Know The Differences Between Normal and Dangerous Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is mainly to keep the genital area healthy and clean. It also keeps the vagina lubricated and free from germs and infections. Discharge can be influenced by menstrual cycle causing you to have different discharges on any particular day, even during pregnancy discharges may differ as well. clear, white and odorless vaginal discharge is absolutely normal. 

What isn’t normal is when vaginal discharge comes with an offensive odor and abnormal color.

What are the types discharges and what they mean? How will you be able to differentiate between a normal and dangerous vaginal discharge and at what point will your vaginal discharge be said to be abnormal? this and more are the questions answered in this article. Keep reading to understand more on vaginal discharge.

Colors of discharge and there meaning

Vaginal Discharge During the Menstrual Cycle

During the menstrual circle, the thickness and color of vaginal discharge will be different, this is as a result of the levels of estrogen circulating in the body.

Around the time of ovulation which is like 14 days after you end your period, you will notice a clear, water and elastic discharge that can form a thin rope if held between the thumb and index finger. at the end of your period, you will have a thick, white discharge

Vaginal discharge may increase in the middle of  menstrual cycle when your ovaries releases an egg.

Your vaginal discharge will then start to get thick after the middle of your menstrual cycle. toward the end of your cycle( i.e. when you are about to start your period) You will have white discharge.

You can not change the amount of vaginal discharge or its consistency. and you don’t have to try because that is the body’s way of flushing out bacteria.

Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your discharge will be white and the same as you may have noticed ealier during your menstrual cycle.

Discharge in pregnancy will be excessive due to the greater flow of blood to the vaginal and increase in estrogen’s production. you may even need to use a pant liner. This increase in vaginal discharge will continue until delivery of your baby.

A few weeks before your delivery date, you’ll notice another increase in the amount of discharge, as well as a thicker consistency, But if there’s a sudden gush of fluid, it means that your water broke and you’ll be giving birth soon.

Also Read: Benefits of Exercise: 6 Exercises You can Engage in During Pregnancy

When Vaginal Discharge Isn’t Normal

Most of the times, vaginal discharge is normal but there are some cases that it indicates an infection. you don’t have a problem if discharges are clear, white and doesn’t smell. it becomes a cause to worry when vaginal discharge is yellow, grey, or green, has a clumpy texture like cottage cheese, or has an abnormal odor.

Abnormal discharge could signal one of these conditions:

Vaginosis – Vaginal discharge that is yellow, green, or grey could indicate vaginosis, which is a bacterial vaginal infection. Another clue that you may have this type of infection: Your vaginal discharge will have a fishy smell.

Yeast infection – A white discharge that looks like cottage cheese is the cardinal sign of a yeast infection. You’ll probably also have intense itching and may notice some swelling around the vulva.

Trichomoniasis – Discharge that gives off a strong, unpleasant odor similar to that of rotten eggs is usually a sign of the sexually transmitted disease (STD) trichomoniasis. The vaginal discharge may also be frothy.

Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea – If you’re not pregnant or in the middle of your menstrual cycle, a sudden increase in the amount of vaginal discharge could be a symptom of one of these STDs. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea can also cause a burning sensation when you urinate.

Also Read: Antibiotics: Types and Best Brands in Nigeria

Conclusion

Keep the genital area clean and dry, avoid douching, always use condoms during sex if you have more than one partner to prevent unhealthy vaginal discharge.
Good hygiene and practicing safe sex are the best ways to keep your vaginal discharge normal and healthy.

If you need natural remedy for any infection, click here.