Abnormal vaginal discharge is a problem that bothers many women because it affects their daily lives. However, this problem should not be left untreated and should never be overlooked because abnormal vaginal discharge can be the root cause or a sign that there is something wrong with women’s bodies. This article will take women to see what is called abnormal vaginal discharge and what diseases abnormal vaginal discharge can indicate. Let’s go see.
What causes vaginal discharge?
Leukorrhea, or sometimes called leukorrhea, is a fluid that comes out of the vagina, which is a normal symptom for all reproductive-aged women. Leukorrhea is a fluid called Mucous Membrane that comes out of the body to moisturize the female genitals. It also helps prevent infection and irritation. However, the amount, color, and appearance of the discharge will vary during each period of the menstrual cycle. Abnormal vaginal discharge must have the following characteristics:
- On days 6-14 of your cycle, your vaginal discharge will be cloudy, white or yellow and lighter than usual. It may also be sticky.
- On the 14th-25th day of the menstrual cycle, it is considered the pre-ovulation period. The discharge will be a slippery mucus-like consistency, similar to egg white, and will be abundant.
- On the 25th-28th day of the menstrual cycle or before the period, the amount of vaginal discharge will decrease until it disappears.
Abnormal vaginal discharge: How to notice it?
As we have learned the characteristics of normal vaginal discharge, let’s see what abnormal vaginal discharge looks like. According to the information above, it can be seen that vaginal discharge that is not abnormal will be white or slightly cloudy and odorless. Therefore, when abnormalities are found in the characteristics of vaginal discharge, all women should not be complacent. Let’s see what symptoms of abnormal vaginal discharge can have so that everyone can observe themselves carefully again. The method for observing abnormal vaginal discharge can be done as follows:
- The vaginal discharge changes in color from white to green, yellow, white-gray, or red due to blood in the discharge.
- Vaginal discharge has a strong, foul, and fishy odor.
- The vaginal discharge is frothy.
- Itching in the vagina or genitals
- A burning sensation occurs in the genitals.
What does the color of vaginal discharge indicate?
Abnormal vaginal discharge color is something that should not be ignored because it is not just the color that is abnormal, but it may be a sign of disease or some abnormality in the body. Let’s see what abnormal vaginal discharge indicates.
- A vaginal discharge that is light green in color, itchy, and has a fishy odor may indicate a bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infection.
- Pinkish vaginal discharge can be a sign that a woman is about to get her period, or it can be caused by the shedding of the uterine lining that often occurs after childbirth, which is sometimes called “lochia.”
- Grayish discharge, strong odor, itching, or redness around the vagina can also be a sign of a bacterial infection. Inflammation of the vagina and cervix may also occur, which is often caused by a sexually transmitted infection.
- Brown discharge or discharge mixed with blood can also be a sign of health problems, such as cervical infection, bleeding from ovulation. Moreover, if the discharge is brown and accompanied by lower abdominal pain, it could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. If you have these symptoms, women should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Diseases that come with abnormal vaginal discharge
In addition to the abnormalities that may occur to the body from abnormal colored vaginal discharge mentioned above, there are also other diseases that may occur from having inconsistent vaginal discharge as follows:
- Vaginal yeast infection is often accompanied by a white, lumpy, or greenish discharge caused by a bacterial infection. When a woman has a vaginal yeast infection, she may feel itchy in her vagina or genitals, and sometimes may develop sores, which may be the result of a sexually transmitted infection, such as herpes.
- Vaginal parasites: The discharge is white-gray and there is inflammation of the vagina and cervix.
- Sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, which often cause burning and itching, lesions, and sores on the genitals, causing painful urination, or accompanied by fever.
Prevention and treatment of vaginal discharge
It can be seen that abnormal vaginal discharge is something that women cannot ignore because it can be a sign of many abnormalities. However, we should take care of our intimate area properly to reduce the risk of abnormal vaginal discharge. We must always keep our intimate area clean, choose underwear that is breathable, not stuffy, and the right size, not too small, and always clean our sanitary ware. For any women who think that they have abnormal vaginal discharge, do not ignore it. You should see a doctor or specialist like EEU CLINIC immediately to receive proper treatment.