Vaginal discharge is a fluid material made by your body. It’s normally produced by the cells of the vagina and the cervix and it helps to clean the vagina, maintain its pH balance and keep it free of infection.
However, abnormal vaginal discharge may indicate an underlying infection or other medical condition.
Normal vs abnormal vaginal discharge
Normal discharge is a slippery, wet fluid, usually clear or white and may have a mild odour.
→ Abnormal discharge may have a different look, such as dull, yellow, brown, green or bloody colour. It may also have a strong, unpleasant odour.
Normal discharge may change in consistency and amount throughout your menstrual cycle. For instance, around ovulation, normal discharge is mostly slippery and thin. It gets thicker when you are pregnant or on the birth control pill.
→ An abnormal discharge may be thick, lumpy or have an unusual texture.
Normal discharge may stain your underwear and cause some mild itching or irritation in some people.
→ An abnormal discharge may accompany other symptoms such as vaginal pain, burning, pain between in the pelvic area or redness.
Normal discharge is present in a woman at any age and is part of the body’s normal physiology.
→ An abnormal discharge may indicate an underlying infection or other medical condition.
What does abnormal vaginal discharge mean?
“An abnormal discharge may indicate an underlying infection or other medical condition.”
A vaginal discharge that smells fishy, especially after sex may suggest an infection known as bacterial vaginosis.
A thick, white, itchy discharge like cottage cheese may suggest a fungal thrush infection.
If your vaginal discharge is green, yellow or frothy, it may indicate a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as Trichomoniasis.
You may have a discharge that develops with pelvic pain or bleeding between your periods or after sex. This can suggest STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
When you develop a discharge accompanied by blisters or sores, there’s a chance this may be caused by genital herpes.
Know your normal
Understanding the difference between a normal and abnormal vaginal discharge will allow you to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment if anything is outside your normal.
This article was originally published on AskAwayHealth.
