When to Worry About Vaginal Discharge: Key Signs and Symptoms

Vaginal discharge is a normal process. A white and light sticky vaginal discharge usually means you are healthy. However, the amount of water that comes out of the vagina is also affected by what phase of the menstrual cycle you are going through.

If you notice any changes in your vaginal discharge, take it as a sign of health. Changes in vaginal discharge, such as a strong odor, or color change may indicate your poor health. A yeast or bacterial infection usually causes abnormal discharge. If you have unusual and foul-smelling discharge, you should talk to your doctor about the disease and its treatment.

Types of vaginal discharge:

There are different types of vaginal discharge. Some types of discharge are normal, but some are symptoms of more serious problems that require treatment.

White Discharge:

White vaginal discharge is normal, especially at the beginning or end of your period. This discharge is white, clear like water, or thick like milk. It also has a slight odor. This type of vaginal discharge indicates your good health

Clear and watery discharge:

Clear and watery discharge is normal and can occur anytime throughout the month. This can be especially high after exercise.

Brown or bloody discharge:

Brown or bloody discharge usually occurs during or shortly after your period. The discharge that occurs at the end of the period may be brown in color instead of red.

If you have recently had unprotected sex and you have brown spotting between periods, this can also be a sign of pregnancy. Spotting in the early stages of pregnancy can be a sign of pregnancy, so consult your doctor immediately if it occurs.

If you have abnormal vaginal discharge along with pelvic pain, painful urination, or bleeding after sex or during your period, you may have chlamydia or gonorrhea.

If the problem is not treated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to a serious infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries.

Yellow or green discharge:

Yellow or green discharge, especially when it is thick, sticky, or foul-smelling, is not normal. This type of discharge may be a sign of trichomoniasis infection, which is usually spread through sexual contact. It is spread by unicellular protozoa. Due to this problem, women may experience vaginal itching and vaginal pain during urination. There may also be swelling in the vaginal area. Do not take this type of vaginal discharge lightly. This is a serious problem, but it is treatable with antibiotics.

Causes of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge:

Vaginal discharge is a normal function of a healthy body and a way to clean and protect the vagina. Vaginal discharge is normal during exercise, sexual activity, ovulation (ovulation), use of birth control pills, and tension.

Some of the things that can upset this balance include:

Use of antibiotic drugs or steroids.
Use of contraceptives.
Cancer of the uterus.
Chlamydia or gonorrhea (STD), is a sexually transmitted infection.
diabetes
Abnormal vaginal discharge can occur due to condoms or tampons being left in the vagina or cleaning the vagina from the inside out.
Pelvic infection after surgery.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge:

Clean the vagina regularly with mild soap and warm water.
Never use scented soaps, perfumes, or deodorants.
Wear 100% cotton underwear and don't wear too tight clothes.