Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com is running this weekly sex column, titled ‘Let’s Talk Sex’. We hope to initiate conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance.
In this article, we will explain how to recognise the difference between normal and abnormal vaginal discharge as it can provide important clues about your health and hormonal changes.
Ever notice your vaginal discharge changing and wonder if it’s anything to worry about? You’re not alone. Most women experience normal fluctuations in vaginal discharge throughout their menstrual cycle and life stages. But sometimes, changes in colour, smell, or amount can indicate an infection or other issue that requires treatment.
The truth is, your vaginal discharge can provide important clues about your health and hormonal changes. Learning how to recognise the difference between normal and abnormal discharge is an important part of caring for your reproductive health.
Understanding Normal Vaginal Discharge
Normal vaginal discharge is your vagina’s way of keeping itself clean and healthy. Knowing the difference between normal and abnormal discharge can help you spot potential issues early. The most common type is clear or milky white discharge. This is normal and healthy. It’s your vagina’s way of cleaning itself and maintaining the proper pH balance. You’ll usually see more of it during ovulation or pregnancy. Unless there are other symptoms or the amount seems excessive, clear or white discharge is usually nothing to worry about.
Abnormal discharge is often accompanied by other symptoms like itching, burning, redness or soreness. You may also have pain during sex or urination. If you experience any of these symptoms along with changes in your discharge, consult your doctor right away for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
When Vaginal Discharge May Indicate a Problem
If your discharge seems different than usual, it could be a sign that something’s up down there. The colour, smell, consistency, and amount can all change for various reasons.
• Increased discharge: Having more discharge than normal could indicate an infection like bacterial vaginosis. The discharge may be thin and greyish-white.
• Yellow or green discharge: Discharge that’s yellow, green, or has a foul odour could signal an infection like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis. Bacterial vaginosis happens when there’s an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina, often causing a fishy smell. Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that leads to greenish, foul-smelling discharge.
• Gray or white discharge: Thick, white, and cottage cheese-like discharge could be a sign of a yeast infection. Yeast infections are caused by a fungus and often accompanied by intense itching and irritation. Over-the-counter antifungal creams can clear up most yeast infections, but see your doctor if symptoms persist or return frequently.
• Bloody discharge: Brown, pink, or red discharge could mean you have an STD like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. It may also indicate a hormonal imbalance or growth like cervical polyps or fibroids. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider right away for screening and diagnosis.
• Foul-smelling discharge: If your discharge has a strong, fishy odour, it’s usually a sign of bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, both of which require medication to clear up. See your doctor as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Discharge with itching or burning: Increased discharge accompanied by itching, burning, or other discomfort often signals a yeast infection. An over-the-counter antifungal cream can relieve symptoms within a few days. If symptoms persist or you have frequent infections, consult your doctor.
Seeking Medical Care for Persistent Changes
If you notice persistent or worsening changes in your vaginal discharge, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. They can examine your discharge, check for infections, and determine if further testing is needed. Don’t hesitate to call if you have concerns. Your health and well-being should be a top priority.
Some signs to watch for include:
• Discharge that is greenish, greyish, or has a foul odour. This can indicate an infection like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.
• Discharge that is thick, chunky, and white like cottage cheese. This is typically a sign of a yeast infection.
• Bleeding or spotting not related to your period. Irregular bleeding can sometimes be a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or other issue that requires treatment.
• Severe itching, burning, or irritation in the vaginal area. While slight discomfort can be normal, intense or persistent irritation usually signals an infection or allergy that needs medical attention.
• Pain during sex or urination. Pain in the pelvic region or while urinating can point to an infection, cyst, or other condition that should be evaluated.
• Sores, ulcers or lumps in the genital area. These symptoms can indicate a herpes outbreak or other STI, requiring diagnosis and treatment.
Don’t be embarrassed to call your doctor about any abnormal discharge or symptoms. Getting checked out and treated quickly can help prevent complications and put your mind at ease. Your doctor may do an exam, check your discharge pH, examine the discharge under a microscope, perform screening tests for STIs, or take a culture to determine the appropriate treatment.
The health of your vagina and reproductive system is worth monitoring. Remember, clear or milky white discharge with minimal odour is usually a sign everything’s working as it should. But if you notice any major changes in colour, consistency, or smell, or experience irritation or itching, don’t ignore it. Talk to your doctor right away. Your vaginal discharge can give you important clues about your health and cycle, so get to know your normal and speak up if something seems off. Staying in tune with your body and on top of your health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.