Vaginal discharge is a topic that many people would avoid. It is often seen as unhygienic and disgusting.
Vaginal discharge is a fluid that is made by the cervix and vagina to carry away dead cells and bacteria. Many people do not know that it prevents infection and keeps it clean.
However, do you know that vaginal discharge is normal? Yes! Women who menstruate should have vaginal discharge because it serves an important housekeeping function in the female reproductive system.
Well, I was 18 years old when I found out that vaginal discharge is normal! Isn’t that weird? Our society made us believe that it is not healthy. I have seen influencers on Instagram promote products of feminine care that function as a way to stop the vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge changes throughout the menstruation of the female body. It will change the smell, colour and texture too! So, I believe that we all need to educate ourselves on vaginal discharge when it is normal and not.
What Should Healthy and Normal Discharge Look Like?
According to Healthline, normal discharge should have these characteristics:
- Appears clear or white in colour.
- Has a slight odour, but not one that is strong smelling.
- Can leave a yellowish tint on your underwear.
- Changes in consistency depending on your menstrual cycle.
Types Of Vaginal Discharges That You Should Know
-
White
White discharge is very common and normal. However, you must take note when it feels itchy, irritation, thick in consistency and looks like cottage cheese, it might be a yeast infection. You should see your doctor immediately!
-
Clear and watery
This is also a normal discharge. It normally happens at any time during the month.
-
Clear and stretchy
This discharge happens when you just finished your period. This is a sign that your body is going through the process of ovulation.
-
Bloody or brown
This type of discharge happens usually after the menstrual cycle and sometimes you may experience ‘spotting’ which is a small amount of discharge between periods.
However, you may take note of spotting during pregnancy which could lead to miscarriage. Also, it can be a sign of endometrial or cervical cancer. You should refer to your gynecologist regarding this.
-
Yellow or green
This is not a normal discharge. It is commonly spread through sexual intercourse and it may be a sign of the infection trichomoniasis.
The Causes Of Abnormal Discharge
According to WebMD, there are few causes that may cause the abnormality of vaginal discharge.
- Antibiotic or steroid use
- Bacterial vaginosis, a bacterial infection more common in pregnant women or women who have multiple sexual partners
- Birth control pills
- Cervical cancer
- Chlamydia or gonorrhoea (STDs), sexually transmitted infections
- Diabetes
- Douches, scented soaps or lotions, bubble bath
- Pelvic infection after surgery
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Trichomoniasis, a parasitic infection typically contracted and caused by having unprotected sex
- Vaginal atrophy, the thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls during menopause
- Vaginitis, irritation in or around the vagina
- Yeast infections
These causes may change the smell, texture and consistency of vaginal discharge.
Treatments and Precautions For Abnormal Discharge
- Consume antifungal medications provided by your doctor.
- Antibiotics cream or pills.
- Use gentle and unscented soap – (only wash the outside and not inside of vagina!).
- Avoid bubble baths and feminine care products.
- Use cotton underwear and avoid pants that are too tight.
Lastly, I hope that you would stay aware of what is normal and abnormal. It is very important for you to always be aware of your vaginal discharge’s colour, smell, consistency and texture. If you have any concerns, always see your doctor!
Also, I would suggest for you to watch this video from Siti Hawa, a pharmacist in Malaysia explaining about the importance of vaginal discharge.
