topic is vaginal discharge and everything you need to know about it.  Vaginal discharge is completely natural and it keeps the vagina clean and infection free.  The color, amount and texture can differ depending on your age or your menstrual cycle. However, some changes can be a sign of an underlying health condition. There are several types of vaginal discharge depending on color and consistency.

1.      : White colored discharge. This is common at the beginning or end of your menstrual cycle.  It is usually thick and sticky with no strong odor.

2.      : Clear and watery vaginal discharge. This is usually clear and watery when you're sexually aroused or pregnant.

3.      :  Clear and stretchy discharge. This discharge indicates that you're ovulating.

4.      : Brown or bloody.  This can occur during or right after your menstrual cycle.

5.      :  Yellow or green.  Yellow discharge may not indicate a health condition as it can turn to this color when exposed to air. However, darker yellow or green discharge especially when it's thick or accompanied by an unpleasant smell is assigned to seek medical care. Here are the causes of vaginal discharge.  The change in smell, color or texture of vaginal discharge can be caused by changes to the vagina's bacterial balance. When the number of harmful bacteria increases, vaginal infections are more likely to occur.

Ø Vaginosis. This causes increased vaginal discharge that has a strong and sometimes fishy odor.  The discharge may look thin, gray and watery.  This infection can put you at a risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.

Ø Trichomoniasis.  Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasite and is usually spread through sexual contact.  It can also be gotten by sharing bath suits or towels.  Most affected people have no symptoms and if they do they'll notice a green or yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor.  Common signs are pain, itching, inflammation, around the vagina when having sex or when urinating.

Ø Yeast infection. This causes a thick white discharge similar to cottage cheese and it is usually odorless. Other symptoms are itching, burning or irritation around the vagina. Gonorrhea or chlamydia. These STIs produce an abdominal discharge due to infecting the cervix. Other symptoms are stomach pain while urinating, bleeding after penetrative sex and many more.

One should  see a doctor if you are worried about your vaginal discharge and also if you notice changes in smell, color and amount then you should talk to a clinician other symptoms to watch out for are pain when urinating, fever, irritation around the vagina, pain in the abdomen, unexplained weight loss or even fatigue.  When you get to a healthcare appointment a physical exam including a pelvic exam will be performed.  Your doctor will also ask several questions about your menstrual cycle, your symptoms and general lifestyle.  If your doctor can't diagnose the problem immediately then they may swab your vagina to get a sample of the discharge, examine it and send it to a laboratory for testing.  Once the cause of the discharge is known, you'll be given treatment options.

 It’s not possible to prevent vaginal discharge because it is natural. However, steps can be taken to reduce the chances of infection. Use water to gently wash your vagina and avoid scented products in douches. Drying thoroughly and wearing breathable cotton underwear can also help. It is good to note that vagina is self-clean so there is absolutely no need of douching or using scented products. I hope that you have learnt something today and as always, let’s keep engaging. Thank you and see you next time.

https://youtu.be/dHab7pur2Gc