VAGINAL DISCHARGE:Types and Signs

Vaginal Discharge: Types and Signs

Vaginal discharge can well be described as the body's mode of communication to you about the goings-on in your reproductive system.

Vaginal discharge is a liquid (and sometimes semi-solid) substance produced by glands in the vagina and cervix. It changes in terms of amount and hue, ranging from very little, to alot, and clear color to milky-whitish, or sometimes even brown.

Anything that changes the normal bacterial content of the fluid, causes changes in its color, thickness and odour.

The fluid serves the important role of cleansing the system, and for the most part, it is normal.

When To Be Worried
Abnormal activity in the vagina can be signalled by a drastic change in the color, and a bad odour, especially when accompanied by some itching.

So now lets briefly look at the common vaginal discharge colors, and what they may signal

BLOODY/ BROWN: 
When accompanied by pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding, this may be a sign of Irregular menses. Less oftenly, it may also be a sign of cervical or endometrial cancer.
It may also be an effect of birth control pills that cause hormonal changes, or an IUD that has been placed badly.

CLOUDY/ YELLOW
when accompanied by bleeding between periods, urinary incontinence (.Involuntary release of urine, or Leaking a small to moderate amount of urine), and pelvic pain, this is symptom of gonorrhea

Frothy, yellow or greenish with a bad smellAccompanied by pain and itching when urinating are a symptom of Trichomoniasis

PINK
is a sign of shedding of the uterine wall, and happens especially after child-birth

Thick, white, cheesy is a symptom of Yeast Infecion.

WHITE, GRAY, OR YELLOW WITH FISHY ODORwith Itching or burning, redness and swelling of the vagina or vulva. Are a symptom of Bacterial Vaginiosis.

TIPS TO PREVENT VAGINAL INFECTIONS

*Keep the vagina clean by washing regularly with a gentle, mild soap and warm water.

*Never use scented soaps and feminine products or douche. Also avoid feminine sprays and bubble baths.

*After going to the bathroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina and causing an infection.

*Wear 100% cotton underpants, and avoid overly tight clothing.

It's my hope that this info will go a long way in helping you keep your reproductive health in tip-top shape and help you diagnose and problems associated with Vaginal Discharge