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Vaginal Discharge - Vaginal Discharge symptom, treatment, causes

In healthy women the fluid that drains from the vagina to the outside consists of whatever drains from the uterus (not much, except during menstruation), some secretion from the cervix, and the fluid that moistens the vagina. Normal discharge is clear, white or pale yellow when it first appears, and has a characteristic sweetish smell. After it has dried on underwear and become mixed with drops of urine and sweat, it can darken and smell less sweet. The amount and feel of the discharge vary from woman to wom,an and from time to time, according to where she is in her menstrual cycle and whether or not she has been sexually aroused.

Vaginal Discharge is due to the abnormal discharge is different in amount or colour, and is usually associated with other symptoms such as itching or tenderness of the genital skin and an unusual or unpleasant odour.

The most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge are VAGINITIS (vaginal inflammation) or VAGINOSIS (disturbance of the normal environment in the vagina). Less common causes are CERVICITIS (inflammation of the cervix), ENDOMETRITIS (infection of the endometrium. the lining of the uterus) or, rarely, fluid draining through a VAGINAL FISTULA.

Occasionally an abnormal discharge results from a retained tampon. Part or all of a tampon maybe unwittingly left in the vagina after a period, perhaps because a bit separated from the tampon during withdrawal, or the string became tucked inside the vagina and the tampon was forgotten, or a second tampon was inserted without the woman remembering to take out one that was already there. Chemical changes in the blood held in the tampon give a particularly unpleasant 'bad meat' smell to the vaginal discharge. which may be slightly increased in amount and brownish in colour. When the tampon is removed. the smell goesaway almost immediately and no further treatment is necessary.

All abnormal discharges should be investigated sothat their cause can be discovered and treated. If you develop that particular meaty smell (without any other symptoms) soon after a period ends. it is worth checking in your vagina for a retained tampon. It will feel rough and spongy, and you can often pull it out with your fingers and 'cure' yourself, but sometimes a doctor's assistance is required.

Substances emitted from the vagina can vary in consistency (thick, pasty, thin), color (clear, cloudy), and smell (normal, odorless, bad odor). Glands in your vaginal and cervix produce small amounts of fluid that flows out of your vagina everyday taking with it old cells that line the vagina. This is your body's way of keeping your vagina healthy and clean. The discharge is usually clear or milky and doesn't smell bad. The color and thickness of the discharge change with your monthly cycle. The discharge is thicker when you ovulate (when one of your ovaries releases an egg), when you breastfeed or when you're sexually excited. During your period, menstrual blood mixes with the discharge. The most common cause of discharge is vulvovaginitis, a condition that is accompanied by other symptoms such as erythema and inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, and often itch. White, odorless vaginal discharge in a newborn (0-2weeks old) is normal. It is a physiological discharge produced by maternal hormones (estrogen). Similarly, there is an increased production of estrogen during the 6-12 months before menarche that may also result in a mucoid discharge (oski).

Vaginal discharge has several purposes cleaning and moistening the vagina and helping to prevent and fight infections. The amount and appearance of normal vaginal discharge varies throughout the menstrual cycle. An increase in the amount of vaginal discharge, an abnormal odor or consistency of the fluid, or pain that accompanies vaginal discharge can all be signs of infection or other disorders. Such disorders include (this is not an all inclusive list) bacterial vaginosis , yeast vaginitis , and vaginitis.

Causes of Vaginal Discharge

The common Causes of Vaginal Discharge :

• Sexual excitement
• Ovulation (when you produce and release an egg from your ovary in the middle of your menstrual cycle)
• Emotional stress
• Antibiotics, which disrupt the natural vaginal (and bowel) bacterial environment.
• Vaginitis is most often caused by a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection as described above.
• BV is caused by a mixture of bacteria that multiply in the vagina when the natural acidic vaginal secretions are disturbed, but the reason for this is unclear.
• Thrush is caused by an organism called Candida, which is a type of yeast and is usually harmless.
• Repeated sexual intercourse over a short period of time, which raises vaginal pH and results in growth of bacteria and infection-like symptoms.

Symptoms of Vaginal Discharge

Some common Symptoms of Vaginal Discharge :

• Yellow/green, frothy, discharge.
• Most apparent after your period.
• Swelling and pain around the vulva.
• Increased amount of discharge.
• Foul odor with discharge.
• Itching or burning.
• Inflammation of the vulvar skin.

Treatment of Vaginal Discharge

• Medications for vaginal yeast infections are available in either vaginal cream/suppositories or oral preparations.
• Avoid douching.
• Try to reduce stress.
• Another option is to use antibiotics in vaginal cream or gel form, especially if you have significant side effects when you take antibiotics by mouth.
• If symptoms persist after completing the treatment, an exam is indicated. Call for an appointment,and please use nothing in the vagina for 48 hours prior to your exam.
• Infections are treated with antibiotics.
• Keep your blood sugars under good control if you have diabetes.
• Herbal remedies for yeast also include a variety of antifungal, antiseptic, or immune-strengthening agents such as tree oiltea , black walnut ( Juglans nigra ), pau d'arco, echinacea, and goldenseal .