But what is discharge, actually, and how can you tell what is normal, or what may be an indication of a problem? Vaginal discharge comes from glands inside your vagina and cervix. These glands produce small amounts of fluid also known as vaginal secretions. The fluid flows out of the vagina each day, cleansing old cells that have lined the vagina.
Discharge varies from woman to woman. Some women have discharge every day, while others experience it less frequently. Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and may have a subtle scent that is not unpleasant or foul smelling. These changes in color and thickness are associated with ovulation and are natural.
But outside of normal changes associated with your cycle, other changes may not be normal. Your discharge may indicate an imbalance of healthy bacteria in your vagina, which can be a sign that all is not well.
Hay P. Bacterial vaginosis. Efficacy of antifungal drugs in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis: a Bayesian network meta-analysis. Infect Drug Resist. Metronidazole vaginal gel 1.
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Related Articles. Bacterial Vaginosis Symptoms and Complications. What Is Vulvovaginitis? What Causes White Vaginal Discharge? Bacterial Vaginosis or Yeast Infection? Though there are many benign causes of intermenstrual bleeding, it can sometimes signal a serious condition. Anyone who has gone through menopause and not had a period for at least 1 year should see a doctor if they experience vaginal bleeding.
It can sometimes be a sign of endometrial cancer. The shade of white can extend to include cream or light yellow. If a person has no other symptoms, white discharge is most likely a sign of healthy lubrication. However, if the white discharge has a consistency like cottage cheese or is accompanied by a strong odor, it can indicate an infection.
An individual should see a doctor. White, thick, strong-smelling discharge is usually associated with a yeast infection, which can also cause itching or irritation. If the discharge has a very slight yellow hue, it may not indicate a problem. This is especially likely if the hue only coincides with a change in diet or dietary supplements.
Discharge that is a darker shade of yellow, yellowish-green, or green usually signals a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection. See a doctor promptly if vaginal discharge is thick or clumpy, or it has a foul odor. Pink discharge most commonly occurs with spotting before a period. However, it can also be a sign of implantation bleeding in early pregnancy.
Some people experience a little bit of spotting after ovulation, which can also cause pink discharge. Discharge can be pink after sexual intercourse if the sex has caused small tears or irritation in the vagina or cervix. Most ordinary vaginal discharge is clear or whitish.
It may be slippery or have the consistency of egg whites. A person is likely to experience more clear, slippery discharge just before ovulation, during sexual arousal, and during pregnancy.
Gray vaginal discharge is not healthy, and it can be a symptom of a common bacterial infection called bacterial vaginosis BV. Anyone with gray discharge should promptly see a doctor. Following diagnosis, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics to treat the BV.
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